Data Preparation Assistant x 2

Updated: 28 days ago
Location: Bristol, ENGLAND
Job Type: PartTime

The role holder will create and prepare data files from various sources for research staff, linking data where required, providing quality assurance, running basic statistical analysis, creating full documentation and providing support for the data. The role holder will update the existing suite of released data files to include newly derived or corrected variables as required. The role holder will assist researcher with accessing the data in a Trusted Research Environment (TRE).

1.4 FTE in total available split across 2 positions any which way. Work patterns will be discussed with successful candidates at a later stage and will depend on their availability.

  • Work with the line manager who will assign data preparation tasks and agree appropriate milestones and timelines with a two-month forward view, providing updates on progress when requested.
  • Create and update research data files using data from a variety of sources, ensuring that they are presented accurately in a clean and useable fashion for analysis within set time limits.
  • Design data handling systems to facilitate the cleaning, tracking and distribution of data, which may involve creating new databases, spreadsheets or programs in order that the data files produced for researchers are clean, confidential and reach them on time.
  • Create detailed documentation and support for all phases of file creation (including instruction sheets) in a comprehensible manner so that files can be recreated by other team members, and there is a description of the project with problems and parameters logged that may affect researchers’ analysis.
  • Contribute to published data notes that concisely describe research data stored in a repository if desired.
  • Perform basic statistical summaries using software programs (SPSS or STATA) on the data held by the study.
  • Apply disclosure control techniques to the data files in line with defined standards including converting case identifiers, identifying variables and values that constitute a disclosure risk and mitigating this risk through redacting, aggregating and transforming the data.

  • Share knowledge with and support other team members whenever possible.
  • Liaise with the Data Access team regarding derived variables that have been returned by researchers and with the researchers themselves if documentation is not available.
  • Liaise with any other members of staff who have knowledge of legacy data as appropriate.
  • Maintain the integrity and security of the data during cleaning or distribution to researchers taking into account its highly sensitive and personal nature.
  • Have experience using software programs (e.g. SQL, R, SPSS or STATA) on the data held by the study.
  • Understanding of disclosure controls when working with sensitive data.
  • You can work as part of a team.
  • You are organised and balance competing priorities.

Contract type: Open-ended with funding until 31/07/2024

Work pattern: Part-time (to be discussed; 1.4 FTE in total available split across 2 positions)

Grade: G

Salary: £29,605-£32,982 per annum pro rata

School/Unit: Bristol Medical School

Shift pattern: To be discussed (2 positions available, shift pattern depends on candidates' availability)

This advert will close at23:59 GMTon 03/04/2024

For informal queries please contact: [email protected]


We recently launched our strategy  to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.


The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.


Available documents

The role holder will create and prepare data files from various sources for research staff, linking data where required, providing quality assurance, running basic statistical analysis, creating full documentation and providing support for the data. The role holder will update the existing suite of released data files to include newly derived or corrected variables as required. The role holder will assist researcher with accessing the data in a Trusted Research Environment (TRE).

1.4 FTE in total available split across 2 positions any which way. Work patterns will be discussed with successful candidates at a later stage and will depend on their availability.

  • Work with the line manager who will assign data preparation tasks and agree appropriate milestones and timelines with a two-month forward view, providing updates on progress when requested.
  • Create and update research data files using data from a variety of sources, ensuring that they are presented accurately in a clean and useable fashion for analysis within set time limits.
  • Design data handling systems to facilitate the cleaning, tracking and distribution of data, which may involve creating new databases, spreadsheets or programs in order that the data files produced for researchers are clean, confidential and reach them on time.
  • Create detailed documentation and support for all phases of file creation (including instruction sheets) in a comprehensible manner so that files can be recreated by other team members, and there is a description of the project with problems and parameters logged that may affect researchers’ analysis.
  • Contribute to published data notes that concisely describe research data stored in a repository if desired.
  • Perform basic statistical summaries using software programs (SPSS or STATA) on the data held by the study.
  • Apply disclosure control techniques to the data files in line with defined standards including converting case identifiers, identifying variables and values that constitute a disclosure risk and mitigating this risk through redacting, aggregating and transforming the data.

  • Share knowledge with and support other team members whenever possible.
  • Liaise with the Data Access team regarding derived variables that have been returned by researchers and with the researchers themselves if documentation is not available.
  • Liaise with any other members of staff who have knowledge of legacy data as appropriate.
  • Maintain the integrity and security of the data during cleaning or distribution to researchers taking into account its highly sensitive and personal nature.
  • Have experience using software programs (e.g. SQL, R, SPSS or STATA) on the data held by the study.
  • Understanding of disclosure controls when working with sensitive data.
  • You can work as part of a team.
  • You are organised and balance competing priorities.

Contract type: Open-ended with funding until 31/07/2024

Work pattern: Part-time (to be discussed; 1.4 FTE in total available split across 2 positions)

Grade: G

Salary: £29,605-£32,982 per annum pro rata

School/Unit: Bristol Medical School

Shift pattern: To be discussed (2 positions available, shift pattern depends on candidates' availability)

This advert will close at23:59 GMTon 03/04/2024

For informal queries please contact: [email protected]


We recently launched our strategy  to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.


The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.


Available documents

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