At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of enterprise-level data solutions and shape architectural standards at UCL.
- Company: Join UCL's Information Services Division, a top 10 global university.
- Benefits: 41 days holiday, pension scheme, gym access, and employee support services.
- Other info: Diversity is valued; applications from underrepresented groups are encouraged.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on UCL's data-driven transformation and innovation.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in data architecture and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 ÂŁ per year.
Information Services Division (ISD) is the primary provider of IT services to UCL. We support and enhance learning, teaching, research and administrative processes by providing information‑ and technology‑related services to over 50,000 staff and students of UCL and associated institutions. Our goal is to be the top IT services group in the HE sector, and we are growing our team’s capability in AI, experience/UX, agile development, security, cloud, service management and partnering. We are modernising our technology foundations, digitising the processes of the university to transform experience for students and staff, and partnering across the university to drive differentiation in UCL education and research.
Data Architecture within ISD enables UCL’s data‑driven transformation. It delivers enterprise data architecture, integration standards, analytics platforms, and AI foundations supporting UCL’s Data Strategy and Digital Strategic Plan. This is a fantastic opportunity to join UCL’s Information Services Division (ISD) as a Senior Data Solution Architect, to help deliver excellence whilst continually evolving and progressing at this globally recognised top 10 university.
About the role
The Senior Data Solution Architect defines and governs enterprise‑level data solutions across UCL. The postholder shapes architectural patterns, platform capabilities, data models, Fabric‑based data products, and AI‑enabled services, ensuring alignment with UCL’s enterprise data architecture blueprint and governance frameworks. The role provides strategic oversight, architectural assurance, and technical leadership, ensuring data platforms and solutions are scalable, secure, governed, and aligned to UCL’s strategic ambitions.
You will lead solution design in close collaboration with senior stakeholders, fellow architects, delivery teams, and external partners. Translating strategic priorities into pragmatic, resilient solutions, you will help shape architectural standards, patterns, and governance while remaining close to delivery. Acting as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, you will balance enterprise‑level outcomes with hands‑on architectural depth to address complex challenges with broad institutional impact.
About you
You are an experienced Data Solution Architect who combines deep technical expertise with the ability to lead, influence, and simplify complex decisions. You will have all or many of the following:
- Extensive experience in enterprise data architecture, modern data platforms, and domain‑driven or canonical data modelling.
- Strong hands‑on expertise with Microsoft Fabric, including Lake Houses, Pipelines, Dataflows Gen2, Semantic Models, and governance.
- A proven track record of designing and governing large‑scale data and integration solutions across analytics and operational systems.
- Deep understanding of data governance, including data quality, metadata management, stewardship, and architectural assurance.
- Experience designing API‑led and event‑driven integration architectures.
- Practical experience architecting AI‑enabled data solutions, with an understanding of responsible and ethical AI practices.
- The credibility and confidence to lead architectural governance, influence senior stakeholders, and guide institutional strategy.
- Excellent communication and leadership skills, with a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Desirable, but not essential
- Experience with Azure data and AI services such as Azure OpenAI, Purview, Azure Data Explorer, or Databricks.
- Experience working in a large, complex organisation, ideally within the higher education sector.
What we offer
- 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, and 6 closure days)
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
- Relocation scheme for certain posts
- On‑site gym
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
- Discounted medical insurance
Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/rewards-and-benefits to find out more.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.
Senior Data Solution Architect employer: UK Dementia Research Institute
Contact Detail:
UK Dementia Research Institute Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Data Solution Architect
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at UCL or in similar roles on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding UCL's mission and values. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in data architecture and AI.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on experience! Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've implemented data solutions or led teams. Real examples will make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at UCL.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Data Solution Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with enterprise data architecture and modern data platforms. We want to see how your skills align with our goals at UCL!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Senior Data Solution Architect, you'll be leading teams and influencing stakeholders. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership experience and how you've tackled complex challenges in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and experiences stand out without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Dementia Research Institute
✨Know Your Data Architecture Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in enterprise data architecture and modern data platforms. Brush up on your knowledge of Microsoft Fabric, including Lake Houses and Pipelines, as these are crucial for the role. Being able to discuss specific examples from your experience will show that you can translate strategic priorities into practical solutions.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Data Solution Architect, you’ll need to lead and influence others. Prepare to share instances where you’ve successfully guided teams or stakeholders through complex decisions. Highlight your ability to balance technical depth with strategic oversight, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Understand UCL’s Vision and Values
Familiarise yourself with UCL’s Data Strategy and Digital Strategic Plan. Understanding their goals will help you align your answers with their ambitions. Be ready to discuss how your expertise can contribute to their mission of transforming the university experience for students and staff.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect in-depth technical questions about data governance, API-led architectures, and AI-enabled solutions. Brush up on best practices and be prepared to discuss responsible and ethical AI. Demonstrating your technical prowess will be key to impressing the interview panel.