About Swansea University
Swansea University is a research-led university that has been making a difference since 1920. The University community thrives on exploration and discovery and offers the right balance of excellent teaching and research, matched by an enviable quality of life.
Our stunning waterfront campuses and multicultural community make us a desirable workplace for colleagues from around the world. Our reward and benefits, and ways of working enable those who join us to have enriching careers, matched by an excellent work-life balance.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Data Access Officer to coordinate the day-to-day delivery of the Neurological Data Platform’s data access service, including the DPUK Data Portal.
You will take operational ownership of researcher applications from initial submission through governance review to confirmation that approved projects are ready for access. Ensuring every application has a clear status, owner, next action and deadline, you will actively manage dependencies, address delays and maintain an accurate, authoritative application record.
As functional lead, you will coordinate scientific, technical, governance and data-owner reviews, ensuring questions, decisions, conditions and approvals are recorded and communicated clearly. You will advise researchers, reviewers, data owners and colleagues, resolve routine issues independently and escalate significant governance, contractual, financial or reputational risks with evidence-based recommendations.
You will drive service performance through agreed standards, dashboards, assurance checks and regular audits. By identifying recurring causes of delay, error or poor applicant experience, you will lead practical improvements and evaluate their impact.
The role includes line management responsibility for data access staff, setting priorities, allocating work, supporting development and enabling colleagues to work confidently and independently.
Working closely with data management, provisioning, information governance, legal, finance and compliance teams, you will ensure a controlled handover from approval to access. This is an excellent opportunity to coordinate a vital service supporting secure, efficient and responsible research.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
The University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity in all its practices and activities. We aim to establish an inclusive environment and welcome diverse applications from the following protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic and national origin), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation.
As an inclusive and welcoming workplace, we value people for their skills regardless of their background. Applications are welcome in Welsh and will not be treated less favourably than those submitted in English.
Welsh Language Skills
The Welsh language level required for this role is Level 1 - A little.
The University is a proud bilingual institution, our Welsh Language Strategy outlines our aspiration to promote the language and enable our staff to engage with the language as an additional workplace skill and as a gateway to new cultural and social opportunities. Applications are welcome in Welsh and will not be treated less favourably than those submitted in English. Welsh speakers have the right to an interview in Welsh. Applicants for a role where Welsh skills are essential are expected to present their application in Welsh and will be interviewed in Welsh, if shortlisted.
Additional Information
Applications for this role will take the format of a CV submission and cover letter.
Data Access Officer employer: Swansea University
Swansea University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation within the School of Social Sciences. Employees benefit from professional development opportunities, a supportive environment, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on care-experienced children's educational outcomes in Wales. Located in a beautiful coastal city, the university provides a unique setting for personal and professional growth.
