At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the transformation of a secure data infrastructure into a modern, cloud-based environment.
- Company: Join the UK Data Service, the largest repository for socioeconomic research data in the UK.
- Benefits: Fixed-term, full-time role with opportunities for professional growth and engagement in impactful research.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse and international team at the University of Essex.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in research by shaping the future of data infrastructure with AI integration.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and technical engagement with diverse communities.
The UK Data Service is the largest repository for socioeconomic research data in the UK. As part of the UKDS’ strategic roadmap, our existing secure Trusted Research Environment (TRE) for handling sensitive data is undergoing a complete transformation over the next two to three years. This is an exciting opportunity to lead the transition to a modern, cloud-based TRE infrastructure that not only embeds AI and workflow automation but also integrates seamlessly with federated data ecosystems in both the UK and internationally.
You will be responsible for the design and build of the new infrastructure and its alignment with existing governance frameworks, as well as extensive engagement with the UK and European TRE community, ensuring compliance with security standards and regulatory requirements, including alignment with the Standard Architecture for TREs (SATRE). The new TRE platform will support the delivery of complex research on sensitive data, meeting the expectations of both data providers and researchers, enabling them to conduct the most impactful research that ultimately informs government policy, and maintaining the UK Data Service’s reputation as a global leader in research data infrastructure.
You will lead on the planning, coordination, and execution of all phases of the next-generation TRE implementation for UKDS, ensuring timely delivery of infrastructure, AI-augmented workflows, deployment, and best-practice governance.
- Year 1 will be focused on engagement, gap analysis, user and data owner requirements. During this phase, you will facilitate alignment and collaboration between UKDS teams and UK and European partners to plan the transition from the existing on-premises TRE infrastructure (a traditional Citrix virtual desktop environment) to a federated, interoperable cloud platform with embedded AI capability and long-term operational sustainability.
- In Year 2, you will support the delivery of key pilot projects that will shape the TRE’s foundational data pipelines, workflows and endpoints for integration into national and international TRE infrastructure.
- In Year 3, you will lead the launch of the next generation TRE into production; working closely with all relevant teams across UKDS with a wide mix of expertise, including Information Security Staff, developers, AI/data engineers, TRE user support staff, and secure output checkers.
You will have the technical capability to work comfortably with cloud platforms, virtualisation technologies, data models, metadata standards, and business and data pipeline workflow design. Equally, this is a high-profile leadership role, where you will be representing UKDS in the national and international TRE community. You should have substantial and demonstrable experience of project management, engagement with technical and non-technical communities and be able to advocate and explain complex ideas with fluency in front of senior stakeholders.
This is a fixed-term, full-time role for three years due to the research funding cycle. This post involves access to Government systems, information or data and will be subject to the staff vetting process. Further information can be found in the job pack.
At the University of Essex, internationalism and diversity is central to who we are and what we do. We are committed to being a cosmopolitan, internationally oriented university that is welcoming to staff and students from all countries, faiths and backgrounds, where you can find the world in one place.
To support this commitment we have our Global Forum, a staff-led network that promotes and celebrates the rich cultural diversity among Essex staff, and our Colchester campus based Faith Centre, which hosts regular services, meetings and events organised by our chaplains and faith representatives.
Please see the attached job pack, which contains a full job description and person specification, which outlines the full duties, skills, qualifications and experience needed for this role plus more information relating to the post. We recommend you read this information carefully before making an application. Applications should be made on-line, but if you would like advice or help in making an application, or need information in a different format, please email the Resourcing Team (resourcing@essex.ac.uk).
More information: Working at the University Package: Fixed-term, Full-time
Secure Data Infrastructure (Tre) Manager, Uk Data Archive in Essex employer: University of Essex
The University of Essex offers a dynamic and supportive work environment where innovation meets social impact. As a Senior Research Associate in Housing Risk Analytics, you will not only contribute to meaningful research that addresses housing insecurity but also benefit from professional development opportunities and a collaborative culture that values diversity and ethical practices. Located in Colchester, you will enjoy a vibrant community with access to various resources and support systems aimed at fostering your growth and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Secure Data Infrastructure (Tre) Manager, Uk Data Archive in Essex
✨Get Involved in Data Science Meetups
Tap into local data science meetups or workshops to connect with fellow enthusiasts and professionals. These events are goldmines for networking, and sometimes even lead directly to job openings at companies like University of Essex!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Start building a public portfolio showcasing your data science projects on platforms like GitHub or personal websites. Highlight unique analyses or models you've developed. This not only demonstrates your skills but also gets your name out there for roles like Secure Data Infrastructure (Tre) Manager, Uk Data Archive at University of Essex.
✨Leverage Professional Networks
Join professional bodies related to data science, like the Data Science Society or similar organisations. Getting involved can lead to mentorship opportunities and insider knowledge about full-time positions at companies like University of Essex.
✨Apply Directly through Our Website
When you find a suitable opening like Secure Data Infrastructure (Tre) Manager, Uk Data Archive at University of Essex, make sure to apply directly through our website. It gives you an edge and shows you're keen to join our team. Plus, who doesn’t love a direct application? It’s easier than navigating through job boards!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Projects:In the world of data science, your projects can speak volumes about your skills. Make sure to showcase a few key projects in your CV or portfolio, especially those that highlight your ability to work with data sets, build models, or use relevant tools like Python, R, or SQL. Don’t forget to include links to any GitHub repositories if applicable!
Quantify Your Achievements:Employers love numbers! When drafting your CV, highlight your achievements with quantifiable results. For instance, mention how your data analysis led to a certain percentage increase in efficiency or revenue at a previous job or project. These details can really make your application pop!
Craft a Tailored Cover Letter:For a full-time role at University of Essex, your cover letter should reflect your passion for data science and your excitement about the specific projects or values of the company. Dive into why you’re a good fit, how your skills align with their needs, and any unique perspectives you can bring to the team.
Stand Out with Relevant Courses and Certifications:Although experience talks, relevant courses or certifications can be your ticket to impressing hiring managers at University of Essex. Mention any standout courses you've completed that equipped you with essential skills, such as machine learning certifications or data visualisation courses. This shows your commitment to continuously developing your skills in the field!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Essex
✨Brush Up on Your Statistics
For a data science role, we need to seriously sharpen our statistics skills. Get ready to tackle technical questions on probability distributions, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis. These are often the bread and butter of data science interviews, so don't just skim over them!
✨Showcase Your Projects
Prepare a killer portfolio showcasing your data science projects. We should include details about the datasets used, the tools and techniques applied, and the impact of your findings. If we can walk them through a particularly challenging project or a cool visualisation that had real-world implications, it’ll really make us stand out!
✨Get Comfortable with Python and R
Most data science positions require us to be proficient in programming languages like Python and R. We should practice common libraries like pandas, NumPy, and scikit-learn, and be ready for live coding exercises or algorithm questions. Showing off our coding chops can really impress the interviewers at University of Essex!
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to encounter real-world case studies during the interview. We might be asked how we’d approach a data problem or analyse a dataset to extract insights. It's essential to think out loud and demonstrate our problem-solving process so that the interviewer can see our logical thinking in action.
