Senior Data Scientist

Job Summary

The Senior Data Scientist will support the organisation’s Performance Department in deep-dive investigations and strategic analytics—from scoping analytical projects and applying optimal data-science techniques to effectively communicating insights and “so-what” implications for emergency and urgent care services.

This position will assist the Head of Performance in shaping strategic development and long-term plans to deliver services fit for the future in the pre-hospital setting. The role also provides data-science expertise to develop and evaluate innovation and transformation projects.

Location: Belfast 

Job Type: Temporary 

Duration of booking: Expected to last 6 months with possible extension

Proposed start date: ASAP

Pay Rates: Up to £35 per hour Umbrella or £30 per hour PAYE inclusive of holiday pay

Hours / Working Days: 37.5 hours per week / Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm 

Sector: Healthcare 

Based: Office / Hospital 

Key Responsibilities

Insight, Analytics & Modelling

• Use methods from data science, statistics, and population health to model and analyse varied datasets, making recommendations to improve operational and strategic decisions.
• Present analytical results clearly through data visualisations and concise narratives.
• Produce reliable short-term operational demand and performance forecasts, as well as longer-term strategic demand, workforce, efficiency, and performance models.
• Continuously improve forecasting methodologies and evaluate accuracy over time.
• Apply simulation and machine-learning techniques to enhance understanding of service elements.
• Extract and integrate data from multiple internal and external sources (e.g., activity, staffing, census, geographic, and weather data).
• Analyse complex, diverse data while considering data quality, governance, and GDPR compliance.
• Lead projects, ensuring technical content and outputs meet high standards, and critically review colleagues’ analytical findings.
• Communicate results to senior management, responding constructively to challenge.
• Provide training and support to managers in interpreting statistical results and model outputs.

Strategy

• Supply intelligence and tools to enable delivery of the organisation’s strategic objectives.
• Combine quantitative research with qualitative evidence to answer key strategic questions.
• Conduct horizon scanning of trends and operational changes; recommend short- and long-term strategies.
• Make evidence-based recommendations to senior management even when information is limited.
• Develop and implement sustainable plans and frameworks for transformation initiatives, continuous improvement, and equality or health-impact projects.

System Development

• Design and implement automated processes, analytics tools, and visualisation dashboards.
• Develop new software or products to support forecasting and predictive analytics.
• Write complex queries in SQL, Python, and R to build data-science applications.
• Lead specifications for modelling and analytics systems during procurement and oversee testing of new decision-support tools.

Research & Service Development

• Represent the directorate on projects and working groups, providing expert statistical and analytical advice.
• Lead data-science projects and the analytical components of broader organisational initiatives.
• Build external collaborations, pursue research funding, and co-ordinate academic partnerships.

Skills & Experience

• Degree or equivalent experience in a senior analytical or data-science role.
• Proficiency in SQL and either Python or R.
• Extensive experience producing, analysing, and interpreting complex datasets, including predictive analytics and statistical inference.
• Practical knowledge of machine learning, simulation, optimisation, and advanced multivariate statistics.
• Strong numerical accuracy and attention to detail; ability to concentrate on detailed analysis for extended periods.
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to influence and negotiate.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects, delegate tasks, and mentor team members.
• Familiarity with Power BI or similar data-visualisation tools.
• Project or programme management qualification (e.g., PRINCE2, MSP, Six Sigma) is desirable.
• Full UK driving licence (or ability to travel as required if driving is not possible due to disability).