At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead data strategy and ensure compliance in clinical research projects.
- Company: Join a dynamic Clinical Infection Research Group within a leading School of Medicine.
- Benefits: 41+ days annual leave, flexible working, and generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for personal development and networking.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in health research while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and experience in clinical research required.
The predicted salary is between 38784 - 38784 € per year.
Working in the Clinical Infection Research Group (CIRG), within the School of Medicine and Population Health, the Data and Systems Manager will be responsible for operational and project support across our portfolio of studies. The role involves leading the development, maintenance and delivery of our data and systems strategy, providing hands‑on data stewardship and research delivery, and ensuring compliance with institutional policies, funder requirements and industry best practices.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
- Lead the group's overall data and systems strategy and be independently responsible for its delivery, ensuring compliance with all institutional policies, funder requirements, and industry best practices.
- Act as the data steward responsible for maintaining core research data and systems, including REDCap, eLabFTW, and secure research file storage services.
- Actively promote best practice in data stewardship across the Clinical Infection Research Group by providing training, hands‑on support, SOP development and specialist advice.
- Work closely with key stakeholders including collaborators, industry partners and Sheffield’s Biomedical Research Centre, to support strategy development, shape policies and practices, and improve data and systems management between the CIRG and its partners.
- Provide expert technical guidance for all stages of the data lifecycle, from initial planning and collection through to secure storage, analysis, archiving, and data sharing.
- Analyse risks and opportunities around data creation, collection, and management.
- Contribute to Data Management Plans and Data Protection Impact Assessments.
- Design, produce and manage clinical databases, electronic Case Report Forms (eCRFs) and surveys for research projects using REDCap, ensuring efficient and accurate participant data collection at local and remote sites.
- Manage the technical infrastructure for research, providing hands‑on Linux system administration, managing containerised applications, and maintaining essential data pipelines and scripts.
- Design, develop, and maintain vital internal web applications using PHP and MySQL.
- Responsible for ensuring and demonstrating compliance with internal and external policies and legislation, including the Human Tissue Act.
- Lead or co‑lead the development and writing of small research grant proposals to support data management within the CIRG (e.g. CaSDar funding calls).
- Contribute to participant recruitment and the public image of CIRG by updating the CIRG webpages and managing the CIRG volunteers mailing list.
- Create new content, including participant recruitment advertisements, for distribution via these channels while maintaining compliance with ethical principles and University brand guidelines.
- Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Person Specification
Our diverse community recognises the unique abilities and backgrounds of all staff. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience does not match perfectly with this role’s criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply.
Essential Criteria
- A good honours degree in a relevant subject (or equivalent experience).
- Experience of working within a clinical research organisation/large clinical research group and delivering health research projects as part of a multidisciplinary team, including collaborating with the NHS and international partners.
- Knowledge of the research lifecycle and experience of contributing specialist advice and input to the development of research funding applications featuring data creation, collection and management, mitigating associated risks, maximising data value, utility and reusability and exploring opportunities for cost recovery.
- Knowledge of data protection and compliance in a clinical research context, and experience supporting researchers with the construction and technical implementation of Data Management Plans and Data Protection Impact Assessments that comply with institutional and funder policies.
- Experience with Linux system administration, including containerised (Docker) workloads and bash scripts, and experience developing and maintaining web applications using PHP and MySQL.
- Experience of maintaining services and systems associated with research data collection and management, including but not limited to REDCap, eLabFTW, and research file storage services.
- Experience of clinical database and eCRF design, data collection and management of participant data using REDCap, including distribution of email surveys or study diary where applicable.
- Experience of working closely with academic, clinical and technical research colleagues to maintain an understanding of data and systems needs, resolve issues and propagate best practice to the wider group.
- Experience of leading the planning and organisation of technical guidance for a clinical research team, including hands‑on support for management of data throughout the research lifecycle, from planning and collection to storage, analysis, archiving and sharing.
- Understanding of the research lifecycle and how it relates to research data management issues in UK higher education and research, along with an awareness of current data management issues and developments globally.
- Experience of working in a higher education marketing or communications role, including copywriting for adverts and direct communications.
Desirable Criteria
- Knowledge of institutional or NHS ethical review procedures and experience of acting as an ethical reviewer for health research.
Grade and Salary
- Grade: G7.3
- Salary: £38,784 pro rata
- Work arrangement: Part‑time (90 % FTE)
- Duration: 12 months
- Line manager: Project Manager
- Direct reports: N/A
Benefits
- A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
- Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
- Generous pension scheme.
- A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
- A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (e.g. Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
- Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
- A commitment to your development: access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Professional Services Shared Skills Framework.
- A range of generous family‑friendly policies: Paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies, Support for those going through the menopause, Paid time off and support for fertility treatment and more.
We are a Disability Confident Employer.
Data and Systems Manager in Sheffield employer: The University of Sheffield
As a leading employer in the Clinical Infection Research Group, we offer a dynamic work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With generous benefits including 41 days of annual leave, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, we foster a culture where every team member is valued and supported. Our focus on continuous development through mentoring and training ensures that you can thrive in your role while contributing to impactful health research.
Contact Detail:
The University of Sheffield Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Data and Systems Manager in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the clinical research field, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like 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
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your experience with data management systems like REDCap and eLabFTW. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, use this to demonstrate your expertise and how you can add value to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to organisations you’re interested in, even if they don’t have open positions. Express your enthusiasm for their work and ask about future opportunities—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined application process that makes it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at StudySmarter, which is always a bonus!
We think you need these skills to ace Data and Systems Manager in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We want to see how your background fits with our needs, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role involves a lot of data management and technical know-how, be sure to emphasise your experience with tools like REDCap, Linux, and PHP/MySQL. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their hands-on experience in these areas.
Highlight Collaboration Experience:This position requires working closely with various stakeholders, so share examples of your teamwork and collaboration in previous roles. We’re keen to know how you’ve successfully partnered with others to achieve common goals.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and is considered promptly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Sheffield
✨Know Your Data Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the data management tools mentioned in the job description, like REDCap and eLabFTW. Familiarise yourself with their functionalities and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past projects.
✨Showcase Your Compliance Knowledge
Since compliance is a big part of this role, brush up on data protection regulations and institutional policies. Be prepared to share examples of how you've ensured compliance in previous roles, especially in clinical research settings.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration Skills
This position requires working closely with various stakeholders. Think of specific instances where you collaborated with multidisciplinary teams or external partners, and be ready to discuss how you contributed to successful project outcomes.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about Linux system administration and web application development. Review your experience with bash scripts, Docker, PHP, and MySQL, and be ready to explain how you’ve applied these skills in real-world scenarios.
