George Watson-Hyde

# Machine Learning & Biological Physics

George Watson-Hyde

Dr George D. Watson-Hyde MPhys (Hons) PhD (Ebor.), MBCS

I’m a Senior Data Scientist with over 8 years of experience of applying machine learning, statistics, and computational modelling to complex research and development problems across academia and the public sector. I have a background in biological physics, including a PhD from the University of York, with a focus on DNA–protein interactions.

I specialise in building robust, interpretable machine learning (ML) models and tooling to empower decision-making in uncertain environments. I also provide technical leadership, mentoring, and recruitment expertise, and have experience developing new data and ML capability within complex organisations.

Skills: Machine learning in Python and R • Computational biology & biophysics • Deep learning • Technical leadership

Contact: hello@georgewatson.me • LinkedIn

Employment

  • Department for Work and Pensions (2022–)
    Senior Data Scientist (2024–)
    Data Scientist (TDA, 2023–2024)
    Associate Data Scientist (2022–2024)
    • Developed and applied new data science & machine learning techniques, including a novel Bayesian matching algorithm and custom deep-learning models to understand messy event data
    • Managed other data scientists and offered support for career development
    • Enhanced capability across the Department by leading popular data science learning & development sessions
  • Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (2021–2022)
    Statistical Officer
    • Led on production of high-profile government publications
    • Developed reproducible analytical pipelines in R to speed up production of statistical reports and reduce error
  • University of York (2017–2021)
    Research Assistant in Molecular Dynamics Simulations (2021)
    Postgraduate Research Assistant in Biophysics (2017–2021)
    Graduate Teaching Assistant (casual work, 2018–2020)
    • Performed research into DNA–protein interactions using molecular dynamics simulations
    • Applied machine learning to extract information from large scientific datasets
    • Taught molecular simulation and scientific programming to undergraduate students via interactive workshop sessions

Education

  • PhD Physics
    University of York • 2017–2021
    Thesis: “Atomistic simulation of interactions between DNA and integration host factor”
    Supervisors: Agnes Noy, Mark Leake
  • MPhys (Hons) Theoretical Physics (with first-class honours)
    University of York • 2013–2017
    Dissertation: “Probing DNA intercalation through targeted molecular dynamics simulation of ellipticine and anthracene-derived ligands”
    Dissertation supervisor: Robert Greenall

Publications

  • Watson G D, Chan E W, Leake M C, Noy A 2022
    “Structural interplay between DNA-shape protein recognition and supercoiling: the case of IHF”
    Computational and Structural Biotechnology Journal 20 5264–74
    doi:10.1016/j.csbj.2022.09.020
  • Watson G, Velasco-Berrelleza V, Noy A 2022
    “Atomistic Molecular Dynamics Simulations of DNA in Complex 3D Arrangements for Comparison with Lower Resolution Structural Experiments”
    in Leake M C (ed.)
    Chromosome Architecture, Methods in Molecular Biology 2476 95–109
    doi:10.1007/978-1-0716-2221-6_8
  • Yoshua S B†, Watson G D†, Howard J A L, Velasco-Berrelleza V, Leake M C, Noy A 2021
    “Integration host factor bends and bridges DNA in a multiplicity of binding modes with varying specificity”
    Nucleic Acids Research 49 8684–98
    doi:10.1093/nar/gkab641
  • Watson G D 2021 “Atomistic simulation of interactions between DNA and integration host factor” (PhD thesis) University of York uk.bl.ethos.832618

Key to symbols:

  • † These authors contributed equally to this work.

Talks & Posters

Talks

  • Biological Physics Seminar Series
    University of York • 22 May 2020
    “Simulating the shape of DNA”
  • Physics Postgraduate Conference 2018
    University of York • 21 September 2018
    “Molecular dynamics simulation of supercoiled DNA minicircles”
    Winner: Best Talk

Poster Presentations

Teaching & Outreach

Teaching

  • Advanced Computational Laboratory (practical demonstration)
    University of York • 2018–2019
    • Supervised, guided, and assisted students developing various programs for physical simulation, in a variety of languages including Fortran, during third-year computational laboratory
    • Led an experiment in single-particle plasma simulation, which included delivering a short introductory lecture
    • Shortlisted: GTA of the Year
  • Molecular Simulation (practical demonstration)
    University of York • 2018–2020
    • Provided support and assistance to third-year students during molecular dynamics workshop sessions

Outreach

  • York Festival of Ideas Fringe Family Fun Afternoon
    University of York • June 2019
    “DNA Detectives”
    • Hosted interactive DNA bracelets and DNA origami activities for children aged 5–11, explaining the structure and function of DNA appropriately
  • York Researchers’ Night (YorNight)
    University of York • November 2018
    “Meet Your Molecules in VR”
    • Performed interactive virtual reality demonstrations of biological molecules and 3D visualisation techniques in biophysics for members of the public of various ages and backgrounds at a well attended event

Professional Development

Memberships & Awards

Memberships

MBCS - Professional Member - BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT
  • Professional Member, BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT (MBCS)

Awards

  • Best Talk, Physics Postgraduate Conference 2018
    University of York • 21 September 2018
    (Prize sponsored by the Institute of Physics)
  • Shortlisted: Graduate Teaching Assistant of the Year, Physics Awards 2019 • University of York • 1 May 2019
  • Shortlisted: Postgraduate Makes a Difference, Physics Awards 2019 • University of York • 1 May 2019

Further details available on request.