Team Lead, Data science

Portal Biotech Limited; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A pioneering biotech firm in Greater London seeks a leader for their data science group. The successful candidate will provide strategic and technical guidance for analysis infrastructure and develop algorithms to transform complex data into actionable insights. Responsibilities include executing the data science strategy, managing a high-performing team, and ensuring the integration of machine learning solutions into core technologies. Ideal candidates have extensive industry experience and a PhD in a quantitative discipline. This role offers the chance to shape the future of biomedical discovery.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant experience in an industry environment.
• Extensive experience in delivering complex data science projects.
• Strong record of translating research into production systems.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the data science strategy aligned with objectives.
• Lead a multidisciplinary data science team, fostering excellence.
• Oversee the integration of scalable analytical models into pipelines.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to identify opportunities for innovation.
• Represent the company at conferences and workshops.

Skills

Leadership in managing data science teams

Programming in Python

Machine learning expertise

Data-driven innovation

Excellent communication

Education

Advanced degree (PhD preferred) in a quantitative discipline

Tools

Python (NumPy, PyTorch/TensorFlow, SciPy, pandas)

Job description

We’re looking for an exceptional individual to lead our data science group: to provide strategic and technical leadership in delivering our analysis infrastructure and developing the tools and algorithms that transform complex, noisy time‑series data into actionable insights. You will set the vision for data science across the organisation, ensuring the effective integration of advanced machine learning techniques into our core nanopore technologies. Working with senior leadership, you’ll align data science priorities with company goals, manage a high‑performing team, and cultivate an environment that drives innovation in biomedical discovery.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Define and execute the organisation’s data science strategy in line with scientific and commercial objectives.
• Lead and grow a multidisciplinary data science team, fostering technical excellence and career development.
• Oversee the design, implementation, and integration of scalable analytical models into production pipelines.
• Champion best practices in reproducibility, validation, and scientific rigour.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to identify opportunities for data‑driven innovation.
• Represent the company at conferences, workshops, and strategic partnerships.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership in managing data science teams and delivering complex projects.
• Extensive programming and modelling experience in Python (NumPy, PyTorch/TensorFlow, SciPy, pandas).
• Deep expertise in machine learning for time‑series and probabilistic modelling.
• Strong record of translating cutting‑edge research into production systems.
• Advanced degree (PhD preferred) in a quantitative discipline.
• 10+ years relevant experience, preferably in an industry environment.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence at all organisational levels.

Desirable

• Proven experience in biological/biomedical data domains.
• Established network in the computational biology/ML research community.
• Contributions to high‑impact publications, patent applications or open‑source projects.
• Experience navigating regulatory frameworks in biotech/healthcare.