Data Analyst - Applied Health Sciences - 105587 - Grade 7

Position Details 

Medicine and Health, Applied Health Sciences

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK 

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,130 to £45,413, with potential progression once in post to £48,149

Grade 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to June 2026

Closing date: 30 April 2025


Background 

The University of Birmingham is a global institution working within a diverse and vibrant City, offering an inspiring education to our students, and undertaking critically important research.  We are a place of open, critical thinking, and the creation, sharing and dissemination of knowledge.  Professional Services put students at the heart of all they do and enable an exceptional educational experience. They provide outstanding support to our researchers and help the University to grow its influence regionally, nationally, and globally. They ensure the University’s resources are used wisely, manage and improve the infrastructure which sits at the heart of the institution, and support decisions to be made quickly and based on sound evidence.  Our Birmingham Professional programme operates across the University, supporting colleagues to network and collaborate, offering opportunities to learn and develop, contributing to the delivery of the University’s objectives, and helping everyone to understand the broader context within which we work.   

Role Summary

The NIHR Global Health Research Unit on Global Surgery (GSU) at the University of Birmingham leads global collaborative research to improve surgical care across a network of over 2,000 hospitals in 120 countries. Its research focuses on increasing access to surgical care, improving patient outcomes, and reducing the environmental impact of surgery.

GSU is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Data Analyst to support our research programmes aimed at improving surgical outcomes in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The role involves working closely with Clinical Researchers and Senior Statisticians to manage and analyse clinical data, ranging from audit and evaluation projects to large-scale cohort studies. The Data Analyst will be responsible for designing and managing study databases; curating, cleaning, and preparing datasets for analysis; creating results tables and graphics for a range of publications and presentations. In-house training will be provided to support the Data Analyst to develop advanced REDCap skills.

Main duties

Database design and management

• Design and quality control REDCap data collection projects, including both study databases and surveys.
• Implement strategies to increase data accuracy and decrease missing data in REDCap data collection projects.
• Ensure proper project configuration and manage user permissions within REDCap, working with project teams to ensure seamless data capture.

Data curation and cleaning

• Process, clean, curate, and validate clinical datasets.
• Ensure data integrity and prepare datasets for statistical analysis.
• Integrate distinct datasets and move data across various platforms and formats.
• Lead on data sharing including securing data sharing agreements and preparing data for sharing, including ad-hoc requests.

Data analysis support

• Conduct basic statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics and tabulations under the guidance of Senior Statisticians.
• Prepare clear, concise data summaries and statistical reports for audiences, including clinicians, managers, and policymakers.

Data visualisation

• Create and refine graphical visualisations for a range of outputs including both non-technical and academic publications.
• Develop interactive data visualisations (e.g. dashboards) for both internal and external stakeholders, supporting GSU’s public and policy engagement efforts.

Collaboration

• Collaborate with international research partners and team members in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) hubs to support data management activities.
• Train and mentor other staff as appropriate in the responsible use of data and its collection.
• Attend courses as deemed relevant, including mandatory training, and to attend meetings and conferences as appropriate.
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specificaiton

• Educated to Degree level in data science, statistics, mathematics, computing or other discipline with a large numeracy component.
• Proven experience of data processing and cleaning.
• Experience of basic statistical analyses.
• Experience of the design and management of REDCap databases (desirable).
• Advanced knowledge and ability to use MS Excel.
• Ability to use tables and graphics to communicate complex data.
• Advanced skills in using data analysis software and tools, such as Stata, R, SQL, Python, Power Bi or Tableau (desirable). 
• Excellent communication skills with ability to communicate complex data both verbally and in writing to a non-technical audience.
• Keen attention to detail. 
• Analytical and logical approach to complex problem solving.
• Proven ability to develop constructive working relationships across a range of stakeholders; collaborative approach to teamwork. 
• Experience of working to deadlines in a fast-paced environment (experience of working in clinical research or public health settings is advantageous). 
• Knowledge of cohort studies, randomized controlled trials, or epidemiological studies (desirable).
• Contribution to published peer-reviewed research articles and familiarity with the publishing process (desirable). 
• Evidence of continued professional development.
• Aptitude for acquiring new skills rapidly to meet changing objectives.
• Willingness to occasionally travel overseas to visit collaborating sites, if required.
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day-to-day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly. 

Informal enquiries to Lucy Caton, email: l.caton@bham.ac.uk

View our staff values and behaviours here  

 

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.