Key Skills

Job Description

About The Company Elsevier is a renowned global leader in information and analytics, dedicated to supporting researchers, healthcare professionals, and organizations in advancing science and improving health outcomes. With a rich publishing heritage, Elsevier leverages extensive data sets and cutting-edge analytics to foster innovative research, health education, and clinical excellence. Our commitment to societal impact is reflected in our mission to address the world's grand challenges through technology and knowledge sharing. We operate across multiple regions, including London Wall and Amsterdam, providing a stimulating environment that values innovation, collaboration, and professional growth. About The Role We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Data Scientist specialized in AI, NLP, and Generative AI to join our dynamic Data Science Life Sciences team. In this pivotal role, you will provide strategic technical leadership and guidance across multiple data science teams, shaping the development and deployment of advanced AI solutions for knowledge discovery and decision support. Your expertise will influence the design of scalable, reliable, and innovative AI systems, including large language models, retrieval-augmented generation, and semantic search capabilities. While your primary focus will be on setting standards, governance, and architectural direction, you will also engage hands-on in high-priority projects when necessary. This role offers an excellent opportunity to influence the future of AI applications within the life sciences domain, working closely with senior management and cross-functional teams to translate complex scientific challenges into practical AI-driven solutions. Qualifications Extensive experience in data science, AI, machine learning, NLP, or related fields, with senior or principal level expertise Proven hands-on experience developing AI/ML, NLP, generative AI, and retrieval systems Deep understanding of large language models, including fine-tuning, prompt engineering, and grounding strategies Demonstrated ability to define and implement technical standards, evaluation frameworks, and governance processes Knowledge of AI governance, model risk, and compliance requirements Strong programming skills in Python and familiarity with modern AI/ML frameworks Experience working with large-scale text datasets and content-rich data environments Expertise in RAG, semantic, vector, or hybrid search techniques and experimentation methodologies Familiarity with cloud computing platforms and modern software engineering practices Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders Leadership qualities with experience mentoring teams and influencing cross-functional collaborations Responsibilities Define and oversee the technical direction and architectural standards for AI, NLP, and generative AI solutions across multiple teams Guide integration of scientific metadata, ontologies, taxonomies, and knowledge assets into AI workflows, promoting reusable and standardized patterns Review code, architecture, and technical decisions to ensure production readiness, providing hands-on support for high-priority initiatives Unify disparate technical approaches into shared frameworks, reducing duplication and encouraging best practices Establish and maintain shared standards, evaluation, and monitoring frameworks to ensure quality, reliability, and trustworthiness Lead or contribute to AI governance, responsible AI practices, model risk assessments, and regulatory compliance activities Mentor and coach data science teams, fostering capability development and consistent delivery standards Represent the data science function in senior management forums, communicating strategy, risks, and progress effectively Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate complex scientific challenges into innovative AI solutions Benefits Flexible working hours to promote work/life balance Comprehensive wellbeing initiatives and support programs Shared parental leave, study assistance, and sabbatical options Opportunities for professional development and career growth Collaborative and inclusive work environment with a focus on innovation Equal Opportunity Elsevier is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law. We believe diversity enriches our organization and enhances our ability to innovate and serve our global community.

Core Responsibilities

Set technical direction and architectural standards for AI, NLP, and generative AI solutions across teams, including shared evaluation, monitoring, and governance frameworks. Guide the integration of scientific metadata and knowledge assets, review technical decisions, mentor teams, and communicate strategy and risks to senior stakeholders.

Requirements

Requires extensive senior-level experience in data science, AI, machine learning, NLP, generative AI, and retrieval systems, with strong Python skills and expertise in large language models and search techniques. Candidates should also have experience establishing technical standards and governance, working with large text datasets, and leading or mentoring cross-functional teams.

Benefits

• Flexible Working Hours
• Wellbeing Initiatives and Support Programs
• Shared Parental Leave
• Study Assistance
• Sabbatical Options
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Career Growth Opportunities
• Collaborative and Inclusive Work Environment