North Yorkshire Council

Research Data Scientist HDRC North Yorkshire

The closing date is 22 June 2025

Job summary

North Yorkshire Council has secured £5 million to tackle inequalities and improve health outcomes across North Yorkshire through research. It has been awarded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research to create a pioneering Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) in North Yorkshire.

This collaboration will undertake ground-breaking work with the Universities of Hull and York to develop the research culture of the Council and build partnerships to conduct and use research on the health and wellbeing issues that matter to communities, and which reduce inequalities.

HDRC NY is part of a wider £105 million investment from the NIHR for a series of local government partnerships across the country. A core element of this investment is to make it easier for council staff and our partners to access, share and use data for research. The investment will embed a culture of evidence-informed decision-making within local government and will help to stimulate economic growth, particularly in some of the UKs most deprived areas.

The HDRCs, spanning the length and breadth of the UK, follow a major drive for enabling research to address wider determinants of population health and health inequalities. Working in partnership with residents, including diverse and seldom heard communities and the voluntary sector, HDRC North Yorkshire will focus on identifying local solutions to tackle health inequalities and improve health outcomes.

Main duties of the job

Developing a research culture is central to the delivery of HDRC NY, the Data Scientist role is pivotal to the delivery of our research ambitions. We are recruiting a Research Data Scientist in a joint appointment, working across the Councils Data & Insight and core HDRC team.

You will work at the interface of research, policy, and practice with a focus on inter-council data linkage: identifying and sourcing data, analysing, visualising and interpreting data on the wider determinants of health and wellbeing and tackling inequalities.

You will be responsible for developing data infrastructure, architecture, and systems to support the Council on its journey to becoming more research active. Connect with local and regional partners to explore opportunities for collaboration and data sharing across the evolving research ecosystem to enhance our understanding of wider determinants of health and wellbeing.

You will work collaboratively with frontline Council staff, managers, and leaders, supported by our growing research community of practice. Alongside other HDRC NY staff leading work areas of behavioural science, health economics, public involvement in research and research governance. Lead and develop research data related activities that meet the Councils research needs and help ensure that outputs from HDRC NY are impactful. Receive an honorary contract with the University of Hull and access to academic support and supervision through our wider HDRC partnership.

About us

You will have

Knowledge of the wider determinants of health and health inequalities, and the role local government and other agencies play in addressing them.

Experience of supporting the development and continuous improvement of data infrastructure and systems.

Experience of managing the development and review of systems, and working in a Trusted Research Environment, to analyse a range of research data and other intelligence, identifying trends, emergent issues, risk factors, and areas for further research.

Skills in collecting, cleaning, organising and analysing information about North Yorkshire population health, linking data sources across the public sector, and insight from our communities, with the purpose of solving real-world problems and answering priority research questions.

Proficiency in data processing, data visualisation and statistical analytical research methods using a variety of technologies and approaches.

Knowledge of data quality, approaches that enable researchers to gain access to data in a safe way, and techniques to assess data suitability and enhance quality.

Strong data interpretation skills, for generating accurate and relevant conclusions and actionable recommendations.

Excellent communication skills and the ability to lead, motivate and influence others.

Experience of partnership working, collaborating with colleagues across departments, organisations, and sectors to maximise the research potential of linked data.

Details

Date posted

05 June 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£45,718 to £49,764 a year

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

3 years

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working, Home or remote working

Reference number

F0025-25-0038

Job locations

County Hall

Racecourse Lane

Northallerton

North Yorkshire

DL7 8AE


Job description

Job responsibilities

Job Context

The role is part of our newly established National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) North Yorkshire.

The HDRC North Yorkshire (HDRC NY) is a collaboration with the Universities of Hull and York that will develop the research culture of the Council and build Council-University partnerships to conduct and use research on the health and wellbeing issues that matter to communities, and which reduce inequalities (see https://fundingawards.nihr.ac.uk/award/NIHR158758)

The HDRC NY has four work packages, each co-Lead by Council staff and University academics: development of research infrastructure & governance, development of research capacity & capability, dissemination & impact, and learning & evaluation. In addition, the HDRC NY has three cross cutting themes: Public Involvement & Community Engagement; Health Economics; Behavioural Science

The Research Data Scientist will be key member of the HDRC team. The post holder will work to unlock the potential of data gathered through research to support directorates across the Council make evidence-based policy decisions to promote good health outcomes across North Yorkshire. The role will support research that makes effective and best use of resources and supports income generation.

The postholder will lead on connecting NYC to the University of Hull Trusted Research Environment, support the development of robust data governance process and mechanisms, and respond to requests for the analysis of key datasets.

The Research Data Scientist will have access to specialist research training and academic resources (e.g., academic journals, methods training) provided by the University of Hull, to support them in their role.

Job Purpose

The Research Data Scientist will be key to unlocking the potential of data to support directorates across the Council make evidence-based policy decisions to promote good health outcomes across North Yorkshire.

Operational Management

  • Provide support and guidance to colleagues around data governance and data protection within research in conjunction with research governance officer.
  • Provide statistical and analytical support to the HDRC team and across NYC, as required.
  • Apply statistical methods to extract insight and communicate findings through clear data visualisations and reports for both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Provide advice on a range of epidemiological and statistical issues relating to the design, conduct and analysis within research projects.
  • Support the development and continuous improvement of data infrastructure, architecture, and systems to enable data sharing and analysis in a secure and safe manner e.g., Trusted Research Environment.
  • Liaise with relevant teams across the Council to understand research opportunities relating to data.
  • Develop data sets relevant to the wider determinants of health and health outcomes/research and exploring opportunities to combine data sets to generate new knowledge.
  • Develop relationships at all levels of the organisation to facilitate the effective usage of data insight and analysis.
  • Work closely with other data teams across the Council.

Resource Management

  • Undertake additional duties, in agreement with the line manager and consistent with the grade of the post.
  • Be responsible for the effective prioritising and organising of own workload.
  • Be aware of data that the Council holds in relation to the wider determinants of health and health inequalities to support the exploration of research opportunities.

Partnerships

  • Build and foster relationships with external data teams (e.g., NHS, Civil Service, VCSEs and other local authorities and HDRCs) to maximise opportunities for research collaboration and data sharing.
  • Develop close working relationships with academic partners to explore opportunities to advance the data analysis capabilities of the Council.
  • Work effectively with a wide range of internal teams and service areas.
  • To undertake Continuing Professional Development e.g., attend relevant professional meetings and conferences, when possible.

Communications

  • Advise on/resolve complex statistical/analytical/epidemiological queries.
  • Support the dissemination and presentation of complex statistics and information to range of stakeholders who are non-statistical professionals in easily accessible formats via a range of different media, electronically or written reports.

Systems and Information

  • Manage the development and review of systems for the analysis of a range of research performance data and other intelligence, identifying trends, emergent issues, strategic and operational risks, and areas that require improvement.
  • Support the development and continuous improvement of data infrastructure, architecture, and systems to enable data sharing and analysis in a secure and safe manner e.g., Trusted Research Environment.
  • Co-ordinate and monitor HDRC data and outputs for performance reporting (through an appropriate tool e.g., Power BI)
  • Help design and deliver research data analysis training and other data related training and learning.
  • Interpret and balance evidence from a range of sources to inform decision-making.
  • Comply with the Councils policies in relation to Data Protection, Information Security and Confidentiality.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Job Context

The role is part of our newly established National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) North Yorkshire.

The HDRC North Yorkshire (HDRC NY) is a collaboration with the Universities of Hull and York that will develop the research culture of the Council and build Council-University partnerships to conduct and use research on the health and wellbeing issues that matter to communities, and which reduce inequalities (see https://fundingawards.nihr.ac.uk/award/NIHR158758)

The HDRC NY has four work packages, each co-Lead by Council staff and University academics: development of research infrastructure & governance, development of research capacity & capability, dissemination & impact, and learning & evaluation. In addition, the HDRC NY has three cross cutting themes: Public Involvement & Community Engagement; Health Economics; Behavioural Science

The Research Data Scientist will be key member of the HDRC team. The post holder will work to unlock the potential of data gathered through research to support directorates across the Council make evidence-based policy decisions to promote good health outcomes across North Yorkshire. The role will support research that makes effective and best use of resources and supports income generation.

The postholder will lead on connecting NYC to the University of Hull Trusted Research Environment, support the development of robust data governance process and mechanisms, and respond to requests for the analysis of key datasets.

The Research Data Scientist will have access to specialist research training and academic resources (e.g., academic journals, methods training) provided by the University of Hull, to support them in their role.

Job Purpose

The Research Data Scientist will be key to unlocking the potential of data to support directorates across the Council make evidence-based policy decisions to promote good health outcomes across North Yorkshire.

Operational Management

  • Provide support and guidance to colleagues around data governance and data protection within research in conjunction with research governance officer.
  • Provide statistical and analytical support to the HDRC team and across NYC, as required.
  • Apply statistical methods to extract insight and communicate findings through clear data visualisations and reports for both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Provide advice on a range of epidemiological and statistical issues relating to the design, conduct and analysis within research projects.
  • Support the development and continuous improvement of data infrastructure, architecture, and systems to enable data sharing and analysis in a secure and safe manner e.g., Trusted Research Environment.
  • Liaise with relevant teams across the Council to understand research opportunities relating to data.
  • Develop data sets relevant to the wider determinants of health and health outcomes/research and exploring opportunities to combine data sets to generate new knowledge.
  • Develop relationships at all levels of the organisation to facilitate the effective usage of data insight and analysis.
  • Work closely with other data teams across the Council.

Resource Management

  • Undertake additional duties, in agreement with the line manager and consistent with the grade of the post.
  • Be responsible for the effective prioritising and organising of own workload.
  • Be aware of data that the Council holds in relation to the wider determinants of health and health inequalities to support the exploration of research opportunities.

Partnerships

  • Build and foster relationships with external data teams (e.g., NHS, Civil Service, VCSEs and other local authorities and HDRCs) to maximise opportunities for research collaboration and data sharing.
  • Develop close working relationships with academic partners to explore opportunities to advance the data analysis capabilities of the Council.
  • Work effectively with a wide range of internal teams and service areas.
  • To undertake Continuing Professional Development e.g., attend relevant professional meetings and conferences, when possible.

Communications

  • Advise on/resolve complex statistical/analytical/epidemiological queries.
  • Support the dissemination and presentation of complex statistics and information to range of stakeholders who are non-statistical professionals in easily accessible formats via a range of different media, electronically or written reports.

Systems and Information

  • Manage the development and review of systems for the analysis of a range of research performance data and other intelligence, identifying trends, emergent issues, strategic and operational risks, and areas that require improvement.
  • Support the development and continuous improvement of data infrastructure, architecture, and systems to enable data sharing and analysis in a secure and safe manner e.g., Trusted Research Environment.
  • Co-ordinate and monitor HDRC data and outputs for performance reporting (through an appropriate tool e.g., Power BI)
  • Help design and deliver research data analysis training and other data related training and learning.
  • Interpret and balance evidence from a range of sources to inform decision-making.
  • Comply with the Councils policies in relation to Data Protection, Information Security and Confidentiality.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

  • Knowledge of public health (& wider determinants of health) data sources
  • Knowledge of the wider determinants of health and health inequalities, and the role local government and other agencies play in addressing them.
  • Knowledge of national and local policies and frameworks relating to wider determinants of health and health inequalities
  • Knowledge of data quality issues and approaches to address them.
  • Knowledge and experience of research and/or governance and relevant legal and ethical requirements
  • Experience of accessing and manipulating data from a wide range of sources using a variety of technologies and approaches
  • Experience of interagency and partnership working
  • Experience of supporting the development and continuous improvement of data infrastructure and systems

Desirable

  • Knowledge and experience of specialist statistical software (e.g., STATA/SPSS/SAS)
  • Knowledge and experience of managing and delivering complex projects.

Qualifications

Essential

  • Educated to degree level in relevant subject, or equivalent experience.
  • Evidence of CPD relevant to role

Desirable

  • Relevant project or product management qualification (Agile PRINCE2, Agile, GDS Product Manager or similar) or equivalent experience of using project management methodologies.

Occupational Skills

Essential

  • Ability to manage the development and review of systems for the analysis of a range of research performance data and other intelligence, identifying trends, emergent issues, strategic and operational risks, and areas that require improvement.
  • Ability to support research that makes effective and best use of resources and supports income generation.
  • Proficiency in data processing, data visualisation and statistical/analytical research methods
  • Strong data interpretation skills, for generating accurate and relevant conclusions and appropriate actionable suggestions.
  • Ability to use complex data ethically to support evidence-based decision making.
  • Excellent organisational and administrative skills
  • Ability to prioritise own workload and articulate decision process/rational.
  • Negotiating and influencing skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience in disseminating complex information via written reports and presentations to a wide range of audiences in terms of both size and composition.
  • Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
  • Ability to develop effective working relationships, both internally and externally
  • Ability to problem solve and find pragmatic solutions.
Person Specification

Experience

Essential

  • Knowledge of public health (& wider determinants of health) data sources
  • Knowledge of the wider determinants of health and health inequalities, and the role local government and other agencies play in addressing them.
  • Knowledge of national and local policies and frameworks relating to wider determinants of health and health inequalities
  • Knowledge of data quality issues and approaches to address them.
  • Knowledge and experience of research and/or governance and relevant legal and ethical requirements
  • Experience of accessing and manipulating data from a wide range of sources using a variety of technologies and approaches
  • Experience of interagency and partnership working
  • Experience of supporting the development and continuous improvement of data infrastructure and systems

Desirable

  • Knowledge and experience of specialist statistical software (e.g., STATA/SPSS/SAS)
  • Knowledge and experience of managing and delivering complex projects.

Qualifications

Essential

  • Educated to degree level in relevant subject, or equivalent experience.
  • Evidence of CPD relevant to role

Desirable

  • Relevant project or product management qualification (Agile PRINCE2, Agile, GDS Product Manager or similar) or equivalent experience of using project management methodologies.

Occupational Skills

Essential

  • Ability to manage the development and review of systems for the analysis of a range of research performance data and other intelligence, identifying trends, emergent issues, strategic and operational risks, and areas that require improvement.
  • Ability to support research that makes effective and best use of resources and supports income generation.
  • Proficiency in data processing, data visualisation and statistical/analytical research methods
  • Strong data interpretation skills, for generating accurate and relevant conclusions and appropriate actionable suggestions.
  • Ability to use complex data ethically to support evidence-based decision making.
  • Excellent organisational and administrative skills
  • Ability to prioritise own workload and articulate decision process/rational.
  • Negotiating and influencing skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience in disseminating complex information via written reports and presentations to a wide range of audiences in terms of both size and composition.
  • Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
  • Ability to develop effective working relationships, both internally and externally
  • Ability to problem solve and find pragmatic solutions.

Employer details

Employer name

North Yorkshire Council

Address

County Hall

Racecourse Lane

Northallerton

North Yorkshire

DL7 8AE


Employer's website

https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

North Yorkshire Council

Address

County Hall

Racecourse Lane

Northallerton

North Yorkshire

DL7 8AE


Employer's website

https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Joanne Smithson

joanne.smithson@northyorks.gov.uk

+44609532195

Details

Date posted

05 June 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£45,718 to £49,764 a year

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

3 years

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working, Home or remote working

Reference number

F0025-25-0038

Job locations

County Hall

Racecourse Lane

Northallerton

North Yorkshire

DL7 8AE


Supporting documents

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