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Principal Data Scientist - Job Opportunity at GSK

Marburg an der Lahn, Germany
Full-time
Senior
Posted: May 28, 2025
On-site
EUR 85,000 - 110,000 annually, with potential for additional performance bonuses and stock options. German pharmaceutical companies typically offer competitive packages for senior data science roles, often including relocation assistance for international assignments.

Benefits

Opportunity to work for a leading global pharmaceutical and healthcare company with direct impact on critical vaccines and medicines manufacturing
Extensive international collaboration across multiple GSK sites including Belgium, France, Germany, UK, and Singapore
Professional development through coaching and mentoring responsibilities that enhance leadership capabilities
Access to cutting-edge data science technologies and methodologies in a highly regulated pharmaceutical environment
Career advancement within a global Manufacturing Science Analytical and Technology (MSAT) group
Involvement in high-impact projects related to product lifecycle management and regulatory compliance
Cross-functional collaboration opportunities with scientific colleagues in multidisciplinary teams
Access to GSK's comprehensive global data science network spanning R&D, Quality, and Operational Excellence

Key Responsibilities

Drive strategic data science initiatives across global cross-functional teams by designing, developing, and optimizing business-critical data solutions that directly impact GSK's vaccine and medicine manufacturing operations
Lead end-to-end model lifecycle management from conception to deployment, including data collection strategies, quality control frameworks, model validation protocols, and ongoing monitoring systems that ensure regulatory compliance
Establish data science excellence standards by taking full ownership of technical documentation, regulatory submissions, and strategic communications that influence multi-million dollar manufacturing decisions
Shape organizational data science capabilities by reviewing technical documents as a Subject Matter Expert and influencing internal policies, guidelines, and SOPs that govern data evaluation across GSK's global operations
Build enterprise-wide data science competency through strategic coaching, mentoring, and training programs that transform non-experts into data-driven decision makers across manufacturing sites
Drive standardization and best practice implementation across GSK's global data science network, collaborating with MSAT, Quality, R&D, and Operational Excellence teams to establish unified methodologies
Lead critical deviation resolution and improvement projects that directly impact product quality, regulatory compliance, and manufacturing efficiency across multiple therapeutic areas

Requirements

Education

MSc in data science, statistics, biostatistics, or a closely related field

Experience

Senior-level experience in data science with proven ability to manage networks and build relationships across organizations

Required Skills

Strong and diverse technical knowledge in data science/statistics Multi- and megavariate analysis Regression and classification modelling Explainable AI Monte Carlo simulation Data augmentation Statistics Chemometrics Experience in the use of data science software (e.g., Python) Experience in Agile development projects Excellent oral and written English communication skills with experience in communicating complex information in logical and simplified terms at different levels Background in consulting for data science projects, working alongside colleagues not experienced in data science to devise practical solutions for inquiries
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The pharmaceutical industry is experiencing unprecedented digital transformation, with data science becoming critical for manufacturing optimization, quality control, and regulatory compliance. Companies are investing heavily in advanced analytics to reduce time-to-market and ensure product quality. Regulatory bodies like FDA and EMA are increasingly requiring sophisticated statistical analyses and data integrity measures, creating high demand for senior data scientists who can navigate complex compliance requirements while driving innovation. The shift toward personalized medicine and complex biologics manufacturing is driving demand for advanced statistical modeling and process optimization capabilities, particularly in vaccine development following the COVID-19 pandemic. Manufacturing 4.0 initiatives in pharma are creating opportunities for data scientists to implement predictive maintenance, real-time quality monitoring, and automated decision-making systems across global manufacturing networks.

Role Significance

Likely managing or influencing 5-15 data scientists and analysts across global sites, with indirect leadership over larger cross-functional teams including manufacturing engineers, quality specialists, and regulatory affairs professionals.
This is a senior individual contributor role with significant leadership responsibilities and strategic influence. The position requires someone who can operate independently while mentoring others and shaping organizational data science capabilities across multiple global sites.

Key Projects

Implementation of predictive quality systems for vaccine manufacturing Development of real-time process monitoring dashboards for critical manufacturing parameters Statistical modeling for deviation investigation and root cause analysis Creation of automated reporting systems for regulatory submissions Design of data-driven manufacturing optimization strategies

Success Factors

Deep understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and regulatory requirements, as this role requires translating complex statistical findings into actionable insights that meet strict compliance standards. Exceptional communication skills to bridge the gap between technical data science concepts and business stakeholders who may not have statistical backgrounds, particularly in high-stakes manufacturing environments. Strong project management capabilities to coordinate data science initiatives across multiple global sites while maintaining consistency in methodologies and standards. Leadership and mentoring abilities to develop organizational data science capabilities and transform traditional manufacturing operations into data-driven processes. Technical versatility across multiple statistical and machine learning approaches, with particular emphasis on explainable AI for regulatory environments where model interpretability is crucial.

Market Demand

Very High - The combination of pharmaceutical domain expertise and advanced data science skills is extremely sought after, particularly for roles involving regulatory compliance and global manufacturing operations.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Python programming and statistical modeling capabilities are essential as the primary tools for data analysis and model development in pharmaceutical manufacturing environments. These skills enable the creation of robust, validated models that meet regulatory requirements. Pharmaceutical manufacturing domain knowledge is crucial for understanding the complex relationships between process parameters, product quality, and regulatory compliance. This expertise enables effective translation of statistical findings into actionable manufacturing improvements. Regulatory compliance expertise is vital given the heavily regulated nature of pharmaceutical manufacturing. Understanding of FDA, EMA, and ICH guidelines ensures that data science solutions meet required standards for validation and documentation. Communication and mentoring skills are critical for driving organizational transformation and building data science capabilities across global teams. These skills enable the successful adoption of data-driven decision making in traditional manufacturing environments.

Beneficial Skills

Advanced machine learning techniques including deep learning and ensemble methods could provide competitive advantages in complex manufacturing optimization and predictive maintenance applications. Cloud computing and big data technologies would be valuable for handling large-scale manufacturing data across global operations and implementing real-time monitoring solutions. Project management certifications and agile methodologies would enhance the ability to lead complex, multi-site data science initiatives and ensure successful delivery of strategic projects. Additional pharmaceutical domain expertise in areas like process analytical technology (PAT) and quality by design (QbD) would strengthen the ability to drive innovation in manufacturing science.

Unique Aspects

This role offers rare exposure to vaccine manufacturing data science, which has become increasingly strategic following the global pandemic and GSK's leadership position in vaccine development.
The position provides unique opportunities to influence global pharmaceutical manufacturing standards and regulatory guidelines through GSK's significant market presence and regulatory relationships.
The role combines technical data science expertise with coaching and organizational development responsibilities, offering a pathway to senior leadership positions in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Access to GSK's global manufacturing network provides exceptional learning opportunities across diverse therapeutic areas and manufacturing technologies.
The position offers direct involvement in critical manufacturing decisions that impact global health outcomes, particularly in vaccine availability and quality.

Career Growth

3-5 years to advance to director level within GSK or similar pharmaceutical companies, given the strategic nature of this role and the high demand for experienced pharmaceutical data science leaders.

Potential Next Roles

Head of Data Science for Manufacturing or Global MSAT Director of Manufacturing Science and Technology Senior Director of Analytical Sciences Chief Data Officer for pharmaceutical manufacturing operations VP of Manufacturing Excellence with data science specialization

Company Overview

GSK

GSK is one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies with a market capitalization exceeding $80 billion, focusing on vaccines, HIV treatments, respiratory medicines, and oncology. The company has undergone significant transformation in recent years, spinning off its consumer healthcare division to focus on innovative pharmaceuticals and vaccines.

GSK ranks among the top 10 global pharmaceutical companies and is a leader in vaccine development and manufacturing, with significant manufacturing operations across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The company's focus on data-driven manufacturing aligns with industry-leading digital transformation initiatives.
The Marburg site is a critical manufacturing hub for GSK's European operations, particularly for vaccine production. This location offers excellent exposure to GSK's most advanced manufacturing technologies and provides opportunities for collaboration across the company's extensive European network.
GSK emphasizes scientific excellence and collaborative innovation, with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. The company culture supports professional development and offers significant opportunities for international collaboration and career advancement within a purpose-driven organization.
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