Lead Data Scientist, AI/ML
Cognizant Consulting is a global community of experts dedicated to helping clients reimagine their business by blending deep industry and technology advisory capability to create innovative solutions for Fortune 500 clients.
About the role
As a Lead Data Scientist, AI/ML, you will design, build, and operationalise modern analytics solutions that drive measurable value. You will also take on leadership responsibilities—guiding small, high‑performing teams as they deliver impactful AI initiatives. You’ll work closely with business stakeholders, product owners, architects, and cross‑functional delivery teams to embed AI/ML into digital products and services, ensuring that complex technical insights translate into clear, compelling business outcomes.
In this role, you will
- Apply advanced statistical and scientific methods (e.g., hypothesis testing, inference) to frame problems, validate assumptions, and quantify impact.
- Engineer and integrate data across structured and unstructured sources; oversee data wrangling and feature engineering for production‑grade pipelines.
- Build and guide the development of models using Python and libraries such as scikit‑learn, pandas, numpy, and develop deep‑learning solutions using TensorFlow and PyTorch.
- Process big data at scale using Spark and cloud‑native tools (e.g., AWS Glue, Azure Data Factory).
- Operationalise ML solutions using MLOps practices—CI/CD for models, reproducible training, and automated deployment.
- Deliver applied ML and AI across predictive analytics, time‑series forecasting, anomaly detection, NLP, computer vision, and Generative AI (e.g., retrieval systems, chatbots).
- Govern and monitor models in cloud environments; establish retraining schedules, performance monitoring, and risk controls.
- Design machine‑learning architectures that support pre‑sales engagements and accelerate the successful initiation of new projects.
- Lead agile delivery practices (Scrum/SAFe) using tools such as JIRA and Trello; ensure backlog health and delivery quality.
- Coach, mentor, and develop team members; advocate for data‑driven decision making across the organisation.
- Think strategically about data collection, metric design, and ethical AI‑driving responsible and transparent use of data.
Work model
We believe hybrid work is the way forward as we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role’s business requirements, this is a hybrid position requiring 2–3 days a week in a client or Cognizant office in London, UK. Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work‑life balance through our various wellbeing programs.
What you must have to be considered
- 5+ years of hands‑on experience in statistical methods and ML engineering across the end‑to‑end lifecycle (data prep–modelling–deployment–monitoring).
- Proficiency in Python and strong command of ML/DS libraries scikit‑learn, pandas, numpy, and TensorFlow/PyTorch.
- Experience working with GCP, AWS and Azure data services.
- Demonstrated MLOps expertise (CI/CD, model registries, reproducible training, automated deployment).
- Ability to communicate technical insights clearly to non‑technical audiences; strong storytelling with data.
- Proven agile delivery experience; confident in facilitating ceremonies and partnering with product owners.
- Strong grounding in data security and compliance, especially in regulated industries (e.g., BFSI, healthcare, life sciences).
- Working knowledge of cloud‑native software architecture, service design/design thinking, and version control (Git).
- Experience leading small AI teams and mentoring junior data scientists on AI/ML initiatives.
These will help you succeed (nice‑to‑haves)
- Experience designing gen‑AI and agentic AI architectures (e.g., using Google’s ADK or similar frameworks).
- Background in real‑time analytics and event‑driven architectures.
- Prior consulting experience (client‑facing, pre‑sales, solutioning) and domain expertise.
- A strong track record of driving innovation and accelerating the adoption of advanced analytics in complex organisations.
Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
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