Lead - Clinical Data Science (Andover, MA)

Lead - Clinical Data Science (Andover, MA)

Life Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living.

Are you interested in making a global impact? Smith+Nephew, a pioneering leader in medical technology since 1856, is seeking a highly skilled Lead Clinical Data Scientist. Reporting directly to the Head of Global Data Analytics, the successful candidate will be a passionate innovator and problem solver with a deep technical background in algorithms and machine learning models. The role involves a significant focus on building simulations and synthetic data generation methods, balancing deterministic modeling with learning-based approaches.

What will you be doing?

Synthetic Data Generation & Methodology

• Lead the design and creation of synthetic clinical datasets, including PROMs, radiographic, procedural, and time-to-event data
• Develop and validate synthetic data pipelines using techniques such as:
  • Multivariate distributions
  • Bayesian hierarchical models
  • GANs / VAEs / diffusion models (as appropriate and compliant)
  • Longitudinal and survivor-function-preserving generation methods
• Establish quality criteria and validation frameworks ensuring synthetic datasets accurately capture distributions, correlations, and clinical behavior without re-identification risk

Clinical Study Simulation & Statistical Modeling

• Build and execute study design simulations to optimize sample size, power, expected operating characteristics, decision rules, and sensitivity analyses.
• Develop simulation frameworks for:
  • Hybrid and Bayesian designs
  • Propensity score models
  • Missing data mechanisms
  • Time-to-event and revision-risk scenarios
  • Protocol amendments and enrollment variability
• Translate complex simulation outputs into clear recommendations for cross-functional teams and senior leaders

Technical Leadership & Cross-Functional Influence

• Serve as the technical lead for synthetic data and simulation initiatives across multiple therapeutic areas
• Provide dotted-line guidance, partnership, and mentorship to individuals in both Global Data Analytics and AI COE working on simulation or synthetic data tasks
• Partner with Clinical Data & AI to integrate synthetic datasets into the Clinical Data Lake architecture
• Work closely with AI/ML teams to generate synthetic datasets for model training, validation, and drift monitoring

Standards, Governance & Best Practices

• Define and maintain standards for synthetic data generation, documentation, and governance aligned with regulatory expectations (HIPAA, GDPR, MDR, FDA)
• Ensure transparent methods, reproducibility, and version control for all modeling and simulation work
• Collaborate on SOPs, statistical guidelines, and internal best practices for using synthetic data across Global Clinical & Medical Affairs

Innovation, R&D, and Strategic Enablement

• Scout and evaluate emerging methods for generative modeling and simulation relevant to clinical research
• Lead proofs-of-concept and technology evaluations in partnership with AI engineering and external collaborators
• Contribute to strategic roadmaps for AI-enabled study design, clinical data simulation, and synthetic evidence generation

What will you need to be successful?

Education:

• Minimum of a Master's degree (Ph.D. preferred) in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, or a related quantitative research discipline.

Experience:

• A Master's and 5 years experience, or Ph.D. and 2 years experience in academic or industry setting
• Demonstrated experience generating and validating synthetic datasets using both deterministic and learning-based approaches is a requirement
• Exposure to clinical research, medical device development, or health care analytics is a plus

Languages:

• English

Knowledge:

• Proficiency in R and/or Python
• Deep knowledge in at least 2 of:
  • Bayesian modeling tools (e.g., brms, Stan, PyMC)
  • Simulation methods for clinical trials
  • Generative modeling or synthetic data frameworks
  • Causal inference, PSM, IPW, mixed-effects modeling, MMRM, KM/Cox methods
• Familiarity with version control systems, particularly Git.
• Foundational knowledge of statistics
• Familiarity with clinical data structures (EDC, RWE, PROMs, imaging-derived parameters) is a plus
• Hands-on experience with Databricks, medallion architecture, or cloud data lake environment is a plus
• Knowledge of regulatory expectations for privacy-preserving synthetic data (e.g., differential privacy)

Competences:

• A knack for innovation and a passion for leveraging technology to solve complex business problems
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical strategy and influence cross-functional teams without direct people management

You Unlimited.

We believe in creating the greatest good for society. Our strongest investments are in our people and the patients we serve.

• Inclusion and Belonging- Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving on Inclusion and Belonging, Learn more about Employee Inclusion Groups on our website (https://www.smith-nephew.com/).

• Your Future: 401k Matching Program, 401k Plus Program, Discounted Stock Options, Tuition Reimbursement

• Work/Life Balance: Flexible Personal/Vacation Time Off, Paid Holidays, Flex Holidays, Paid Community Service Day

• Your Wellbeing: Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account (Employer Contribution of $500+ annually), Employee Assistance Program, Parental Leave, Fertility and Adoption Assistance Program

• Flexibility: Hybrid Work Model (For most professional roles)

• Training: Hands-On, Team-Customized, Mentorship

• Extra Perks: Discounts on fitness clubs, travel and more!

#LI-HYBRID

"The anticipated base compensation range for this position is $135,850 - $203,775 USD annually.

The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will be based on multiple factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge/skills, experience, geographical location, and internal equity. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at the high end of the range for their role at Smith + Nephew. Compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.

In addition to base pay, we provide competitive bonus and benefits, which include medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401k, tuition reimbursement, medical leave programs, and a variety of wellness offerings. "

Smith+Nephew provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.