Senior Research Fellow in Health Data Science

The role

We are looking for an enthusiastic and talented Senior Research Fellow (0.5FTE) with expertise in health data science to join the leadership team of the Electronic Health Records Group at the University of Bristol. The group conducts innovative analyses on large datasets, using privacy-protecting platforms such as OpenSAFELY and the NHS England Secure Data Environment Service, as well as emerging sub-national data environments.

The successful candidate will play a central role in leading, developing and contributing to high-quality applied research using large-scale, linked electronic health records. They will work closely with colleagues across Bristol and partner institutions, regionally and nationally, to develop collaborations that conduct high-quality applied research with direct relevance to population health and healthcare policy.

Hybrid working is not available for this role. 

What will you be doing?

The post-holder will lead and collaborate on applied research programmes using platforms such as OpenSAFELY and the NHS England Secure Data Environment Service, as well as emerging sub-national data environments. They will design, conduct, and interpret population-scale studies addressing key clinical and public health questions, generating robust, policy-relevant evidence.

As a senior member of the team, the post holder will shape the Group’s research activities, lead grant applications, and develop collaborations with academic, clinical, and policy partners. They will provide academic leadership, including line management and mentorship, ensuring high standards of analytical rigour, reproducibility, and impact, and supporting the continued growth and national standing of the Group

You should apply if

You should apply if you are an experienced and motivated researcher with a strong track record of leading teams and delivering high-impact research using NHS health and care data. You will have experience accessing and working with large-scale datasets within secure data environments, and be confident navigating data governance, approvals, and access processes. You should have successfully led or contributed to research grants, including managing budgets and resources effectively. We are looking for someone who can design and lead ambitious research programmes, mentor and support junior colleagues, and build strong collaborations across academic, clinical, and policy settings. You will be comfortable operating in complex, evolving data landscapes while maintaining high standards of analytical rigour and delivery. Above all, you will be driven to produce research that informs practice and improves health outcomes, and to play a leading role in shaping the direction and growth of a dynamic research team.

Additional information

Contract type: Open-ended with funding for 30/06/2029

Work pattern: Part-time/0.5FTE

Shift pattern: 17.5 hours/week

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 18/06/2026

For informal queries please contact: Jonathan Sterne (Professor of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology): jonathan.sterne@bristol.ac.uk

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