At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead data governance efforts, ensuring datasets are FAIR and compliant.
- Company: Join a dynamic R&D team focused on scientific computing and data management.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work options, flexible hours, and a collaborative culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a fast-paced environment where your work directly impacts scientific research.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in data management or governance; familiarity with FAIR principles required.
- Other info: Ideal for those who thrive on structure and enjoy problem-solving in a scientific context.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Description
Data Governance Lead
Location: Hybrid (London or Remote, UK-based preferred)
Team: Data & Scientific Computing
Type: Full-time, Individual Contributor
The Opportunity
We’re looking for a Data Governance Lead to scale our internal data governance practice. You will work cross-functionally with data scientists, ML engineers, software developers, and wet lab scientists to ensure our datasets are FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable), compliant, and scientifically valuable.
This is a hands-on, individual contributor role — ideal for someone who thrives on structure, clarity, and pragmatic problem-solving, and is excited by the challenge of building scalable governance foundations in a fast-moving R&D environment.
What You'll Do
- Design and implement standards for metadata, documentation, structure, format, and data ownership, ensuring alignment with FAIR principles
- Coordinate data stewardship efforts across scientific and technical teams (e.g., Data Science, Machine Learning, Wet Lab, Discovery)
- Lead the development and adoption of the internal data catalogue, enabling discoverability and traceability of datasets
- Support no-code exploration tools to empower scientists and lab users with intuitive data access
- Build robust documentation and governance workflows for versioning, data lineage, access, and retention
- Translate regulatory and licensing requirements into actionable workflows and policies
- Promote best practices for data compliance, quality, and reusability across teams
What You'll Bring
- 5+ years’ experience in scientific data management, data governance, bioinformatics, or data engineering
- Deep familiarity with FAIR principles, metadata standards, and data catalogue tools
- Proven ability to work cross-functionally with technical, scientific, and operational teams
- Hands-on experience with modern data workflows (e.g., Python, data lakes, notebooks, versioning)
- Understanding of scientific data lifecycles — from generation and ingestion to curation and archiving
- Comfortable operating as an individual contributor, with strong ownership and autonomy
Bonus Points
- Experience implementing no-code/low-code solutions for scientific users
- Familiarity with compliance frameworks (e.g., data licensing, GDPR, IP/data rights in scientific settings)
- Exposure to knowledge management systems and internal data enablement initiatives
Who You Are
- Thoughtful communicator and effective collaborator across disciplines
- Structured, pragmatic, and hands-on — with a natural drive to bring clarity to complex systems
- Comfortable in ambiguous or evolving environments
- User-focused, feedback-driven, and motivated to make data truly usable and impactful
Omics Data Governance Lead employer: Hlx Life Sciences
Contact Detail:
Hlx Life Sciences Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Omics Data Governance Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the FAIR principles and how they apply to data governance. Understanding these concepts deeply will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the data governance and scientific computing fields. Attend relevant webinars or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues and learn about current trends and challenges in the industry.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on experience with data workflows by discussing specific projects where you've implemented data governance practices. Be prepared to explain your approach to ensuring data quality and compliance.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you would handle cross-functional collaboration. Think of examples where you've successfully worked with diverse teams, as this role requires strong communication and teamwork skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Omics Data Governance Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in scientific data management, data governance, and familiarity with FAIR principles. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to work cross-functionally and implement data governance standards.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Discuss how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the Omics Data Governance Lead, particularly your hands-on experience with data workflows and compliance frameworks.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: Provide examples in your application that illustrate your structured and pragmatic approach to problem-solving. Highlight any past experiences where you successfully built scalable governance foundations or improved data accessibility.
Highlight Collaboration Experience: Emphasise your ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines. Mention specific projects where you coordinated efforts between technical and scientific teams, showcasing your communication skills and user-focused mindset.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hlx Life Sciences
✨Understand FAIR Principles
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable). Be prepared to discuss how you've applied these principles in your previous roles and how they can be implemented in the new position.
✨Showcase Cross-Functional Collaboration
Highlight your experience working with diverse teams such as data scientists, ML engineers, and wet lab scientists. Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to coordinate efforts and communicate effectively across different disciplines.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Since this role requires pragmatic problem-solving, think of specific challenges you've faced in data governance or management. Be ready to explain how you approached these issues and the solutions you implemented.
✨Familiarity with Data Workflows
Brush up on modern data workflows, especially if you have hands-on experience with tools like Python, data lakes, or notebooks. Be prepared to discuss how you've used these tools to enhance data governance and compliance in your past roles.