National Programme Manager, Science

Job Description

Reporting to: Chief Science Strategy Officer (CSSO), HDR UKDuration: Fixed-term contract (10 months)Health Data Research UK (HDR UK) is the national institute for health data science. Our mission is to unite the UKs health data to enable discoveries that improve peoples lives. It is funded by UK Research and Innovation, the Department of Health and Social Care in England and equivalents in Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland, and leading medical research charities.HDR UK was set up in 2018 to support research on health data at scale to advance our understanding of disease and enable new discoveries that will ultimately improve health and care. We have established national research programmes that use data at scale, and we are building an infrastructure to enable the responsible access and analysis of this data. Our work is structured around three key themes:

Uniting health data - which includes the UK Health Data Research Alliance and the Health Data Research Innovation Gateway.

Improving health data - which includes tools, methods, Health Data Research Hubs and the BHF Data Science Centre.

Using health data - which includes research discoveries and skills development across four national priority areas: Understanding the Causes of Disease, Clinical Trials, Public Health and Better Care.

We have been central to the UKs response to COVID-19, enabling a trustworthy, national approach to using health data, drawing on the full capabilities of UK research. This enabling health data for research into understanding the virus, clinical trials for treatments (including Dexamethasone), symptom trackers, risk calculators and impacts on vulnerable groups, including cancer patients. For the first time we are bringing together our unique nationwide health data assets and specialists across academia, research and healthcare to unlock knowledge and deliver new insights from molecule to man. This is being achieved through a three part health data research infrastructure - the Alliance, Hubs and Gateway:

1. UK Health Data Research Alliance - an Alliance of data suppliers committed to making an unprecedented breadth and depth of data available for research and innovation purposes.
2. Health Data Research Hubs - making data available, curating data, and providing expert research services. The Hubs will be centres of expertise to get from data to insight and the location to collaborate and co-create.
3. Health Data Research Innovation Gateway - providing discovery, accessibility, security and interoperability to surface data, support linkage, and enable health data science safely and efficiently.

By undertaking research at scale, across a population of up to 65 million people, we have an unrivalled opportunity to use data to the highest ethical standards to drive breakthroughs in medical research. This unleashes the potential to improve the way we are able to prevent, detect and diagnose diseases such as cancer, heart disease and asthma. In providing expert services and bringing together the best of multiple sectors to support research and innovation, Hubs provide an important vehicle in achieving this ambition.At Health Data Research UK we employ talented individuals who bring their own unique skills and experience to support the vision and benefit the whole team.About HDR UKs Science ProgrammeHealth Data Research UK teams across the UK develop innovative tools and technologies needed to unlock knowledge from complex and diverse health data, to address some of the biggest health challenges that we face. To achieve this, we bring together a unique blend of health expertise with world-leading maths, statistics and computer science skills. We champion an open, values-driven and collaborative culture.Health Data Research UKs research brings together world-class expertise into one institute. We work with universities and research institutions, clustered into eight regions, or sites. Each of our research sites brings diverse interdisciplinary expertise and a track record in using health data securely to derive new knowledge and scientific discovery. Our research teams work together to deliver 6 national research priorities.The role of the HDR UK Science team, within the HDR UK central office is to enable our national research teams to be the best at what they do and to make fast-paced progress towards our mission of making discoveries that improve peoples lives.Purpose of the postThe HDR UK National Programme Manager, Science will be a key member of the Institute, working with HDR UKs national research teams to deliver a dynamic programme of distinctive, world-leading health data science. The role will be integral to managing and delivering HDR UKs national research programmes, working in partnership with HDR UKs sites and research organisations across the UK. The National Programme Manager, Science will have day-to day responsibility for delivery of HDR UKs scientific portfolio.Main responsibilities

You will lead the management of HDR UKs science programme nationally and ensure the successful delivery of HDR UKs national science priorities.

You will lead the co-ordination of HDR UKs science portfolio, working closely with HDR UKs expert teams to ensure that delivery is on track and identify mitigating actions where necessary.

You will manage and lead the effective operation of the HDR UK Using Health Data Delivery Group.

You will work in close collaboration with HDR UK sites to identify and ensure that resources are in place to deliver HDR UKs national science programme.

You will act as the primary point of contact for the HDR UK site professional leaders across the Institute.

You will use your knowledge of multiple project methodologies to deliver solution-oriented approaches for the team(s) you partner with across sectors.

You will develop lasting relationships with the key stakeholders that foster efficient and collaborative ways of working across the whole of the HDR UK science programme.

You will work closely with the Programme Director for Training and Talent to ensure that HDR UKs training activities are integrated effectively with HDR UKs research priorities.

You will respond to challenges and opportunities with optimism and respect, seeking to identify the cause, rather than focussing on immediate issues. You will think ahead and actively manage risks, anticipating issues and proposing solutions.

You will display flexibility to adjust plans as necessary. You will be content managing ambiguity, provide clarity and support others through change.