Job Summary
The role of Lead Data Scientist is a new role that will work across North London Foundation Trust and the postholder will play a key role in leading on the development of a new data science function that will contribute to the delivery of the NLFT Digital Strategy.
The postholder will be responsible for the design, development, testing, deployment and maintenance of machine learning and artificial intelligence models that will be trained on data held in the Partnership’s Microsoft Azure data platform. The post-holder will take a lead in the exploratory development of Generative AI models that will include close working with industry and academic partners to develop small and large language models that will underpin transformed clinical and operational delivery across all sites and divisions.
This post holder will provide line management of embedded data science graduate placements and will provide a key conduit to academic and industry partners.
The postholder will foster strong relationships with clinical, operation and administrative leadership to understand their requirements and to translate these into high-impact AI use cases and solutions.
Main duties of the job
Lead on the development of machine learning, time series forecasting, generative AI and other data science models and solutions.
Lead on AI model creation, implementation and monitoring using the Partnership’s cloud data platform. The role will involve the detailed analysis and understanding of complex technical and business requirements across multiple services across the Partnerships the Trust to deliver high quality products and facilitate their delivery into business-as-usual operation.
Contribute to developing and delivery long-term strategic goals for data science architecture vision and standards in conjunction with internal and external stakeholders.
Working in partnership with the wider Digital Team to create strategies and plans for data capacity planning, data security, life cycle data management, scalability, backup, disaster recovery, business continuity and archiving.
Person Specification
Education & Qualification
Essential
- Educated to Master’s level in data science or healthcare engineering. Or, equivalent level of experience of working at a senior level in data science role(s) within healthcare and/or life sciences organisations. BSc degree in a technical discipline (computer science, mathematics, engineering)
Desirable
- Microsoft certification for Azure and Azure AI and Databricks certification
Skills/Abilities
Essential
- Skilled in writing code in Python and/or R Advanced machine learning model building skills Advanced programming skills – including SQL Server for querying databases and extracting information. Skilled in developing across the breadth of the modern data stack – specifically data ingestion, transformation and data layer delivery Experience of developing in a cloud-based environment Experience of Azure and Power BI development Extremely numerate/logical and able to analyse and interpret data and information accurately and effectively Sound knowledge and skills in the use of relevant statistical/mathematical techniques Advanced knowledge and skills in the practical applications of all MS Office products
Experience /Knowledge
Essential
- In-depth specialist knowledge of healthcare and life sciences data science and AI development and application. Experience working with Microsoft Azure technologies Extensive experience of performing complex information analysis to support decision making In depth knowledge of current IT development tools and methodologies (programming; relational database design) Strong experience of effectively liaising with stakeholders Proven ability to design and manage projects Experience of cloud data warehouse design and build.
Desirable
- Knowledge and experience of using the Databricks platform Knowledge and experience of Azure Databricks, Azure Data Factory, Devops and Git.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Closing Date: 21 September 2025
