Head of Data Connect

Job description:

We are looking for an exceptional service and team leader with experience in health data research to head up an important and exciting function of the University.

Data Connect (https://sheffield.ac.uk/data-connect) is a strategic priority initiative by the University of Sheffield and is one of the University’s Centres of Excellence. It has direct funding from the University Executive Board and the Yorkshire and Humber Secure Data Environment (YHSDE). Its mission is to build a sustainable, high-impact service that supports health and social care data research across the University and the wider region.

We are seeking an experienced and visionary leader to ensure that Data Connect is strategically positioned, sustainable, and adaptable to the rapidly evolving health data landscape. You will combine strategic foresight with operational excellence to deliver a high-performing, trusted research data service that advances the University’s ambitions in health and social care innovation. A strong understanding of the technical, ethical, and governance frameworks that underpin health data research is highly desirable.

As Head of Data Connect you will be responsible for the budget allocated by the University to develop the service, but also they will identify and secure other funding for Data Connect through engaging with researchers in the Faculty of Health (and elsewhere) as well as external partners. They will be able to balance the workload of the team with the objective for the service to become self-sufficient.

The Data Connect service team includes Data Managers, Data Scientists, Project Managers and draws on support from Platforms and Systems Engineers and specialists from other teams. The team currently comprises 16 staff based across the University and regional partners including the YHSDE and the South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (SYICB), as part of Connected South Yorkshire — a programme designed to strengthen shared capabilities between academia and the health sector to enhance data access for research and innovation.

At the University you will be part of a welcoming, inclusive and supportive team, where you will be encouraged to stretch and thrive. Working with colleagues who are motivated by the purpose and the opportunity to contribute to the University’s ambition to be world-leading and world-changing research and to produce the highest quality research to drive intellectual advances and address global challenges. The competitive salary, generous benefits and openness to flexible working arrangements are also a significant draw too.

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