Digital Tools Team Leader

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Digital Tools Team Lead to join the MRC Epidemiology Unit working on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. The Unit is a department within the University of Cambridge's School of Clinical Medicine, and its research focuses on understanding the causes and helping to prevent obesity, diabetes and other associated metabolic disorders. 

The Unit is looking to establish a brand-new Digital Tools Team (DTT) within its Research Operations function. The DTT will deliver a step change in the development and application of digital technology to the Unit's portfolio of Health Research Platforms by integrating tools such as wearables and apps, and implementing Clinical Study workflows from participant engagement to data analysis. One of your first tasks will be to build, lead and expand this new team by identify gaps within the Unit's expertise and define potential new programmer roles accordingly. A few programmers currently working in the Unit's Data Management Team will join the DTT upon its creation.

You will work closely with Principal Investigators to identify where digital innovation can create new research opportunities, enhance the interactions with studies participants, and enable data pipeline optimisation whilst ensuring that the necessary safeguarding settings are in place. You will report directly to the Head of Research Operations, and will lead the development and implementation of new digital tools in collaboration with the IT and Data Management teams, Senior Staff and the Study Teams to ensure the full end-to-end integration of the data pipeline.

The successful candidates will be educated to degree level in a scientific subject or have equivalent practical experience. Applicants will have extensive programming expertise both in Windows and Linux operating systems, as well as practical expertise working with APIs, including REST APIs. Experience in web/app programming project management, familiarity with version control tools such as Git, and a full understanding of the project lifecycle are required, whilst line management experience is desirable. 

You will demonstrate collaborative and influencing skills to lead your team and work effectively with other functional and academic groups. You will be responsible for the development and a long-term strategy regarding the use of digital tools and platforms to support and enhance research across the Unit. You will also advise on in-house versus outsourced work, working closely with third-party providers when necessary from the early design stage up to the hand over phase.

This role represents an excellent opportunity to join the Unit at such an innovative time, be at the forefront of international research and generate evidence to inform public health action. You and your team will be able to work with leading University specialists that carry out a broad range of software development, data and information technology functions and be part of a dynamic and collaborative working environment. 

If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact Louise Aigrain louise.aigrain@mrc-epid.cam.ac.uk.

We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible working arrangements.

Fixed-term: 31 March 2025.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a security check.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please visit: http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/39853.

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and a CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

The closing date for applications is: 9th April 2023

The interview date for the role is: 25th April 2023

Please quote reference SJ35742 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.