Data Scientist Degree Apprentice

Wage: £21,610 a year
Training course: Data scientist (integrated degree) (level 6)
Hours: Monday to Friday. Shifts TBC.
Start date: Tuesday 1 September 2026
Duration: 4 years
Positions available: 1

Summary

You will be joining the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute as a Data Scientist Degree Apprentice, with particular focus on computational biology. Study for a Level 6 Data Scientist degree with Anglia Ruskin University, alongside gaining valuable hands-on experience working with world-leading scientists in a collaborative research environment.

Wage £21,610 a year Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab) Training course Data scientist (integrated degree) (level 6) Hours Monday to Friday. Shifts TBC. 36 hours 30 minutes a week Start date Tuesday 1 September 2026 Duration 4 years Positions available 1

What you'll do at work

In your first year, you will work as part of the Discovery Research Platform (DRP) computational team, which supports collaborative research across the Institute and its core facilities. You will rotate with the three senior DRP researchers, gaining experience in a variety of computational biology skills and techniques including next-generation sequencing analysis, single-cell transcriptomics analysis, advanced image analysis, spatial transcriptomics analysis, and statistical modelling of population dynamics.

As your training progresses, you will then undertake long term research project(s) under the supervision of one or more DRP members. This will involve carrying out independent computational work and contributing to biomedical research.

Your daily responsibilities will be to:

Analyse biological datasets with guidance from senior colleagues, helping to evaluate results and carry out computational analyses Learn and apply methods for analysing spatial and single-cell transcriptomics data as well as imaging data Support the development and use of quantitative models for population dynamics, lineage tracing, and trajectory analysis Actively develop technical and scientific skills, showing willingness to learn new computational and statistical methods Identify issues in data or analysis workflows and apply appropriate quantitative or computational methods, with support, to help resolve them Carry out exploratory data analysis and basic hypothesis-driven statistical tests to help extract insight from large biological datasets Communicate analysis steps and results clearly in written summaries and presentations, working with multidisciplinary research teams

Where you'll work

Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical CentreCambridge Biomedical CampusPuddicombe WayCambridgeCB2 0AW

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

What you'll learn

Course contents Identify and clarify problems an organisation faces, and reformulate them into Data Science problems. Devise solutions and make decisions in context by seeking feedback from stakeholders. Apply scientific methods through experiment design, measurement, hypothesis testing and delivery of results.  Collaborate with colleagues to gather requirements.Perform data engineering: create and handle datasets for analysis. Use tools and techniques to source, access, explore, profile, pipeline, combine, transform and store data, and apply governance (quality control, security, privacy) to data.Identify and use an appropriate range of programming languages and tools for data manipulation, analysis, visualisation, and system integration. Select appropriate data structures and algorithms for the problem.  Develop reproducible analysis and robust code, working in accordance with software development standards, including security, accessibility, code quality and version control.Use analysis and models to inform and improve organisational outcomes, building models and validating results with statistical testing: perform statistical analysis, correlation vs causation, feature selection and engineering, machine learning, optimisation, and simulations, using the appropriate techniques for the problem.Implement data solutions, using relevant software engineering architectures and design patterns. Evaluate Cloud vs. on-premise deployment.  Determine the implicit and explicit value of data. Assess value for money and Return on Investment.  Scale a system up/out. Evaluate emerging trends and new approaches. Compare the pros and cons of software applications and techniques.Find, present, communicate and disseminate outputs effectively and with high impact through creative storytelling, tailoring the message for the audience. Use the best medium for each audience, such as technical writing, reporting and dashboards.  Visualise data to tell compelling and actionable narratives.  Make recommendations to decision makers to contribute towards the achievement of organisation goals.Develop and maintain collaborative relationships at strategic and operational levels, using methods of organisational empathy (human, organisation and technical) and build relationships through active listening and trust development.Use project delivery techniques and tools appropriate to their Data Science project and organisation. Plan, organise and manage resources to successfully run a small Data Science project, achieve organisational goals and enable effective change.

Training schedule

BSc (Hons) Data Science This apprenticeship is delivered via a 'blended learning' approach which is a combination of online distance learning and in-person teaching. This is delivered in 'block weeks' on ARU's Cambridge campus

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

English and Maths (grade C/4)

A Level in:

Any inc. one in Computer Science (grade 112 UCAS Points)

BTEC in:

Computer Science (grade 112 UCAS Points)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skillsIT skillsAttention to detailInitiative

About this employer

The Cambridge Stem Cell Institute is a world-leading centre for stem cell research.Our mission is to transform human health through a deep understanding of stem cell biology.

https://www.stemcells.cam.ac.uk/ (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

To become a fully qualified Data Scientist