Strategic Data Lead

About Adolescent Health Study

The Adolescent Health Study (AHS) is an ambitious new UKRI-funded initiative to establish a prospective, longitudinal population study that will generate a globally leading open science data platform and research resource. AHS aims to recruit at least 100,000 young people from across the UK and to follow their mental and physical health and wellbeing over at least 10 years. It plans to collect data through questions and measures; to obtain bio-samples for a wide range of genomic and other high-throughput assays; and to capture linked data relevant to health and wellbeing from participants’ health, education and other administrative records. There will be a strong emphasis on engaging with and involving young people, schools, parents and other relevant stakeholders in the design and delivery of the study, as well as on including young people that represent as wide as possible a range of backgrounds, experiences and characteristics. AHS will focus on enabling a wide range of research, including studies of the critical biological and social developments that occur during the transition from childhood to adulthood and the determinants of both mental and physical health and wellbeing in adolescents and young adults.

Reporting to: AHS Chief Information and Technology Officer (to be appointed Spring 2026)

Hours of Work: FTE 37.5 hours per week

Purpose of the post

The Strategic Data Lead will play a critical role in managing the study’s data pipeline, devising and implementing strategies for the collection, management, storage, documentation and curation of complex participant data, and sharing data with research users. In particular, there will be a need for innovative, remote data collection methods that are acceptable to children and young people taking part in the study. The role holder will provide specialist advice, direction and input to the wider scientific team to maximise the potential of the study data and future-proof the resource. They will drive forward innovative solutions which enable the long-term strategic vision for data management in the study.

Main responsibilities

• Strategy: Provide expert input into the design and delivery of the study before data collection begins, maximising data quality and efficient management from the start. Devise and implement a data management strategy, including appropriate data architecture, meta-data and data pipeline(s), to support the study’s aims and meet the needs of the research community. Consider the long-term strategy for data preservation and discoverability, to future-proof the resource and ensure maximal use.
• Technology and innovation: Identify and oversee the delivery of novel solutions for collection and management of complex health data, including transfer of data from specialist equipment and mobile technology, such as wearables or app-based data. Lead procurement activities, where required, to support the data management strategy, translating the needs of users into appropriate specifications and working with third parties to oversee delivery of solutions.
• Risk management and compliance: Oversee the development, management and continual improvement of all procedures used to process, manage and store data, ensuring that they are kept up to date and comply with relevant legislation and local guidelines.
• Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement: Build relationships with other longitudinal population studies (LPS) in order to seek advice where appropriate and ensure sharing of best practice within the LPS community. Work closely with researchers, data scientists and national bodies, such as Population Research UK and the UK Longitudinal Linkage Collaboration, to support study objectives. Consult and co-operate with colleagues and stakeholders, including children and young people, to support the use of the study’s data for collaborative research purposes, identifying opportunities to maximise the potential of the data. Offer creative solutions to issues that arise, consulting with and influencing stakeholders with differing expectations, ensuring the impact of any change is communicated and understood by those involved.

Essential criteria

• Proven track record of managing large and complex data sets within an academic, research or similar environment, including different types of data from multiple sources, including those with complex ethical and governance requirements.
• Thorough understanding of legislation regarding data management, confidentiality and security.
• Understanding of research governance.
• Demonstrable experience in developing and implementing a data management strategy.
• Experience of implementing current and developing technologies used for collecting, storing and accessing research data.
• Excellent organisational skills with the proven ability to manage multiple competing projects simultaneously to achieve deadlines.
• Educated to degree level in Computer Science or related discipline or equivalent experience.
• Proven innovation and pro-active problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to influence and negotiate with different levels of staff and external contacts.
• Excellent communication with both internal and external stakeholders including the ability to communicate technically complex ideas at an appropriate level.

Desirable criteria

• Proven skills in programming using various languages and technologies including understanding of data manipulation and statistical packages used to manage, manipulate and analyse data e.g. SQL, Python, R.
• Proven ability to effectively lead, direct and manage a team of technical staff.
• Experience of working with a longitudinal research study, or equivalent, at a senior level.
• Excellent presentation skills, with experience of presenting to diverse audiences.

Working Environment

Full time role with flexible working arrangements. AHS is a national organisation, and our activities take place across the UK. Flexible working will be required across several geographical locations in the UK. Travel may be required to AHS locations, fieldwork sites and partner organisations. As a small charity, we offer a range of benefits, including enhanced sickness and family-friendly pay, additional annual leave, the opportunity to purchase up to five extra days’ holiday each leave year, a 10% employer pension contribution, and one paid volunteering day per year.

Equal Opportunities Policy Statement

AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. It is our policy to provide employment equality to all, irrespective of age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Beyond these protected characteristics, we acknowledge the importance of socio-economic background, childcare and caring responsibilities, educational background, neurodiversity, and any other factors that shape an individual’s identity and opportunities. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel valued, supported, and able to contribute fully.

Values

It is an exciting time for the Adolescent Health Study (AHS) as we establish our senior leadership and delivery teams. As the senior executive team evolves, the AHS values will be grounded in inclusivity, integrity, accountability, and collaboration.