Data Engineer (Research Fellow/Senior Research Fellow)

Data Engineer (Research Fellow/Senior Research Fellow)

location_on Plymouth 06/09/2026 Data Engineer (Research Fellow/Senior Research Fellow) Apply online The job details are shown below. For further information click on the link for the job description.

Job details

Salary £39,906 - £46,049 per annum - Grade 7

£47,389 - £56,535 per annum - Grade 8

Contractual hours 37

Basis FT

Temporary Fulltime All Year

Interview date Wednesday 16 September 2026

Job category/type Academic/Research

Date posted 06/08/2026

Job reference B1334

Attachments

B1334 Job Description Grade 7.pdf

B1334 Job Description Grade 8.pdf

Description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a talented Data Engineer with strong database management, extraction and linkage expertise to join the NIHR-funded Mental Health Research Group (MHRG) at the University of Plymouth.

This post sits within the Mental Health Learning System, a 5-year programme of work bringing together the University of Plymouth, NHS partners across Plymouth and Somerset, and a wide network of collaborators, including King’s College London. The programme aims to transform how routinely collected healthcare data are linked and used, to better understand how people with serious mental health conditions access and move through services, how effectively services are working, and where improvements can be made.

About the role

In this role, you will work closely with a team of NHS service data engineers and analysts and university researchers to develop large, linked datasets, based on routinely collected health and social care service data, and prepare, extract, link, and manage data from multiple sources. Working closely with NHS, clinicians, managers, people with lived experience, knowledge mobilisation specialists and academic colleagues you will provide the quantitative data that supports service improvement and better outcomes for people using services. This project sits within a wider programme, encompassing a range of methodological approaches including qualitative research and information science. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to grow and develop skills in areas such as quantitative data analyses and natural language processing, working alongside the wider research team and partners.

As an embedded role, you will be based within our two NHS partner organisations - Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and Livewell, Plymouth - and required to work at least one day a week on-site initially. You will be supported with mentoring and training to develop and enhance your skills in data engineering, statistical modelling and natural language processing, including from partners at the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College London.

You will be supported to obtain honorary contracts with relevant NHS providers to access data. This will involve satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks, including DBS and occupational health clearance, mandatory NHS training, and compliance with local information governance requirements. You will work within University and NHS governance arrangements and will be supported by designated managers within participating services and the University.

For more information on Peninsula Medical School please visit our dedicated webpage at https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/schools

You will need to work at least one day a week on site initially (approximately two days a week as the project progresses).

The successful candidate may be required to obtain an ATAS Certificate prior to this research being undertaken.

This is a full-time position working 37 hours per week on a fixed-term basis due to funding until 31 March 2031.

A current full driving licence and willingness to travel is highly desirable as you will be required to travel to locations not easily accessible using public transport.

Application Process

If you are interested in this post, please view the job description for the Senior Research Fellow here and Research Fellow here.

To find out more about the role, please contact:

• Dr Stuart Spicer - stuart.spicer@plymouth.ac.uk or +44 7780 137935
• Dr Julian Elston - julian.elston@plymouth.ac.uk or 07946426060

In your application, please make sure you demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria in your supporting statement. This is outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training, skills and experience elements of the job description.

Please note, the University reserves the right to make an offer of appointment within the range advertised, according to your knowledge, experience and skills in relation to the key accountabilities.

Short-listed candidates will be invited to an online interview on 16th September. You will be required to give a 10-minute presentation, followed by standard interview questions and an opportunity to ask questions. Successful candidates will be invited to a face‑to‑face interview on 23rd September at the university a week later, where they will be required to complete a brief practical task (using SQL data manipulation and extraction) – details to be provided. You will be asked to present on how they conducted this exercise and respond to questions from the team.

Following the closing date of the vacancy, you will be notified on the outcome of your application in due course.

About us

The Faculty of Health holds four Silver Athena Swan awards, which recognise our commitment to supporting gender equality within higher education.

The University of Plymouth has a strong interdisciplinary research ethos which is supported by our two strategic Research Institutes; the Marine Institute and the Sustainable Earth Institute. As a member of our academic community, you’ll be expected to contribute to our recognised research strengths. Working holistically across the University, you will be challenged to innovate, collaborate and deliver impactful research contributions as part of a systems thinking approach to addressing today’s global challenges.

Our Offer

Staff appointed within the Faculty of Health may be able to join the NHS pension scheme subject to eligibility criteria.

We have a wide range of staff benefits available to employees, depending on eligibility:

• Generous annual leave: 35 Days Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays & Closure Days
• Generous pension scheme
• Cycle to Work & Electric Car Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Development opportunities
• Enhanced family leave
• Flexible working
• Retailer discounts
• On-site nursery

A summary of our comprehensive benefits can be viewed here .

Additional Information

The University of Plymouth is building an inclusive and equitable university where everyone feels represented, supported, and empowered to thrive. Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion is guided by the Inclusive Institutions Framework, a strategic and externally validated approach that embeds these principles across the entire institution. To find out more please visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpages

Data Engineer (Research Fellow/Senior Research Fellow) Apply online