Director, Data Science (Feasibility Site Activation)

Location: Reading
Time type: Full time

ICON plc is a world-leading healthcare intelligence and clinical research organization. We’re proud to foster an inclusive environment driving innovation and excellence, and we welcome you to join us on our mission to shape the future of clinical development.

We are currently seeking a Director, FSA Data Science (Feasibility Site Activation) to drive advanced analytics and business transformation across ICON’s Feasibility, Study Start-up and Activation (FSA) teams. In this role, you will lead the design and delivery of advanced analytics and data science capabilities that support clinical trial feasibility, protocol optimization, study planning, country and site strategy, enrollment forecasting, and related decision support across the clinical development lifecycle. Partnering with cross-functional leaders, you will translate complex clinical and operational questions into scalable analytical solutions, reusable methods, and decision-ready insights. This position also involves leading a high-performing team, shaping analytical standards and governance, and advancing a modern, technology-enabled approach to study planning and feasibility.

What you will be doing

• Leading and inspiring a data science team to deliver actionable insights that improve performance, quantify value, and enable smarter decisions.
• Building a strategic analytics roadmap and deliver high-impact solutions—forecasting, risk prediction, scenario planning, and optimization to improve cycle time and outcomes.
• Establishing best practices for analytics delivery, governance, and model lifecycle management to support scalable and reliable insights.
• Improving data foundations by collaborating with platform and data teams—strengthening data quality, access, definitions, and automation.
• Partnering with functional leaders to define problems, shape solutions, and embed insights into day-to-day decision-making and operational processes.
• Communicating with clarity and influence—turning complex analysis into compelling narratives and recommendations leadership and sponsors.

Your profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Biostatistics, Data Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, Epidemiology, Operations Research, Biomedical Informatics, Engineering, or a related field.
• Advanced degree preferred, preferably Master’s or PhD in a quantitative, computational, or health-related discipline.
• Significant experience in data science, advanced analytics, biostatistics, or quantitative strategy within CRO, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, healthcare, or clinical research settings.
• Track record of delivering advanced analytics solutions that changed business performance, ideally in complex operational environments.
• Experience leading teams and developing talent; comfortable coaching, setting direction, and building a high-performing culture.
• Strong knowledge of statistical analysis, predictive modeling, machine learning, simulation, optimization, and data interpretation.
• Proficiency in relevant analytical and programming tools such as Python, R, SQL, and related platforms.
• Confident stakeholder partner with exceptional communication skills and the ability to influence across functions and levels.

What ICON can offer you:
Our success depends on the quality of our people. That’s why we’ve made it a priority to build a diverse culture that rewards high performance and nurtures talent. In addition to your competitive salary, ICON offers a range of additional benefits. Our benefits are designed to be competitive within each country and are focused on well-being and work life balance opportunities for you and your family.

Our benefits examples include:

• Various annual leave entitlements
• A range of health insurance offerings to suit you and your family’s needs.
• Competitive retirement planning offerings to maximize savings and plan with confidence for the years ahead.
• Global Employee Assistance Programme, TELUS Health, offering 24-hour access to a global network of over 80,000 independent specialised professionals who are there to support you and your family’s well-being.
• Life assurance
• Flexible country-specific optional benefits, including childcare vouchers, bike purchase schemes, discounted gym memberships, subsidised travel passes, health assessments, among others.

At ICON, inclusion & belonging are fundamental to our culture and values. We’re dedicated to providing an inclusive and accessible environment for all candidates. ICON is committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.