R&I Data Scientist

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Data Scientist to join our Research and Innovation (R&I) Division.This is an exciting opportunity to use advanced analytics, predictive modelling and data visualisation to help shape the future of clinical research at The Christie. Working across a complex research portfolio, you will turn data from systems including EDGE, Florence, Tableau and NIHR reporting platforms into clear, actionable intelligence.You will work closely with R&I leaders, operational teams and colleagues across the wider Trust to improve visibility of the clinical trial pipeline, forecast demand, identify risks and capacity pressures, and support evidence-based decisions about workforce, resources and service development. We are seeking someone who can combine strong technical expertise with curiosity, sound judgement and the ability to communicate complex analysis clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.Please note that this role is hybrid working, with 2 days on site per week required.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will collect, link, analyse and interpret large and complex datasets from multiple sources, ensuring that outputs are accurate, timely and meaningful. They will develop and maintain dashboards, reports, forecasts and analytical products for audiences including the R&I Leadership Team, ERIG, Trust Board, senior committees and external stakeholders.Using statistical and machine-learning techniques, the post holder will model future trial activity and demand, identify trends, inequalities, risks and capacity constraints, and translate findings into practical recommendations. This will support research performance, workforce and resource planning, patient recruitment, the national 150-day site set-up target, and improved diversity and inclusivity in research participation.The successful candidate will have substantial experience of data science, statistics or business intelligence, including strong skills in R, Python, TSQL, data modelling and visualisation. They will work autonomously and collaboratively, manage complex projects, maintain clear technical documentation, support safe change management, and ensure solutions comply with NHS data, information governance, security and quality standards. The role also includes providing technical guidance and line management support to junior staff.

Working for our organisation

The Christie is one of Europe’s leading cancer centres, looking after more than 64,000 patients a year. We are based in Manchester and serve a population of 3.2 million across Greater Manchester & Cheshire, but as a national specialist around 25% patients are referred to us from other parts of the country.

We are the largest radiotherapy provider in the NHS with one in 20 treatments delivered at The Christie. We have up to 15 linear accelerators operating across our network of sites. We operate the largest chemotherapy unit in the UK on our main site and treatments are also provided at 13 other networked sites, and in patients homes. And as a specialist tertiary surgical centre, we focus on rare cancers, complex procedures, and multidisciplinary approaches to cancer surgery, specialising in colorectal, peritoneal, gynaecological, urological and plastic surgery.

We are also an international leader in research, with world first breakthroughs for over 100 years. We have been named by the UK’s National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), as one of the best hospitals providing opportunities for patients to participate in clinical research studies, with more than 800 studies open at any time, caring for over 3,000 patients.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

1. Conducting predictive modelling using statistical and machine learning techniques in order to build, maintain, and improve on multiple real-time decision systems.2. Interpreting results from the analyses of R&I datasets, suggesting conclusions to be drawn.3. Developing visualisations to facilitate the communication of results in a non-technical manner.4. Developing, documenting and maintaining code using statistical and machine learning software languages.5. Identifying novel uses of NHS data and implement solutions to deliver fresh insights.6. Working effectively on your own and as part of the team – contributing innovative ideas and knowledge to your colleagues.7. Communicating effectively to non-technical colleagues both inside and outside of the Trust in both written and verbal form.8. A commitment to innovation and good design will form part of the ethos of this role the post holder will be expected to participate in a culture of active investigation into better ways of working and service provision. The post holder will be expected to research best practice, interpret the relevance of this to the Trust, and identify methodologies that could be implemented to achieve improvements; this may involve learning new skills as required and staying abreast of current technological developments. The post holder may be required to research user experience, conduct surveys, and analyse the results to support a process of continual improvement to give benefit to users and the trust.10. Effectively communicate needs and technical limitations with both clients and colleagues.11. Ensure data science solutions developed, documented and maintained by the team comply with, where applicable: Trust Standards, NHS Data Standards and General Data Protection Regulation legislation (GDPR) and that they are tested to a high standard before releasing for full business testing, and where applicable, clinical safety sign-off. Documentation will be suitable for the provision of on-going support.12. The post holder will be required to implement policies for their own work area, and propose policy or service changes that impact beyond their own area of activity.13. Ensure that all routine procedures are implemented and documented. The post holder will design and develop major data science solutions, coordinating and soliciting input from operational stakeholders and systems. They will also be responsible for the maintenance and development of data science solutions and systems that support customers and wider stakeholder groups, using relevant software and ensuring that such development conforms to NHS standards.14. The post holder will be involved in the full software development lifecycle for data science solutions, products and systems developed.15. The post holder will be required upon appointment to have substantial relevant experience of scripting and/ or software development pertinent to data science and may need to undertake additional training to achieve further competency and certification.16. The post holder will collaborate in a formal system of change management to enable safe transition of information products and systems from design to operation.17. The post holder will be required to plan and organise a broad range of complex activities and projects which impact across clinical and non-clinical areas e.g., the delivery of new data science solutions. Ability to manage expectations in a challenging environment, prioritising tasks to meet deadlines.18. The post holder will be expected to provide technical guidance and training to others within and outside the team in areas of special expertise in order to facilitate knowledge exchange and mutual development. Advanced keyboard skills are required, with the additional ability to operate and interact with several complex systems at the same time. This may involve learning new skills as required and staying abreast of current technological developments. The post holder may be required to research user experience, conduct surveys, and analyse the results to support a process of continual improvement to give benefit to users and the trust.19. Where suitable, seek to publish your work in the public domain in order that the wider healthcare community can benefit from it20. Effectively communicate needs and technical limitations with both clients and colleagues.21. Ensure data science solutions developed, documented and maintained by the team comply with, where applicable: Trust Standards, NHS Data Standards and General Data Protection Regulation legislation (GDPR) and that they are tested to a high standard before releasing for full business testing, and where applicable, clinical safety sign-off. Documentation will be suitable for the provision of on-going support.22. Ensure that all routine procedures are implemented and documented.23. The post holder will design and develop major data science solutions, coordinating and soliciting input from businesses, operational stakeholders and systems. They will also be responsible for the maintenance and development of data science solutions and systems that support Research and Innovation, using relevant software and ensuring that such development conforms to NHS standards.24. The post holder will be involved in the full software development lifecycle for data science solutions, products and systems developed and managed by the team.25. The post holder will be required on appointment to have substantial relevant experience of scripting and/ or software development pertinent to data science and may need to undertake additional training to achieve further competency and certification.26. The post holder will collaborate in a formal system of change management to enable safe transition of information products and systems from design to operation.27. The post holder will be required to plan and organise a broad range of complex activities and projects which impact across clinical and non-clinical areas e.g., the delivery of new data science solutions. Ability to manage expectations in a challenging environment, prioritising tasks to meet deadlines.28. The post holder will be expected to provide technical guidance and training to others within and outside the team in areas of special expertise in order to facilitate knowledge exchange and mutual development.29. The post holder will be required to concentrate for long periods on statistical/ machine learning analyses and software development, with frequent prolonged VDU usage.30. Ensuring system security is comprehensive and complete.31. Responsible and accountable for the management or monitoring of designated budgets for services within R&I. Contributing to budget setting, and using and analysing financial information systems to ensure robust financial monitoring and budgetary performance.32. The post holder will be required to line manage develop junior staff, providing day-to-day guidance, objective setting, training and professional development support.33. The post holder will undertake ongoing research and development activity as a significant component of the role, evaluating emerging analytical methodologies and technologies, assessing their applicability within healthcare and research settings, and implementing improvements where appropriate.34. The post holder will experience occasional exposure to distressing or emotional circumstances e.g. when managing staff performance management issues, disciplinary processes, and the management of project delivery concerns where outcomes may have a significant impact on services, staff or organisational objectives.

Person specification

Qualifications

• Masters in relevant subject or equivalent experience working in a Data Science/ statistics/ BI role
• Additional specialist knowledge gained through formal training and/ or experience.
• Evidence of post qualifying and continuing professional development.
• Postgraduate information management and/or relational database qualifications.
• Research or project management qualification.

Experience

• Demonstrated ability to apply advanced analytical techniques to interpret complex information and identify trends.
• Significant experience using R and Python.
• Expert user of analytical tools to interrogate, interpret and present complex data.
• Advanced experience of using T-SQL for data analysis.
• Extensive experience managing and analysing large, complex datasets from multiple sources, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
• Proven track record of converting complex data into clear, actionable insights, facilitating evidence-based strategic and operational decisions.
• In-depth specialist knowledge of data collection and analysis methods, and use of information across the research pathway.
• Strong experience of data management and reporting.
• Experience of working in a fast-faced environment, working to tight/unexpected deadlines.
• Significant experience working in research data within an NHS or university research environment.
• Experience using NHS research systems e.g. EDGE, Florence, Tableau, NIHR reporting platform.
• Experience supervising/line managing members of staff.

Skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (e.g., ability to present and discuss analysis with senior stakeholders and provide supporting comprehensive written reports allowing informed decisions to be made).
• Ability to work under pressure and to tight and often changing deadlines.
• Technical skills in data management, business intelligence and analytics –including data modelling, data visualization.
• Advanced keyboard skills and the ability to manipulate highly complex data accurately and at speed.
• Ability to work autonomously in a fast- paced environment.
• Can use segmentation and/or clustering to better understand population being modelled.

Knowledge

• In depth and thorough specialist knowledge about the benefits that can be obtained from information systems, data science and the use of business intelligence.
• Specialist knowledge of NHS Datasets e.g., SUS, ECDS, SitReps, MHMDS etc.
• Sound knowledge of information gathering and management systems.
• Understanding of the need to maintain confidentiality and security in handling data according to the policies of the Trust/Data Protection Act/General Data Protection Regulation.
• In-depth knowledge of NHS research data, particularly those relating to reporting requirements, research management, and governance.
• Knowledge of key national performance targets for NHS research.

Values

• Ability to demonstrate the organisational values and behaviours.

Other

• Ability to contribute confidently in meetings and workshops.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Methodical, attention to detail and confident.
• Self motivated and resourceful.

The closing date for this post may be extended if there are insufficient applicants or brought forward if there is a high volume of applicants.

If you have not heard from us within four weeks of the closing date, I regret that on this occasion your application will have been unsuccessful.

Sponsorship Information – We are an approved sponsoring organisation. Applications will be considered from applicants requiring sponsorship alongside all other applications. Please be aware, not all roles are eligible for sponsorship. You can review the list of eligible role and requirements on the government website.

Pre-Employment Checks: To confirm your suitability for the role, we will carry out pre-employment checks in line with NHS Employment Check Standards. These include:

• Identity verification
• Right to work check
• Disclosure and barring service (DBS)/Criminal record check (dependent on role, payment of this will be the applicants responsibility)
• Professional registration and/or qualification check
• Occupational health assessment
• Employment history and reference validation

All applicants external to The Christie NHS Foundation Trust will be required to provide their HMRC employment history to cover the most recent three years employment. This information will used to validate employment history andreferences.

If you require sponsorship, we will assess your eligibility based on current government guidance. If the role is not eligible and you cannot demonstrate your right to work, your conditional offer may be withdrawn.

The Inter-Authority Transfer (IAT) process is a critical and beneficial component of ESR and will form part of the recruitment process. In the event that you are successful following interview your previous NHS employment data, if applicable will be transferred from your current / most recent employer.

No Smoking Policy – You should be aware the Trust operates a No Smoking Policy and therefore employees are not permitted to smoke at work.

Additional Information – We want to ensure that everyone who works at the Christie or uses our services is welcomed, valued and treated with dignity and respect. The Christie values diversity and is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for all and fair representation across the organisation at all levels. In support of these commitments, we particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and other ethnic minority people and people with disabilities for this post. Appointment will be only on merit.

We are committed to creating a balanced and diverse workforce. As such we welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. Together we will foster inclusion and tackle inequity and health inequalities in cancer care.

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.

The Christie NHS Foundation Trust is committed to the highest standards of ethical conduct and integrity in all our activities. We have a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery in any of its forms, including slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour, and human trafficking. We are fully committed to acting ethically and with transparency in all our business dealings and relationships, and to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure modern slavery is not taking place anywhere in our organisation or supply chains.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

#J-18808-Ljbffr…