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- Tasks: Lead the DARE UK programme, driving innovative data research and community engagement.
- Company: Join HDR UK and UKRI, leaders in health data research and innovation.
- Benefits: Generous salary, 27 days leave, medical support, and a strong pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sensitive data research and shape the future of healthcare.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in data infrastructure and experience with diverse stakeholders.
- Other info: Flexible location with opportunities for travel and collaboration across the UK.
The predicted salary is between 165000 - 175000 ÂŁ per year.
Salary: £165,000 - £175,000 per annum before pro‑rating
Location: Flexible. Primary base could be anywhere in the UK but must be willing and able to travel to London and elsewhere (mainly UK) in connection with the role.
Reporting To: DARE UK Programme Board.
Hours: Full Time
Contract: Concluding 31 March 2027
Secondment: The successful applicant will join HDR UK as their employer, while spending the majority of their time (0.9 FTE) seconded to UKRI’s Medical Research Council (MRC). This unique arrangement offers the best of both worlds: you’ll enjoy HDR UK’s supportive employment terms and conditions, while being embedded within the MRC to collaborate closely with leading stakeholders with the weight and backing of UKRI behind you.
Closing Date: 18 January 2026
ABOUT THE ORGANISATIONS
- Health Data Research UK (HDR UK): HDR UK is the national Institute for data science in health. HDR unlocks UK‑wide health data assets to drive breakthroughs in prevention, detection, and treatment.
- Administrative Data Research (ADR UK): ADR UK is a partnership of government and academic groups, led by a team within UKRI’s Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). ADR links and secures administrative datasets for research via Trusted Research Environments.
- UK Research and Innovation (UKRI): UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. UKRI supports world‑class research, skills, and innovation across disciplines.
- UK Trusted and Connected Data and Analytics Research Environments (DARE UK): A UKRI programme building a federated national digital infrastructure. DARE UK develops secure, interoperable Trusted Research Environments for sensitive data.
ABOUT THE ROLE
We are seeking an exceptional individual to lead the second phase of the DARE‑UK programme. This role will deliver, as part of the Phase 2 Programme, three key work programmes:
- Transformational Programmes: Building new capabilities to support sensitive data research across the UK, supporting the testing and adoption of these capabilities, and demonstrating real‑world scientific impact using these capabilities.
- Next‑Generation Proof of Concepts: Developing prototypes of next‑generation capabilities needed to enable future innovative sensitive data research.
- Community Building, Engagement and Standards: Supporting a vibrant community of stakeholders. Through collaboration, the programme will promote information sharing and consensus building around common standards and good practice.
ABOUT YOU
- Lead, persuade and inspire teams and diverse stakeholders around a shared vision for TREs across the UK.
- Engage widely to identify opportunities for expanding DARE UK across the UKRI remit.
- Proven ability to design and deliver large‑scale programmes at pace (community, software, infrastructure, R&D).
- Track record in delivering complex, user‑focused software and infrastructure with attention to ethics and public trust.
- Strong knowledge of secure data infrastructures for research (security, privacy, cybersecurity, storage, analytics, standards).
- Experienced in working with Executives, Boards and senior stakeholders across academia, industry, policy and government.
- Effective leader of multidisciplinary teams, using a coaching, supportive and visionary management style.
- Skilled in building credibility and strong relationships with cross‑functional partners in industry, NHS, academia, charities and government.
- Deep expertise in Trusted Research Environments (TREs).
SUMMARY OF BENEFITS
- 27 days annual leave plus 8 days for Bank Holidays
- Annual leave purchase scheme
- Medical Cash‑Plan and Doctorline
- Wellbeing support, including access to the TogetherAll app
- Generous pension scheme, with 10% employer contributions
Director - UK Trusted and Connected & Data Analytics Research Environments (DARE UK) employer: Medical Research Council
Contact Detail:
Medical Research Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director - UK Trusted and Connected & Data Analytics Research Environments (DARE UK)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their mission and values, especially how they relate to DARE UK’s goals. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to get comfortable with common questions. Focus on articulating your experience with sensitive data research and your leadership style, as these are key for the Director role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and the organisation, which can give you an edge in your interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Director - UK Trusted and Connected & Data Analytics Research Environments (DARE UK)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Director role. Highlight your experience in leading large-scale programmes and working with diverse stakeholders, as these are key aspects of the job.
Showcase Your Expertise: Don’t hold back on demonstrating your deep knowledge of Trusted Research Environments and secure data infrastructures. Use specific examples from your past work to illustrate your skills and achievements.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. This will help us quickly understand your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our careers site. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people and allows you to access all the resources we have available for applicants.
How to prepare for a job interview at Medical Research Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of the DARE UK programme and its objectives. Brush up on your knowledge of Trusted Research Environments and secure data infrastructures, as these will be key topics during your interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading multidisciplinary teams and engaging with diverse stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you've inspired teams around a shared vision and delivered large-scale programmes effectively.
✨Engage with Real-World Impact
Demonstrate your understanding of how the role contributes to real-world scientific impact. Share insights on how you’ve previously supported the testing and adoption of new capabilities in sensitive data research.
✨Build Relationships
Highlight your ability to build credibility and strong relationships across various sectors, including academia, industry, and government. Prepare to discuss specific instances where you’ve successfully collaborated with cross-functional partners.
