Data Operations Associate Remote in Durham

The University at Durham University is a globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, and a unique and historic setting. We have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, making us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally.

Nomis is a national statistical dissemination service delivered by Durham University on behalf of the Office for National Statistics (ONS). It provides access to major official statistics on population, society, and the labour market, used extensively by government departments, local authorities, researchers, academic institutions, and other organisations across the UK. The service supports a range of high-profile datasets and provides a trusted route to detailed statistical information used in analysis, planning, and decision-making.

Joining the Nomis team offers the chance to contribute to a nationally important data service with a wide external user base and clear public impact. The Data Operations Specialist will play an important role in supporting the delivery and development of the Nomis service as part of a small team. The postholder will work with complex statistical data in a live production environment, helping to process and maintain datasets, update databases and reference tables, carry out quality checks and testing, and support data and website releases.

The role offers valuable practical experience for someone with strong data-handling and technical skills who wants to deepen their experience of structured data processing, SQL, Python, Linux, and data quality within a specialist and nationally significant service. The role offers the opportunity to work flexibly as well as remotely and on-site within the Geography department. This post is fixed term for nineteen months.

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University:

• 30 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year – a total of 42 days per year.
• A generous pension scheme, with automatic enrolment into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS).
• Ample parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme, and discounts with local bus and train companies.
• Access to a cost-effective and environmentally friendly Tusker Car Benefit Scheme.
• Dedicated annual time for personal development opportunities.
• Wide-ranging health and wellbeing support including discounted membership for sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• An on-site nursery rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16.
• Generous family-friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave.
• Opportunities to participate in volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community.
• Exclusive discounts via our benefits portal.
• Various salary sacrifice schemes available for tax savings on benefits.
• Help with removal costs for those moving to Durham, along with support for house hunting and schools.
• Coverage of most visa costs and an interest-free loan scheme for dependant visas.

Durham University is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Our aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential. We welcome and encourage applications from under-represented groups, including people with disabilities, women, and black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities.

Typical Role Requirements:

• Contribute to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and the University's values.
• Provide specialist advice and guidance relating to your professional area of expertise.
• Operate as a point of expertise for colleagues and stakeholders, helping to resolve complex data processing and technical support problems.
• Manage the delivery of Nomis data extraction, transformation, and loading (ETL) pipelines.
• Provide the best possible service by continually reviewing requirements from colleagues, data suppliers, and Nomis customers.
• Plan, manage, and deliver assigned projects and activities using appropriate techniques and tools.
• Use operational expertise to lead and participate in business meetings and working groups.
• Create positive working relationships and collaborate with other specialists across the University and ONS.
• Assist with responses to customer support messages related to datasets and technical duties.

Professional practitioner with knowledge and expertise in data operations, structured data processing, and data-driven services. Experience in delivering and developing data ETL projects to manipulate large, complex numerical datasets. Strong digital competence across a range of digital devices and apps including Linux shell scripting, Python, relational databases/SQL, and manipulating data in spreadsheets. Committed to continuing professional development to maintain professional recognition.