Data Scientist

Senior Data Scientist

ICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation united by a mission to bring new medicines and treatments to patients faster.

As a values-driven organisation, integrity, collaboration, agility, and inclusion are at the heart of how we work and interact with each other, customers, patients and suppliers.

Senior Data Scientist

Ireland, Dublin - 3 days office

We are currently seeking a Senior Data Scientist to join our diverse and dynamic team. As a Senior Data Scientist at ICON, you will play a key role in designing, building and deploying advanced machine learning and generative AI solutions that move from proof of concept through to production.

You will take ownership of complex analytical challenges from end to end, partnering with business stakeholders, data engineers and product teams to deliver innovative solutions across clinical operations, feasibility and scientific intelligence.

• Leading the design, development and validation of machine learning, NLP and large language model (LLM) solutions that address priority business challenges across clinical operations, feasibility and scientific intelligence.
• Translating complex or ambiguous business questions into well-defined analytical approaches with clear success measures and delivery milestones.
• Designing and developing retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), information extraction and agentic AI workflows using structured and unstructured clinical and operational data.
• Applying robust statistical, experimental and causal inference methods to quantify impact and support evidence-based decision-making.
• Partnering with Data and ML Engineering teams to take solutions from proof of concept into robust, monitored production services using Azure and Microsoft Fabric.
• Implementing MLOps and LLMOps practices, including model versioning, reproducible pipelines, automated evaluation, and performance and drift monitoring.
• Developing evaluation frameworks for generative AI solutions, considering areas such as accuracy, groundedness, bias, safety and cost.
• Ensuring solutions comply with ICON's regulatory and quality requirements, including GxP/GCP, 21 CFR Part 11, GDPR and HIPAA.
• Contributing to responsible AI practices, including model documentation, validation evidence and assessment of third-party and vendor technologies.
• Acting as a trusted technical advisor to stakeholders and communicating complex technical findings in clear, accessible language.
• Mentoring junior and mid-level Data Scientists through code reviews, pairing and knowledge sharing.
• Contributing to the team's technical roadmap, reusable components and engineering standards.

• MSc or PhD in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Life Sciences or another relevant quantitative discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience delivering Data Science or Machine Learning solutions, including experience taking at least one solution into production.
• Strong Python and SQL skills, with experience using libraries and frameworks such as pandas, scikit-learn, PyTorch or Hugging Face.
• Practical experience working with large language models, prompt engineering, embeddings, vector search and RAG architectures.
• Strong grounding in statistics, experimental design and model evaluation.
• Experience working with cloud platforms, preferably Microsoft Azure, and modern MLOps technologies such as MLflow, Docker, CI/CD and orchestration tools including Airflow.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience within pharma, CRO, healthcare or another regulated industry would be advantageous.
• Familiarity with clinical trial data and standards, such as CDISC, clinical study protocols, site data and investigator data, would be beneficial.
• Experience with Microsoft Fabric, Azure OpenAI/AI Foundry, AKS or knowledge graph technologies would be advantageous.
• Knowledge of causal inference, network analysis or optimisation methods would be beneficial.
• A track record of publications, open-source contributions or patents would be an advantage.

Employment with ICON is contingent upon having the legal right to work in the country where the role is based.

ICON offers a competitive and comprehensive total rewards package designed to support your health, wellbeing, and career development.

• Competitive base salary and performance related incentives
• Health and wellbeing programmes including medical, dental, and vision coverage where applicable
• Retirement and pension plans
• Life assurance and disability coverage
• Employee assistance programmes and wellbeing resources
• Learning and development opportunities through structured training and career pathways

Benefits may vary depending on role and location.

Visit our careers site to read more about the benefits ICON offers.

Inclusion and Accessibility

ICON is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building an inclusive and accessible workplace where everyone feels valued and supported.

If you require reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process, please let us know or submit a request here.

Are you a current ICON Employee? Please click here to apply