At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape cloud-native data architecture on AWS and set standards for Databricks and PySpark.
- Company: Dynamic life sciences company with a collaborative culture and innovative projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus potential, high autonomy, and opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Make a real-world impact by influencing product architecture and working with talented teams.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Data Architect with strong knowledge of Databricks and AWS.
- Other info: Opportunity to coach teams and drive architectural reviews in a regulated environment.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 120000 £ per year.
Why this role
Shape a cloud‑native data architecture on AWS that underpins analytics, ML, and product. Set the standards for Databricks usage, PySpark conventions, and data modeling across domains. Work with engaged stakeholders (Product, Engineering, Data Science, Clinical Ops) who value pragmatic, outcome‑driven design. Real influence: blueprint today’s platform and the roadmap for the next phase of scale.
What you’ll own
- Target Architecture & Roadmap: Define current → target state for data platforms, services, and integrations.
- Modeling & Standards: Establish dimensional/data‑vault/medallion patterns, coding standards, and reusable templates for Databricks + PySpark.
- Governance by Design: Implement data quality, lineage, cataloguing, and access controls; partner on privacy & compliance in a regulated domain.
- Enablement: Coach Data Engineering and Analytics teams; drive architectural reviews, reference architectures, and design playbooks.
- Performance & Cost: Introduce observability, right‑sizing and workload orchestration to keep pipelines fast and spend under control.
What we’re looking for
- Proven experience as a Data Architect (or Senior stepping up), ideally in data‑intensive or regulated environments.
- Strong hands‑on understanding of Databricks and PySpark (you set the patterns; you don’t have to code daily).
- Solid AWS data stack exposure (S3, Glue, Lake/Lakehouse, Redshift or similar) and modern ELT/ETL approaches.
- Practical data modelling skills (star/snowflake, data vault, medallion) and governance (catalogue, lineage, RBAC).
- Comfortable partnering with senior stakeholders; clear, business‑first communication.
- Life Sciences experience is a bonus—not a blocker. Curiosity and product thinking matter more.
What’s in it for you
£90k–£100k + bonus, with genuine scope to grow. High autonomy, modern tooling, and a collaborative culture. A seat at the table: your architecture will shape products, not just diagrams. Work with talented engineers, scientists and product leaders on problems that have real‑world impact.
Data Architect | Life Sciences | £90k to £120k + Equity | London employer: Opus Recruitment Solutions
Contact Detail:
Opus Recruitment Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Architect | Life Sciences | £90k to £120k + Equity | London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with folks in the industry! Attend meetups, webinars, or even casual coffee chats. Building relationships can open doors that job applications alone can't.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a portfolio showcasing your data architecture projects. Whether it's a GitHub repo or a personal website, let your work speak for itself. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate your hands-on experience!
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to data architecture. Be ready to discuss your approach to cloud-native solutions and how you’d tackle real-world problems in life sciences.
✨Apply Through Us!
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals who can shape the future of data architecture. Plus, it’s a great way to get noticed by our hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Data Architect | Life Sciences | £90k to £120k + Equity | London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Data Architect. Highlight your experience with AWS, Databricks, and PySpark, and don’t forget to mention any life sciences projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about data architecture and how you can contribute to our mission. Be sure to mention specific projects or experiences that relate to the job description.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, give examples of how you've tackled complex data challenges in the past. We love seeing pragmatic, outcome-driven design in action, so share those success stories that demonstrate your ability to influence and drive results.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining the StudySmarter team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Opus Recruitment Solutions
✨Know Your Data Architecture Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in cloud-native data architecture, especially on AWS. Brush up on your knowledge of Databricks and PySpark, as you'll need to discuss how you can set standards and establish coding conventions. Be ready to share examples of how you've shaped data platforms in the past.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills
This role involves working closely with various teams like Product, Engineering, and Data Science. Prepare to talk about your experience collaborating with senior stakeholders and how you’ve communicated complex ideas in a business-friendly way. Think of specific instances where your communication made a difference.
✨Demonstrate Your Governance Knowledge
Governance is key in this role, so be prepared to discuss your approach to data quality, lineage, and access controls. Have examples ready that illustrate how you've implemented governance frameworks in regulated environments, and how you ensure compliance while maintaining data usability.
✨Emphasise Your Curiosity and Product Thinking
Life Sciences experience is a bonus, but what really matters is your curiosity and ability to think like a product architect. Be ready to discuss how you approach problem-solving and innovation in data architecture. Share your thoughts on future trends in data and how they could impact product development.