Statistics & Data Science Innovation Hub - Data Science Leader

We are looking for a Statistics & Data Science Innovation Hub - Data Science Leader  to join our team.

This is an exciting opportunity to channel your passion for innovation in the field of Statistics and Data Science to help shape the future of the Biostatistics function and transform the way in which GSK uses data and quantitative thinking to drive decision-making in R&D.  

Biostatistics is the single-largest functional group of Statisticians, Programmers and Data Scientists within GSK R&D, numbering approx. 900 permanent people in the US, UK, Europe and India. Our mission is to put statistical thinking at the heart of R&D decision-making; to ensure that predictive models and well-designed experiments and trials deliver robust evidence as the input to those decisions – ultimately making the R&D process more efficient. We are investing in our cutting-edge innovation capabilities by expanding the Statistics & Data Science Innovation Hub (SDS-IH) led by Prof Nicky Best. The vision of SDS-IH is to be the catalyst for innovation and advanced data-driven decision-making. To achieve this, we are forming agile teams dedicated to untangling and resolving complex data challenges across R&D, constructing robust data pipelines, comprehensive analytics, and dynamic dashboards to enable stakeholders to take data-informed decisions in real-time.  

At the heart of SDS-IH lies a diverse coalition of Statisticians and Data Scientists - a synthesis of unique skills and experiences. Together, we are the architects of novel quantitative methodologies, systems, and tools – a living embodiment of our vision.  

About the Role  

We are building something exciting! Our new Data Science Innovation for R&D Operations pillar is transforming how GSK makes decisions across its R&D operations. We have already delivered high-impact solutions in Clinical Operations, Finance, and Resource Management—and we are just getting started.  

As a Data Science Leader, you will be at the forefront of this transformation, using cutting-edge ML, statistical modeling, and GenAI to solve complex operational challenges that directly improve how we deliver medicines to patients. This is a unique opportunity to apply your technical expertise to problems that matter, working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with some of the brightest minds in the industry.  

We create a place where people can grow, be their best, be safe, and feel welcome, valued and included. We offer a competitive salary, an annual bonus based on company performance, healthcare and wellbeing programmes, pension plan membership, and shares and savings programme.

We embrace modern work practises; our Performance with Choice programme offers a hybrid working model, empowering you to find the optimal balance between remote and in-office work.

Discover more about our company wide benefits and life at GSK on our webpage Life at GSK | GSK

In this role you will:

• Design and implement advanced statistical models for clinical operations, utilizing techniques such as Bayesian modeling, survival analysis, and machine learning. 
• Develop high-quality, production-ready code to ensure scalability and reproducibility. 
• Collaborate with stakeholders to identify needs and align model development efforts with business objectives. 
• Disseminate research findings through publications in leading scientific journals and presentations at conferences. 
• Work closely with multidisciplinary teams to enhance ongoing projects in Clinical Operations and expand organizational capabilities. 

Why you?

Basic Qualifications & Skills:

We are looking for a professional with these required skills to achieve our goals:

• PhD (or equivalent) in statistics, data science, computer science, mathematics, engineering, or a related quantitative field. 
• Proven expertise in advanced statistical modeling, including Bayesian methods, survival analysis, and/or modern machine learning techniques. 
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed scientific journals, conferences, or other credible proceedings. 
• Hands-on experience developing and deploying robust R or Python packages into production environments, with proficiency in version control tools.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts clearly and engage effectively with diverse stakeholders. 
• Expertise in translating business challenges into actionable insights through data-driven approaches. 

Preferred Qualifications & Skills:

If you have the following characteristics, it would be a plus:

• Extensive experience in pharmaceutical R&D or the healthcare industry, with a strong focus on clinical trial operations.
• Proven ability to influence, engage, and collaborate effectively with stakeholders across varying levels of seniority.
• A highly analytical problem-solver with a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.
• Proficient in leveraging High-Performance Computing (HPC) environments to execute computationally intensive methods and manage large-scale simulations.
• Exceptional project management skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks, meet tight deadlines, and thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments.

Closing Date for Applications: 8th December 2025 EOD

Please take a copy of the Job Description, as this will not be available post closure of the advert.

When applying for this role, please use the ‘cover letter’ of the online application or your CV to describe how you meet the competencies for this role, as outlined in the job requirements above. The information that you have provided in your cover letter and CV will be used to assess your application.  

At GSK, we have bold ambitions for patients, aiming to positively impact the health of 2.5 billion people by the end of the decade. Our R&D focuses on discovering and delivering vaccines and medicines, combining our understanding of the immune system with cutting-edge technology to transform people’s lives. GSK fosters a culture ambitious for patients, accountable for impact, and committed to doing the right thing, making sure that we focus our efforts on accelerating significant assets that meet patients’ needs and have the highest probability of success. We’re uniting science, technology, and talent to get ahead of disease together.

Find out more:
Our approach to R&D

Why GSK?
Uniting science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together.

GSK is a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together. We aim to positively impact the health of 2.5 billion people by the end of the decade, as a successful, growing company where people can thrive. We get ahead of disease by preventing and treating it with innovation in specialty medicines and vaccines. We focus on four therapeutic areas: respiratory, immunology and inflammation; oncology; HIV; and infectious diseases – to impact health at scale.

People and patients around the world count on the medicines and vaccines we make, so we’re committed to creating an environment where our people can thrive and focus on what matters most. Our culture of being ambitious for patients, accountable for impact and doing the right thing is the foundation for how, together, we deliver for patients, shareholders and our people.

GSK is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This ensures that all qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), military service or any basis prohibited under federal, state or local law.

We believe in an agile working culture for all our roles. If flexibility is important to you, we encourage you to explore with our hiring team what the opportunities are.

Should you require any adjustments to our process to assist you in demonstrating your strengths and capabilities contact us on UKRecruitment.Adjustments@gsk.com or 0808 234 4391.  The helpline is available from 8.30am to 12.00 noon Monday to Friday, during bank holidays these times and days may vary.

Please note should your enquiry not relate to adjustments, we will not be able to support you through these channels. However, we have created a UK Recruitment FAQ guide. Click the link and scroll to the Careers Section where you will find answers to multiple questions we receive

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