Data Architect - 12 Month FTC (we have office locations in Cambridge, Leeds and London)

Data Architect – 12 Month FTC (we have office locations in Cambridge, Leeds and London) Join your next opportunity at Genomics England where you will shape how the organisation designs, manages, and leverages data. Company Description Genomics England is a global leader in enabling genomic medicine and research, focused on creating a world where everyone benefits from genomic healthcare. Building on the 100,000 Genomes Project, we support the NHS’s world‑first national whole genome sequencing service and run the growing National Genomic Research Library, alongside delivering numerous major genomics initiatives. By connecting research and clinical care at national scale, we enable immediate healthcare benefits and advances for the future. Our mission is to provide the evidence and digital systems so that, by 2035, genomics could play a role in up to half of all healthcare interactions, whilst securing the UK’s position as the best place to discover, prove and benefit from genomic innovations. We are accelerating our impact and working with patients, doctors, scientists, government and industry to improve genomic testing, and help researchers access the health data and technology they need to make new medical discoveries and create more effective, targeted medicines for everybody. Behind the Healthcare and Research outcomes, Genomics England delivers through designing, developing and operating complex healthcare software systems. We’re on the cusp of big changes with the real prospect of genomics becoming the fabric of everyday healthcare through the lifetime – from birth to old age. Job Description We’re seeking an accomplished Data Architect to shape how Genomics England designs, manages, and leverages data across the organisation. This senior role reports to the Director of Architecture and lies within the Technology and Product Directorate. You’ll sit at the heart of defining and shaping standards, patterns, and principles while drawing on your deep architectural expertise to ensure data is secure, high quality, and accessible for both healthcare and research teams, fully aligned with our technology strategy and architecture vision. In this critical role, you’ll act as a trusted architectural advisor to senior stakeholders, confidently leading the design and delivery of enterprise‑scale data solutions. You’ll drive best practices across data lifecycle management, metadata, integration, and analytics, and contribute to industry standards such as GA4GH, OMOP, or FHIR, keeping Genomics England at the very forefront of genomic research and healthcare. Key Responsibilities Lead the design and evolution of the organisation’s data architecture, including data models, metadata systems, and data integration platforms. Ensure that data solutions meet business, research, security, and regulatory requirements, and are deliverable within the constraints of skills, resources, and budget. Act as the subject matter expert on data management and modelling, providing guidance across projects and to other architects. Develop and maintain data architecture standards, patterns, and reusable artefacts to streamline delivery and ensure consistency. Communicate data strategy and roadmaps clearly to senior stakeholders, demonstrating how data architecture supports services, products, and organisational goals. Oversee the management of data dictionaries, lifecycle policies, archiving, and decommissioning strategies. Ensure squads are aware of and work to the standards set by Information Governance, Security, and the Architecture chapter. Collaborate with technology partners and vendors to inform roadmaps and influence enterprise data solutions. Contribute to shaping national and international standards relevant to genomics and research, including GA4GH, OMOP, or FHIR. Essential Skills and Experience Proven experience designing and implementing enterprise‑scale data architectures in complex or regulated environments. Deep knowledge of data modelling, metadata management, lifecycle management, and governance practices and standards. Strong experience engaging with senior stakeholders to influence and implement data strategy. Expertise in documenting, communicating, and implementing data roadmaps and solutions. Excellent interpersonal skills and a temperament that builds trust across technical and non‑technical teams. Ability to balance strategic and tactical considerations in architecture decisions. Experience in bioinformatics, genomics, healthcare, or research domains. Knowledge of cloud and hybrid data architectures, data platforms, or data warehouses. Familiarity with GA4GH, OMOP, FHIR or other relevant industry standards. Ability to establish data ownership, and design and implement data lifecycle management policies. Desirable Skills and Experience Relevant certifications in data architecture, modelling or enterprise architecture. Experience applying TOGAF methodologies or equivalent enterprise architecture practices. Knowledge of bioinformatics data structures. Experience with attribute‑based access control and supporting tools that underpin this. Practical experience modelling the data structures that underpin and support complex issues such as patient/participant consent within healthcare and research. Qualifications BSc in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience. Relevant architecture or data certifications are desirable; TOGAF certification is highly valued. Additional Information Please Note: This is a 12‑Month FTC (Fixed Term Contract). Salary From: £88,600. Closing Date: Monday 12th January at 23:00 (UK time). Benefits Generous Leave: 30 days’ holiday plus bank holidays, additional leave for long service, and the option to apply for up to 30 days of remote working abroad annually (approval required). Family‑Friendly: Blended working arrangements, flexible working, enhanced maternity, paternity and shared parental leave benefits. Pension