Job summary
- Main area
- Research
- Grade
- NHS AfC: Band 8a
- Contract
- 3 years (Fixed Term for 3 years)
- Hours
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week
- Job ref
- 389-26-8352617
- Employer
- Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- NIHR Bradford & West Yorkshire CRDC, Bradford Institute for Health Research
- Town
- Bradford
- Salary
- £57,528 - £64,750 per annum
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 06/11/2026 23:59
Employer heading
Senior Research Data and Performance Specialist
NHS AfC: Band 8a
Job overview
Closing Date: 06.11.2026
Shortlisting to take place after closing date: commencing 09.11.2026
Interview expected to take place in the week following shortlisting: commencing 30.11.2026
We are seeking an experienced and innovative data professional to lead the development of research performance intelligence across the NIHR Bradford & West Yorkshire Commercial Research Delivery Centre (CRDC). Working across a partnership of NHS organisations, you will develop and deliver dashboards, reporting systems and analytical insight that support the effective delivery of commercial research studies and help drive performance improvement across the research pathway.
The role will provide expert analysis and intelligence to senior leaders, enabling informed decision-making, early identification of risks and opportunities, and supporting the achievement of national research performance objectives.
As part of the Commercial Research Delivery Centre, you will play a pivotal role in shaping how research performance is measured, understood and improved across the region. You will work alongside senior operational, clinical and research leaders, using data and intelligence to support growth, innovation and delivery of cutting-edge commercial research studies.
Main duties of the job
Applicants must have significant experience in a senior data, performance, information or analytical role within the NHS, research environment or a similarly complex organisation. Experience of designing, developing and implementing performance dashboards, reporting systems and analytical solutions using multiple data sources is essential.
Candidates should possess advanced analytical and data interpretation skills, with experience of translating complex information into clear, actionable insight for senior leaders and operational teams. Strong communication and influencing skills are essential, together with the ability to work effectively across organisational boundaries and support performance improvement through evidence-based decision-making. Experience of Power BI or equivalent dashboard and visualisation tools is required.
Applicants should have a degree or equivalent professional qualification, or equivalent experience in data, analytics or information management, together with evidence of continuing professional development. An understanding of performance management, NIHR research delivery structures, information governance and research delivery is essential, whilst knowledge of commercial clinical research delivery would be advantageous.
Working for our organisation
The Bradford & West Yorkshire CRDC brings together leading NHS organisations with a shared ambition to become a nationally recognised centre for commercial clinical research excellence. You will join a collaborative and forward-thinking team committed to improving patient outcomes through research, innovation and partnership working. This is an opportunity to be part of a growing programme that is helping to shape the future of research delivery both locally and nationally.
This role offers a unique opportunity to combine technical expertise with strategic influence, helping to ensure more patients have access to innovative treatments and research opportunities. You will have the autonomy to develop new approaches, harness emerging technologies and make a visible impact on the future direction of research delivery across Bradford and West Yorkshire.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see the attached job description and person specification for more information before applying for this role.
Person specification
Experience
Essential criteria
- Significant experience in a senior data, information, performance or analytical role within the NHS, research or a complex public sector environment
- Experience of designing and delivering performance dashboards or reporting systems using multiple data sources
- Experience of analysing complex datasets and translating insight into actionable recommendations
- Experience of supporting performance management and improvement in a regulated environment
- Experience of working across organisational boundaries
Desirable criteria
- Experience contributing to regional or national reporting or improvement programmes
Skills
Essential criteria
- Advanced analytical and data interpretation skills
- Ability to design, maintain and assure performance dashboards (e.g. Power BI or equivalent)
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex data to non-technical audiences
- Influencing skills to support change through evidence
Desirable criteria
- Experience of coaching or supporting others in data use
Knowledge
Essential criteria
- Understanding of Information Governance and Confidentiality
- In-depth understanding of performance management and improvement methodologies
- Understanding of NIHR research delivery structures and expectations (including the 150-day FPR target)
- Knowledge of research governance, data protection and information governance requirements
Desirable criteria
- Understanding of commercial clinical research delivery pathways
Qualifications
Essential criteria
- Degree or equivalent professional qualification, or equivalent experience in data, analytics or information management
- Evidence of ongoing professional development in data, analytics or information/performance management
- Postgraduate qualification or specialist training in data, health informatics or analytics
Other Requirements
Essential criteria
- Willingness and ability to travel and attend meetings
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Application numbers
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Dr Tracy Watson
- Job title
- Director of Research Operations
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 07970238348
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