R&I Data Scientist | The Christie NHS Foundation Trust

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.

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.

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.

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 it

20. 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.

This advert closes on Thursday 5 Nov 2026