PDRF Health Service Operational Research & Data Science

Updated: 10 months ago
Location: Exeter, ENGLAND
Deadline: 08 Jun 2023

Faculty of Health and Life Sciences 

We welcome applications from candidates interested in working part-time hours or job-sharing arrangements. 

The post is available on a fixed-term contract until the end of June 2025.

Summary of the role

We have an exciting opportunity for an Operational Researcher or Data Scientist to help shape a unique online training programme for staff working in health, social care and policing across England.

The Health Service Modelling Associates (HSMA) Programme is a 15 month training and mentoring programme that teaches NHS staff applied skills in Python, Operational Research and Data Science, including Discrete Event Simulation and Machine Learning.  Associates are supported to apply these skills to real world projects for their organisation.  The programme has led to significant national impact and transformational improvements for patients.

With 100 associates in each cohort, the programme supports the development of complex skills using entertaining and engaging approaches to explain complex subject matter.  All materials are made available freely, and our training sessions are available on YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCY9_Gxg6kM-xjk9vV0mzIQ .  We have developed a Slack community of over 300 participants which provides ongoing support.

This role will help the HSMA Programme Lead, Dr Dan Chalk, to 1) help develop and deliver the training and mentoring aspects of the programme, and 2) help to further expand the programme.  A key aspect will be helping to develop a dedicated YouTube channel to reach an international audience, expanding on the current channel which already has over 1,000 subscribers.  There will also be opportunities to become involved in applied research projects.

The post is available on a fixed-term contract until the end of June 2025.

About you 

You will have some experience of applied modelling or Data Science, as well as coding experience, ideally in Python.  You will have a passion for teaching and supporting novices to develop their skills.  You will be creative and engaging in your approach, have exceptional communication skills and be able to develop innovative solutions to enhance learning and development opportunities.

Experience of using open systems such as Linux, Jupyter Notebooks and Git would be advantageous.  You will be able to demonstrate skills that would allow you to teach complex concepts to non-experts.  You will have relevant qualifications and experience in a relevant discipline, such as Operational Research or Computer Science, and either a PhD in a relevant area or equivalent experience.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 150 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023 and the 2022 Academic Ranking of World Universities released by Shanghai Rankings). 

Our research income in recent years means we’re the fastest growing UK Research University with some of the world’s most influential scientists, and we seek to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today. More than 99% of our research is of international quality and our world-leading research impact is growing faster than any other Russell Group university (2021 Research Excellence Framework). We are using the power of our education and research to create a sustainable, healthy and socially just future.  Our shared purpose and vision continually moves us forward to make a difference to our people, our communities, our partners and the world around us.  Read about our world leading research on Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO City of Literature

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. Reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer.

Benefits

We offer some fantastic benefits including: 

  • 39/41 days leave per year
  • options for flexible working
  • numerous discounts at leading retailers
  • onsite gyms on all of our campus’ and a cycle to work scheme
  • sector leading policies around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to six weeks full pay) and a Fertility Treatment Policy
  • stunning campus environments in Exeter and Cornwall, in the beautiful South West of England

Further information

Please contact Dr Daniel Chalk, [email protected]

This role may be subject to additional background screening. 

The College is proud to have a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment and impact to providing equality of opportunity and advancing the representation of women in STEM/M subjects.  Our Inspiring Stories tell you more about how we support our staff, including through a mentoring programme to help our staff learn from the professional and life experience of colleagues and explore opportunities and actions for career progression. 



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