Data Linkage Strategy Lead

UK Biobank Limited; England; Hybrid; GBP 58,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biomedical research organization is looking for a Data Linkage Strategy Lead in Cheadle, UK. You will support the Director of Data Linkage in shaping and delivering the linkage strategy, monitor relevant developments, and engage with stakeholders. Required qualifications include significant experience in strategic planning in health, and a degree in a related discipline. This role offers a salary between £58,000 - £66,950 per year and benefits including generous annual leave, a pension scheme, and a hybrid working model.

Benefits

26 Days’ Annual Leave

Holiday Buy Scheme

Birthday Leave

USS Pension Scheme

Healthcare Cash Plan

Enhanced Family Leave

Cycle to Work Scheme

Season Ticket Loan

Professional Subscriptions

Learning budget

Free On-Site Gym

Subsidised Canteen Lunches

Free Car Parking

Employee Discounts Portal

Employee Assistance Programme

Annual Flu Vaccination

Life Assurance Cover

Qualifications

• Significant experience in strategic planning within the health sector.
• Degree or higher degree in public health or related discipline.
• Deep understanding of health data and data protection frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development and delivery of the data linkage strategy.
• Engage with stakeholders to identify priority datasets.
• Monitor developments relevant to health data linkage.

Skills

Strategic planning

Research intelligence

Policy development

Excellent communication

Education

Degree in public health or related discipline

Job description

Data Linkage Strategy Lead

Application Deadline: 18 January 2026

Department: Data Linkage

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Cheadle

Reporting To: Director of Data Linkage

Compensation: £58,000 - £66,950 / year

Description

At UK Biobank, we support a world-leading biomedical research resource used by more than 20,000 researchers globally. Our data linkages to health and health related records are central to enabling impactful, policy-relevant research that improves health outcomes.

We are now creating a new Data Linkage Strategy Lead role to support the Director of Data Linkage in shaping and delivering the next phase of our linkage strategy. As an organisation that is both pioneering and inclusive, we are focused on expanding our linkage portfolio responsibly ensuring it continues to meet the evolving needs of researchers, policymakers, and participants.

This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future direction of health data linkage at one of the world’s most influential research resources.

Can you do it?

Working closely with the Director of Data Linkage, you will contribute to the development and delivery of UK Biobank’s long‑term data linkage strategy.

You will focus on strategic foresight, horizon scanning, and stakeholder engagement identifying new data linkage opportunities, monitoring scientific, policy, and regulatory developments, and helping ensure that linkage priorities align with scientific demand, governance frameworks, and public trust.

This role involves close collaboration across UK Biobank teams and regular engagement with senior stakeholders across academia, government, industry, and the wider health data landscape.

You will be responsible for:

• Undertaking horizon scanning and strategic analysis to identify new data sources and partnerships that can enhance UK Biobank’s linkage portfolio.
• Monitoring scientific, policy, and regulatory developments relevant to health data linkage, and advising on their implications for UK Biobank’s strategic direction.
• Engaging proactively with UK Biobank’s diverse community of academic and commercial researchers to identify priority datasets that will deliver the greatest scientific value.
• Providing expert advice on the strategic, governance, and ethical considerations associated with the acquisition and use of new linked datasets.
• Working with the Director of Data Linkage in developing and delivering a long‑term strategy for extending and deepening UK Biobank’s data linkages, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and national research priorities.

Is this 'you'?

To be successful, you will have:

• Significant experience in strategic planning, research intelligence, or policy development within the health sector, research or Government environment.
• A degree or higher degree in public health, health policy, or a related discipline.
• Deep understanding of health data for research, information governance, and data protection frameworks.
• Experience of engaging and influencing senior stakeholders across academia, government, and industry.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear and concise reports and briefings.

Working hours are 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday with some flexibility, 60% onsite with hybrid working available. The Director of Data Linkage is based at the Oxford site. Oxford is the preferred location, but applications for localisation to London or Manchester offices will also be considered. However, if you are outside of Oxford, you will be required in Oxford 50% of your onsite time.

Our passion for diversity and equality means creating a work environment for all employees that is welcoming, respectful, engaging, and enriched with opportunities for personal and professional development.

Your Wellbeing Matters to Us

We’re proud to offer a benefits package that supports your health, financial security, and work‑life balance - right from day one. Here’s what you can look forward to as part of our team:

• 🗓️ 26 Days’ Annual Leave – Plus Bank Holidays, increasing with length of service.
• ➕ Holiday Buy Scheme – Purchase up to one additional week of leave per year.
• 🎂 Birthday Leave – Enjoy a paid day off to celebrate your birthday.
• 🏦 USS Pension Scheme – Hybrid defined benefit/defined contribution pension plan.
• 🏥 Healthcare Cash Plan – Claim back costs for everyday health expenses.
• 👶 Enhanced Family Leave – Available from day one for maternity, paternity, and adoption.
• 🚴 Cycle to Work Scheme – Save on a new bike and accessories.
• 🚆 Season Ticket Loan – Interest‑free loan to help with commuting costs.
• 📄 Professional Subscriptions – Reimbursement where applicable.
• 📚 Learning budget – Annual funds for courses, books, or anything else that fuels your personal and professional growth.
• 🏋️ Free On‑Site Gym – Stay active with access to our gym facilities.
• 🍽️ Subsidised Canteen Lunches – Enjoy healthy meals at reduced prices.
• 🚗 Free Car Parking – On‑site parking available for staff.
• 🛍️ Employee Discounts Portal – Access to savings across retail, travel, and more.
• 📞 Employee Assistance Programme – Confidential support for personal and work‑related issues.
• 💉 Annual Flu Vaccination – Stay protected with free flu jabs.
• 🛡️ Life Assurance Cover – Financial protection for your loved ones.

#LI-Hybrid

The job advert closing date may change, so we recommend that if you are planning to apply that you do so without delay.