Data Infrastructure and Visualisation Manager

Job Purpose

The post holder will lead the development and maintenance of the MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit’s database management systems, research data collection systems and design bespoke ways to communicate complex research data findings to a range of audiences. This includes data coding and supporting analysis, as well as supporting technical web development initiatives such as the creation of interactive dashboards. They will also provide support and expert assistance to Unit staff and their external stakeholders to deliver a range of data management and visualisation solutions. The role will support several research projects (SIPHER and PHRF), with 2 days a week dedicated to working on each.

The role will support web survey development to look at the health of secondary school students, setting up contact databases to allow fieldworkers to recontact study participants at multiple time points. The post holder will work closely with researchers undertaking statistical analysis and machine learning of data collected by PHRF databases, and with Research Software Engineers specialising in large data and computational solutions.

The post holder will be responsible for the Unit’s database servers, data management systems, provide technical support for research projects and resolve user problems, working under the direction of the PHRF Senior Project Manager and liaising closely with the Unit IT Manager, the SIPHER Consortium Manager and the SIPHER Communications and Engagement Co-ordinator.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1.      Be responsible for the database development process (and maintenance) and ensure that database systems and processes are high quality and aligned with the Unit’s strategic research needs and ensure all systems comply with regulatory requirements and Unit Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

2.      Be responsible for the implementation of SIPHER’s Data Communications strategy by designing bespoke dashboards and visualisations of complex data findings.

3.      Conduct analysis, present results and put forward recommendations through briefing, presentations or written reports to inform decision making.

4.      Produce formal reports for senior colleagues on project progress, data management issues and non-compliances. Identify gaps and weaknesses and recommend corrective actions.

5.      Lead on developing innovative solutions in response to technological change, overseeing the maintenance of the Unit’s data management infrastructure and updating to changing technologies in order to ensure availability, confidentiality and integrity of the Unit’s data.

6.      Lead the development (and maintenance) of internal bespoke databases as well as work with off the shelf systems to a high standard and use specialist knowledge to resolve complex issues. This includes developing Delphi survey questionnaires and building the dissemination and communications methods to be used.

7.      Provide advice and expertise PHRF Senior Project Manager and the SIPHER Consortium Manager to cost the resources required to support data capture/database development.

8.      Provide specialist advice and guidance to researchers on suitable, effective solutions for building and/or adapting research project-specific databases or web-based applications specific to the needs of the study, methods of data collection and analysis, including at project proposal stage.

9.      Install and security test web applications developed by third parties.

10.   Collaborate closely with Database Lead to support the Unit’s internal record and output management system.

11.   Lead development of documentation and standardised manuals of operation in the area of data management systems and prepare computer system validation documentation.

12.   Provide training for end-users (internal staff and external stakeholders) in the use of the Unit’s systems, including bespoke project-specific web-based systems.

13.   Liaison, communication and relationship building with other University units and project working groups to support the achievement of University objectives, initiatives and changing priorities.

14.   Duties of the post outlined are not exhaustive, and the post holder will be expected to undertake other duties as may be reasonably expected. The duties of the post will be subject to review in line with changing requirements, both internal and external.

15.   Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, World Changers Together.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Qualifications

Essential:

A1. Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 9, [Ordinary Degree, Scottish Vocational Qualification level 4], or equivalent in a relevant discipline/business area with evidence of continued professional development in an area relevant to the role.

Or: Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary professional knowledge and management skills in a similar or number of different specialist roles.

Knowledge and Skills

Essential: 

C1. Be able to demonstrate a high degree of competency in the area of database development and management, SQL programming, and methodologies to support large dataset manipulation and analysis.

C2. Extensive knowledge of web development within PHP, MySQL/Oracle, HTML5, CSS and JavaScript environment.

C3. Knowledge of additional programming languages: e.g. Python, R, STATA, C variants (C, C++, C#),

C4: Ability to work with different types of data sources and formats e.g. APIs, JSON, CSV, SQL etc.

C5. Working knowledge of development and administration of web-based electronic data capture systems (e.g. questionnaires, surveys, information database systems).

C6. Working knowledge of data management processes from project initiation to project end including client interaction.

C7. Ability to develop skills in response to technological change within the area of database management and administration.

C8. Capable of analytical thinking and ability to use initiative and judgement to solve problems and plan work activities.

C9. Ability to cope under pressure while maintaining a high level of accuracy.

C10. Ability to work independently, as appropriate, and under supervision depending on the complexity of the task or project, assessing priorities and managing own and others workload effectively.

C11. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work as part of a team with staff at all levels.

C12. Reliable, trustworthy and able to maintain confidentiality.

C13. Knowledge of data science and analytics.

Desirable:

D1. Postgraduate qualification in an IT discipline or with extensive relevant experience.

D2. Knowledge of additional programming Power BI, Unix shell scripting.

D3. Storytelling skills – the ability to create compelling narratives to deliver concise key messages.

D4. Ability to adhere to and use set branding materials and guidelines.

Experience

Essential:

E1. Significant relevant experience in web development and administration within PHP, MySQL/Oracle, HTML5, CSS and JavaScript environment.

E2. Extensive experience of managing multiple MySQL databases, or equivalent.

E3. Experience designing and implementing interactive web-based visualisations for communicating complex data insights effectively and clearly to different audiences.

E4. Experience building visualisation dashboards in R Shiny, Microsoft Power BI, Tableau or similar bespoke software dashboards.

E5. Significant data management experience.

Desirable:

F1. Experience in developing websites.

F2. Experience with the relevant web-based technologies/methodologies.

F3. Experience of working within a health or academic sector.

F4. Experience in developing with Microsoft Access and VBA.

F5. Experience of working on complex multi-partner projects.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 7, £39,347 - £44,263 per annum, pro rata. 

This post is part time (28 hours per week) and is open ended with funding available until 31st March 2025, with the possibility of extension.

Please note, previous applicants need not apply. 

The post for which you are applying is considered “registered work” in terms of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups Act. It requires the successful applicant to become a Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme member prior to appointment. This check is necessary to ensure that the University of Glasgow fulfils its legal duties under the Act.

As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University  https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.