Research and Innovation Officer in Wales

This post is a Fixed Term/ Secondment until 01/09/2027. If you are a Hywel Dda University Health Board employee and are applying for this post as a secondment, agreement for the secondment is needed from your current manager prior to application.

The Research & Innovation Officer will support the delivery of research, evaluation, and innovation projects across the Innovation and Tritech Department. Working both independently and collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, the post holder will lead and coordinate research studies and service evaluations, collect and analyse qualitative and quantitative data, and contribute to reports, publications, funding applications, and service improvement initiatives. The role involves monitoring project progress, ensuring compliance with research governance and regulatory standards, providing specialist research expertise and training, and supporting the translation of research findings into improvements in healthcare services and patient outcomes.

Main duties of the job

As a Research & Innovation Officer, you will support research, evaluation, and innovation projects that improve healthcare services and patient outcomes across the Health Board. Working with clinicians, academics, patients, and partner organisations, you will help plan, deliver, and evaluate projects that support evidence‑based practice and service improvement.

Job responsibilities

• Leading and supporting research studies, evaluations, and innovation initiatives.
• Collecting and analysing qualitative and quantitative data.
• Preparing reports and recommendations.
• Monitoring project progress.
• Communicating findings to stakeholders.

You will work collaboratively with NHS teams, universities, industry, and third‑sector partners, while ensuring compliance with governance and regulatory requirements. You will also support funding applications, promote the dissemination of findings, and provide guidance to colleagues involved in research and innovation activities.

The successful candidate will have experience in research, evaluation, or project delivery, strong analytical and communication skills, knowledge of research methods and information governance, and the ability to manage competing priorities. A relevant postgraduate qualification, or equivalent experience, is desirable.

This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to meaningful improvements in healthcare and make a positive impact on patient care and service delivery.

About us

Hywel Dda University Health Board plans and provides NHS healthcare services for people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties. We have over 13,000 staff and together we provide primary, community, in‑hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services. We work in partnership with the three local authorities, as well as public, private and third sector colleagues, including our valued team of volunteers.

Job description

You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents. The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers. The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us. Interviews will be held on 06/08/2026.

Person Specification

Qualifications and Knowledge

Essential

• Post graduate diploma level qualification in a relevant field or equivalent level of knowledge of research design and methods, as practised in a research environment.
• Evidence of continued professional development.
• Knowledge of Thematic Analysis or similar methods of qualitative data analysis.
• Knowledge of clinical and research terminology. A good understanding of research methods, analysis, and Information Governance.

Desirable

• Master's or PhD or other relevant doctoral qualification completed or close to completion.
• Further relevant specialist training, experience or qualification.

Experience

Essential

• Evidence of experience working in a NHS multi‑disciplinary environment.
• Experience in research design and the collation and interpretation of qualitative and quantitative data.
• Evidence of experience collecting, analysing, and reporting qualitative data to a publishable or professional standard.
• Experience of working independently.
• Experience of decision making and problem solving.

Desirable

• Experience of project management.

Other

Essential

• Ability to travel within geographical area.
• Flexible approach to service needs.

Desirable

• Welsh Speaker (Level 1).

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.

Employer name: Hywel Dda University Health Board

Address: Tritech Institute and Innovation, Pentre Awel, Delta Lakes, Llanelli, SA14 9TD, United Kingdom

£39,959 to £48,117 a year per annum (pro rata if part time)

Contract: Fixed term

Duration: 12 months

Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time, Home or remote working