Job Description

Analytical Research & Development (ARD) plays a vital role in the development of new medicines by providing a wide range of analytical testing to support the development, manufacture and release of materials used in clinical trials. Our scientists generate and interpret large volumes of complex data that are critical to ensuring the quality, safety and effectiveness of medicines. Supporting this work is a growing team of data science and digital specialists who develop innovative ways to manage, connect and analyse scientific data, helping to transform information into knowledge and accelerate research and development.

This apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of data, technology and science. You will gain hands-on experience supporting projects that improve how scientific data is captured, managed and utilised across a global pharmaceutical organisation. Working with scientists and business stakeholders, you will help develop digital solutions that improve efficiency, enhance data accessibility and support better decision-making.

You will be exposed to a range of analytics and visualisation tools including Dataiku, Spotfire and Python-based data science toolkits, alongside industry-leading laboratory and analytics platforms, including BIOVIA OneLab, Empower, LabWare LIMS, and OpenLab.

The role will provide experience in data management, analytics, automation and business analysis, while also offering opportunities to explore emerging applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning within scientific and operational environments.

A key focus of the team is helping scientists digitise and standardise their workflows, ensuring data can be efficiently collected, analysed and reused. This provides an opportunity to gain experience understanding business processes, identifying improvement opportunities and translating user needs into practical data-driven solutions.

As part of a collaborative and fast-paced environment, you will be encouraged to contribute ideas, take ownership of your development and communicate your work to both technical and non-technical audiences. You will work with colleagues across the UK, United States, Ireland, India and other global locations, developing both technical expertise and professional skills within an international organisation.

This apprenticeship provides an excellent foundation for a career in data science, analytics, informatics or digital technology, combining real-world experience, modern technologies and the opportunity to contribute to work that supports the development of medicines that improve patients' lives worldwide.

Job Responsibilities

Main Duties include:

• Provide data science support as ARD Digital Transformation team partners with GMP-Analytics, Drug Substance (API) and Drug Product (DPA), and Degradation Science and Structural Elucidation (DSSE) teams to digitise laboratory workflows

• Partner with Data Science teams in partnering lines to make best use of their expertise in enterprise platform systems, and look for opportunities to apply their technology implementations in ARD

• Develop a good understanding of how ARD interacts with the wider PSSM environment

• Assist to frame, investigate, translate complex data related models, and answer key business questions related to the identification and evaluation of scientific dataflows and datasets

• Assist in the creation of dashboards, reports, visualisations and analytical tools that support decision-making and generate insights from scientific and operational data.

• Communicate project progress, findings and recommendations to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• A passion for data, technology and problem-solving, with an interest in applying data science to improve scientific processes and accelerate digital transformation within pharmaceutical research and development.

• The ability to analyse and interpret complex datasets, investigate business challenges and translate scientific and operational requirements into effective digital solutions.

• Curiosity and a willingness to learn, developing an understanding of analytical sciences, laboratory workflows and the wider role of ARD within Pharmaceutical Sciences Small Molecules (PSSM).

• Strong collaboration and communication skills, enabling them to work effectively with scientists, data specialists and global partners to share ideas, learn from others and help deliver innovative solutions using enterprise technologies.

Candidate Requirements

Skills and Responsibilities:

• Fluent in English (written and spoken)

• Good knowledge of a range of data science skills – programming languages such as python, database tools (SQL), data pipelines and data visualisation

• Ability to break complex work practices down into logical steps

• Familiarity with STEM subjects (chemistry or pharmaceutical science is ideal, but not essential)

• Some familiarity with enterprise level software platforms used in a domain specific area, such as laboratory or manufacturing functions, for example, database/data lakes or control software for complex equipment.

Personal Qualities

• Analytical Thinker: Understands how to synthesize facts and information from varied data sources, both new and pre-existing, into discernible insights and perspectives; takes a problem-solving approach by connecting analytical thinking with an understanding of business drivers and how these insights can provide value to the organization

• Data and Information Manager: Understands and uses analytical skills/tools to produce data in a clean, organized way to drive objective insights

• Communicator: Can understand, translate, and distil the complex, technical findings of the data science team into commentary that facilitates effective decision making; can readily align interpersonal style with the individual needs of others

• Collaborative: Manages projects with and through others; shares responsibility and credit; develops self and others through teamwork

• Self-Starter: Takes an active role in one’s own professional development; stays abreast of analytical trends, and cutting-edge applications of data

Training To Be Delivered

Qualification to be delivered: BSc (Hons) Data Scientist

Apprenticeship Standard: Data Scientist

Training Provider: Nottingham University

Delivery model: Block Release at Nottingham University