Lead for Data Research and Services

UKCEH is looking for a Lead for Data Research and Services to join our 600-strong team, contributing to scientific discovery and generating the data, insights and solutions that researchers, businesses and governments need to solve complex environmental challenges.   

Working at UKCEH is rewarding. Our science makes a real difference, enabling people and the environment to prosper, and enriching society. We are the custodians of a wealth of environmental data, collected both by UKCEH and its predecessors over the course of more than 60 years, and also by the wider UK academic community under NERC funding.   

As a valued member of our team, you’ll get:   

• 27 days annual leave, rising to 29 days after five years    
• 10% employer pension contribution   
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave    
• 24 hour, 365-day access to support with physical, mental, social, health or financial issues   
• Flexible working opportunities   
• And much more   

You’ll be joining our Environmental Data Science (EDS) group at UKCEH Lancaster, a dynamic, multidisciplinary team of nearly 50 people at the forefront of building Digital Research Infrastructure (DRI) for environmental science, all driven by UKCEH’s ambitious Digital Strategy. You’ll be leading a team of 15+ staff in the transformation of the data research and services that underpin the DRI – driving innovation and delivery of integrated data services, tools and governance across the full spectrum of UKCEH’s research programme, including our large data programmes FDRI, NC-UK and EIDC, in alignment with broader DRI and infrastructure initiatives (e.g., across UKRI). 

You will provide the strategic direction for long-term curation and enhancement of the data and other research assets (e.g., methods, models) as a trusted data service supported by and for the research community. Building on key platforms developed by the EDS group (e.g., EIDC Catalogue, DataLabs), you will champion the use, research and development of state-of-the-art technologies, approaches and international standards. These include the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principles, as well as automation pathways and support for a broad range of data types, e.g., gridded data and streaming data.  

Collaboration and stakeholder engagement is key to this role. By promoting co-design processes and leading training initiatives, you will put the environmental research community at the heart of the data services, tools and governance. This will involve leading proposals and activities with the community that advances this work nationally and internationally, as well as collaborating with the Natural Environment Research Council's (NERC) Environmental Data Service as lead of the EIDC. 

A crucial and significant part of this role will be leading  the 15+ team of scientific staff and managing of both delivery (budgets, skills and staff availabilities) and strategic development to ensure the sustainability of scientific excellence, future work and financial performance. These elements are expected to take up to 45% of the role with the remaining time being spent on driving and delivering science projects. 

You’ll be joining a leading independent, not-for-profit research institute that’s committed to recruiting talented people like you, progressing your career and giving you the support you need to thrive at UKCEH.   

Your main responsibilities will include:   

• Providing the strategic direction for data research and services that empower the research community by providing trusted, accessible, and interoperable data and research assets; 
• Developing a collaborative and innovative research and development programme to support this vision, including seeking funding to deliver this programme; 
• Enhancing UKCEH’s reputation as a key player in environmental data research, directly impacting national and international standards and technologies in data management; 
• Contributing to the UKCEH and NERC digital strategies, and broader UKRI DRI ambitions in areas related to data research and services; 
• Through fostering strong partnerships, creating a cohesive network of data services, tools and governance that align with the priorities of environmental research and policy and meet the needs of users and stakeholders; 
• Providing leadership for the EIDC and associated data stewardship team, including staff management and coordination of project planning and delivery; 
• Contributing to the broader management of the EDS group - working with the Head of the EDS group, Head of Digital Strategy and sub team leads.    

For the role of Lead for Data Research and Services, we’re looking for somebody who has:   

• A good degree in an appropriate subject, as well as a PhD or equivalent relevant experience; 
• Substantial experience of leading, innovating and delivering stakeholder-focused data research and services, ideally in a science context; 
• Strategic insight into current and future requirements for integrated data services, tools and governance, including through enhanced stakeholder engagement; 
• Demonstrable commitment to continuing professional development and up to date knowledge of research, including modern data standards and best practices (e.g. FAIR, TRUST and CARE principles) and state-of-the-art technology; 
• Demonstrable experience of leading teams and working collaboratively, with a strong interest in actively supporting the career development of team members; 
• Experience in managing projects including budget planning, people allocation and deliverables tracking; 
• Experience of successful bidding in a competitive research context (e.g., UKRI). 

If we’ve just described you, we’d love to meet. Apply now, or if you have any questions about the role or working in the Environmental Data Science team at UKCEH, please feel free to contact us.  

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position at this time.