At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead AI and machine learning projects to enhance clinical development and patient experience.
- Company: Join UCB, a global biopharmaceutical company focused on neurology and immunology.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, supportive culture, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with diverse teams and a focus on scientific advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on patients' lives through innovative data science solutions.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field and experience in programming and machine learning methods.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Make your mark for patients. We are looking for a Principal Computational Methodologist who is curious, collaborative, and impact-driven to join our Advanced Methods and Data Science team within Biometrics and Data Science, based in any of our Brussels (Belgium), Slough (UK) or Raleigh (US).
About the role: You will help shape how advanced AI, machine learning, and computational methods support clinical development. You will design, validate, and deploy models that help teams make evidence-based decisions in areas such as biomarker discovery, clinical trial design, operational efficiency, and patient experience. You will guide scientific thinking, turn complex methods into practical solutions, and help build scalable tools that meet scientific, technical, and regulatory expectations.
Who you will work with: You will join Advanced Methods and Data Science, part of Biometrics and Data Science within Patient Evidence. You will work with clinical, statistical, molecular, operational, engineering, IT, governance, and compliance colleagues across countries. You will also connect with academic, technology, and industry partners. Together, you will explore new methods, share scientific learning, and support teams that use data to improve decision-making across the drug development value chain.
What you will do: You will lead AI and machine learning projects that address clinical development, biomarker, operational, and decision-support needs. You will design, build, test, and refine modern deep learning models for text, graphs, biological sequences, and clinical data. You will develop generative AI applications using foundation models, pre-trained models, and large language models. You will run rigorous, reproducible AI experiments on internal and public datasets to generate publishable scientific results. You will partner with engineering teams to package methods into applications, platforms, and scalable validated solutions. You will mentor colleagues, share knowledge, and represent the team through publications, presentations, and external collaborations.
For this role, we are looking for the following education, experience, and skills: You have a PhD in Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering, Computational Biology, Statistical Genetics, Mathematics, or a related scientific field. You bring experience in industry, ideally within pharma, clinical development, life sciences, or another regulated data-focused environment. You can program confidently in Python, R, or similar languages, and you can support others with practical coding guidance. You understand supervised, unsupervised, Bayesian, and deep learning methods, and can apply them to real-world scientific questions. You have experience with ML infrastructure, reproducible research, Linux or HPC environments, and software or platform development. You communicate clearly with scientific, technical, medical, and business partners, and enjoy working in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team.
Are you ready to ‘go beyond’ to create value and make your mark for patients? If this sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you!
About us: UCB is a global biopharmaceutical company, focusing on neurology and immunology. We are over 9,000 people in all four corners of the globe, inspired by patients and driven by science.
Why work with us? At UCB, we don’t just complete tasks, we create value. We aren’t afraid to push forward, collaborate, and innovate to make our mark for patients. We have a caring, supportive culture where everyone feels included, respected, and has equal opportunities to do their best work. We ‘go beyond’ to create value for our patients, and always with a human focus, whether that’s on our patients, our employees, or our planet. Working for us, you will discover a place where you can grow, and have the freedom to carve your own career path to achieve your full potential.
At UCB, we’ve embraced a hybrid-first approach to work, bringing teams together in local hubs to foster collaborative curiosity. Unless expressly stated in the description or precluded by the nature of the position, roles are hybrid with 40% of your time spent in the office.
UCB is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions will be made without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable laws. Should you require any adjustments to our process to assist you in demonstrating your strengths and capabilities contact us on EMEA-Reasonable_Accommodation@ucb.com. Please note should your enquiry not relate to adjustments; we will not be able to support you through this channel.
Principal Computational Methodologist (UK) in Slough employer: UCB
UCB is an exceptional employer that prioritises innovation and collaboration, making a significant impact in the biopharmaceutical industry. With a supportive work culture that values inclusivity and personal growth, employees are encouraged to explore their potential while contributing to meaningful projects that enhance patient care. The hybrid-first approach allows for flexibility and teamwork, ensuring that every team member can thrive in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Computational Methodologist (UK) in Slough
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like UCB. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like UCB!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Computational Methodologist (UK) in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show UCB that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at UCB.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that UCB does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at UCB
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at UCB. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into UCB's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at UCB. This shows your passion for the industry!
