At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and deliver semantic data models and knowledge graphs for health and care decision-making.
- Company: Join NICE, a leading organisation improving health and wellbeing through evidence-based practices.
- Benefits: Generous NHS pension, flexible working, 27 days annual leave, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with tailored development opportunities and inclusive staff networks.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in society while working with cutting-edge semantic technologies.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate qualification or equivalent experience in relevant disciplines with expertise in semantic web technologies.
Location: Manchester
Salary: £57,528 to £64,750 a year per annum
Vacancy Type: Fixed term (21 Months)
The closing date is 11 June 2026
Do you want to do meaningful work that makes a genuine difference to society? Our main purpose here at The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is to improve health and wellbeing by putting science and evidence at the heart of health and care decision-making. As an organisation we all collaborate to achieve this goal by empowering our workforce to do great things!
Please note that this role may not be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route. We reserve the right to close the advert early should we receive sufficient applications, so please don’t delay your submission.
Main duties of the job
The Knowledge Graph and Ontology Specialist will play a leading role in designing and delivering semantic data models, ontologies, and knowledge graphs that underpin NICE's digital products and information services. Working closely with multidisciplinary teams, the role focuses on improving how information is structured, linked, discovered, and reused—supporting intelligent search, interoperability, and future ready digital services for both internal and external users.
What you will do / bring to the role
- Lead the design, development and implementation of ontologies, taxonomies, metadata schemas and knowledge graphs, embedding them into NICE systems and services.
- Develop semantic search and retrieval capabilities, helping users find information more effectively across NICE digital platforms.
- Provide advice on semantic technologies, information modelling, interoperability, and data integration.
- Promote structured, interoperable information and influence stakeholders across programmes.
- Collaborate with architects, engineers, analysts and partners to shape semantic solutions and roadmaps.
- Apply strong expertise in semantic web technologies and standards (such as RDF, OWL, SPARQL and SHACL) alongside knowledge of graph databases and data integration practices.
- Communicate complex technical concepts clearly and confidently to a wide range of technical and non-technical stakeholders, influencing decisions and driving adoption.
About us
The Architecture & Data team sits at the heart of NICE's digital transformation, setting the direction for how data, analytics and architecture are used across the organisation. As a centre of excellence, the team defines standards, embeds strong data governance, and enables high-quality, impactful delivery. Working closely with teams across NICE, it supports responsible innovation and ensures data is used effectively to improve health and care outcomes. We are passionate and proud of the work we do and the impact we make.
NICE offer:
- Generous NHS Pension - Secure your future with one of the most rewarding pension schemes in the UK.
- Flexible working - Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with options like remote working, compressed hours and flexible start/finish times.
- Exclusive discounts - Save on shopping, dining and more with a Blue Light Card.
- Time to recharge - Start with 27 days' annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Inclusive staff networks - Join supportive communities like Women in NICE, Race Equality Network, Disability Advocacy and NICE and Proud - we celebrate diversity.
- Tailored development - Grow your career with personalised learning and development opportunities.
Job responsibilities
To be considered for this role, you should be able to particularly demonstrate the person specification criteria in the job advert in your application. However, applicants should be able to demonstrate all essential criteria through the entirety of the recruitment process to be considered for the job.
Person Specification
Essential
- A postgraduate level qualification (or equivalent professional experience) in a relevant discipline, with highly developed specialist knowledge gained through practical experience and ongoing professional development.
- Demonstrable expertise in designing, managing and applying ontologies, semantic relationships and knowledge graphs within an organisational context, using appropriate modelling tools and techniques.
- Strong practical experience of semantic web technologies and standards, including RDF, OWL, SPARQL, SHACL and their application to real world information modelling challenges.
- Working knowledge of knowledge graph databases (such as Neo4j, Stardog, Neptune or GraphDB) and experience of building and managing knowledge graphs that integrate data from multiple sources.
- Proven skills of ontology development and data standards, including applying data policies, processes and standards effectively and monitoring compliance within teams or across organizations.
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.
To Apply
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for NICE (The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence), please click apply to be redirected to their website to complete your application.
Knowledge Graph and Ontology Specialist in Manchester employer: NICE
At The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), we are dedicated to improving health and wellbeing through evidence-based decision-making, making us an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful work. Our Manchester location offers a collaborative work culture, generous benefits including a robust NHS pension, flexible working arrangements, and tailored development opportunities, all within a supportive environment that celebrates diversity and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Knowledge Graph and Ontology Specialist in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend relevant meetups or webinars, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with NICE's work and think about how your skills in semantic technologies can contribute. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain complex concepts in simple terms, especially when discussing your experience with ontologies and knowledge graphs. This will help you communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team at NICE and making a difference in health and care.
We think you need these skills to ace Knowledge Graph and Ontology Specialist in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with ontologies and knowledge graphs. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant projects!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role involves semantic web technologies, be sure to mention your expertise in RDF, OWL, SPARQL, and any graph databases you've worked with. We love seeing practical examples of how you've applied these skills in real-world scenarios.
Communicate Clearly:Remember, you’ll need to explain complex concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Use clear language in your application to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively—this is key for us at NICE!
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We might close the advert early if we get enough applications, so get your materials in as soon as you can through our website. We’re excited to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at NICE
✨Know Your Ontologies
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of ontologies and semantic web technologies like RDF, OWL, and SPARQL. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in real-world scenarios, as this will show your practical expertise and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working closely with multidisciplinary teams, prepare examples that highlight your ability to collaborate effectively. Think about times when you influenced decisions or shaped solutions with architects, engineers, or analysts.
✨Communicate Complex Ideas Simply
Practice explaining complex technical concepts in a way that non-technical stakeholders can understand. This is crucial for the role, so consider rehearsing with a friend or colleague who isn’t familiar with semantic technologies.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Impact
NICE is all about making a difference in health and care. Be prepared to share why you’re passionate about this field and how your work can contribute to improving health outcomes. Show them you’re not just looking for a job, but a chance to make a meaningful impact.
