Felix Jones’ journey to LIFELENZ is both unique and inspiring. Starting his academic career in Adelaide, Australia, where LIFELENZ is headquartered, Felix completed his undergraduate studies before pursuing a PhD at Drexel University in Philadelphia. His research focused on molecular chemistry simulations on supercomputers, combining a love for mathematics with practical applications. Despite initially planning to stay in the U.S. with a job lined up in Boston, the 2020 pandemic brought Felix back to Adelaide, where he fortuitously joined LIFELENZ.
As the Data Science Lead for Analytics at LIFELENZ, Felix’s role is multifaceted. Initially hired to innovate and improve forecasting models, his responsibilities quickly expanded. Now, Felix balances deep mathematical work with client-facing tasks and product development. He spends substantial time on complex mathematical modeling and coding, while also engaging in sales development, such as organizing forecasting projects with major clients.
Felix’s role also involves significant stakeholder management and product development, where he ensures that the analytics solutions provided meet the business needs of clients. One of the key areas he focuses on is labor optimization for Quick Service Restaurants (QSR), where reducing labor costs while maintaining service quality is paramount.
Throughout his career, Felix has worked on numerous projects that blend his academic expertise with practical applications. At LIFELENZ, he continues to use techniques from his PhD, such as statistical noise reduction and numerical optimization. One notable achievement is his work on convolutional neural networks, trained on GPUs, which showcases his ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts to real-world problems.
For Felix, success is not just about solving mathematical problems but about integrating those solutions into practical, usable products that meet client needs. This involves navigating constraints such as legacy systems and diverse client requirements, ultimately aiming to build the best possible version of a product.
Felix offers two key pieces of advice for those entering the field of data science. First, he recommends studying pure mathematics, as it builds strong foundational skills. Second, he advises against specializing too narrowly. Having expertise in an additional domain, whether biology, chemistry, or software engineering, complements data science skills and enhances one’s ability to translate domain-specific knowledge into effective models and solutions.
Outside of work, Felix is an avid hiker. He has explored breathtaking landscapes in Norway, Switzerland, the Rocky Mountains, and Tasmania. His hiking adventures often involve challenging trails, such as those in the Swiss Alps and Norway’s snowy terrains, showcasing his determination and love for the outdoors.
Felix Jones’ transition from academia to the startup world of LIFELENZ highlights the dynamic nature of data science. His ability to blend deep mathematical knowledge with practical applications and client needs makes him an invaluable asset to the team. Felix’s journey is a testament to the exciting and varied opportunities in data science, especially at innovative companies like LIFELENZ.
