Senior Data Analyst

UK Biobank; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

USS Pension Scheme

26 days annual leave

Birthday day off

Hybrid & Flexible working

Healthcare Cash Plan

Free on-site gym

Free parking

Job summary

UK Biobank in Manchester is seeking a Senior Data Analyst to join our Data Analyst team, combining advanced technical expertise with people leadership to help manage, analyse and improve the complex datasets that underpin our research resource.

You will lead a team and utilise R, Python and SQL to develop analytical solutions, improve data quality and support innovative health research with a hybrid work model at Manchester Science Park.

Qualifications

• MSc or higher qualification in a numerate subject, or equivalent experience.
• Significant experience in database programming, interrogation and statistical analysis using R, Python or SQL.
• Experience leading or directing Data Analysts, setting priorities and ensuring delivery against agreed standards.
• Experience working in life sciences or healthcare environment, particularly with epidemiological, health research or health record data.
• Desirable: Experience working with medical imaging data, including DICOM files and associated tools.

Responsibilities

• Performing and overseeing data analyses, including statistical analysis, data quality assessments and predictive modelling, translating findings into clear and actionable outputs for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Developing and maintaining robust processes for data cleaning, validation, integration and quality assurance, ensuring datasets are accurate, consistent and well documented.
• Leading the planning and delivery of projects across multiple teams and stakeholders, ensuring milestones, risks, resources and dependencies are effectively managed.
• Developing and implementing analytical workflows, scripts and automated pipelines, working in partnership with the Data Engineering team where appropriate.
• Managing and developing Data Analysts and Assistant Data Analysts, including workload planning, performance management, recruitment, training and career development.

Skills

R

Python

SQL

Data analysis

Education

MSc or higher in a numerate subject

Tools

DICOM tools

Job description

Senior Data Analyst

Application Deadline: 29 November 2026

Department: Data Management (Data Analysis and Bioinformatics)

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Manchester

Reporting To: Carl Melbourne

Compensation: £50,000 - £52,000 / year

Description

Help shape the data behind world-leading health research.

What if your expertise in data analysis could help researchers make discoveries that improve human health?

UK Biobank is one of the world's most significant biomedical research resources, following the health of half a million volunteers to help scientists develop better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat disease.

We're looking for a Senior Data Analyst to join our Data Analyst team, combining advanced technical expertise with people leadership to help manage, analyse and improve the complex datasets that underpin our research resource.

Can you do it?

With over 35 petabytes of data and new research initiatives continually expanding our resources, UK Biobank offers an opportunity to work with large-scale, complex health data.

You will play a key role in improving how we analyse, validate and manage this information, using your significant technical expertise with programming languages such as R, Python and SQL to develop analytical solutions, improve data quality and support innovative research.

Alongside your technical responsibilities, you'll lead and develop a team of Data Analysts, managing workloads, supporting professional development and helping deliver projects across multiple teams.

The role will have a primary focus in one of two areas: the management of data derived from biological samples, or measures collected at assessment centres, which includes the management of medical imaging data.

You will be responsible for

• Performing and overseeing data analyses, including statistical analysis, data quality assessments and predictive modelling, translating findings into clear and actionable outputs for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Developing and maintaining robust processes for data cleaning, validation, integration and quality assurance, ensuring datasets are accurate, consistent and well documented.
• Leading the planning and delivery of projects across multiple teams and stakeholders, ensuring milestones, risks, resources and dependencies are effectively managed.
• Developing and implementing analytical workflows, scripts and automated pipelines, working in partnership with the Data Engineering team where appropriate.
• Managing and developing Data Analysts and Assistant Data Analysts, including workload planning, performance management, recruitment, training and career development.

Is this 'you'?

We're looking for an experienced data professional who combines strong analytical and programming skills with the ability to lead, develop and support others.

To be successful, you will have:

• An MSc or higher qualification in a numerate subject, or equivalent experience.
• Significant experience in database programming, interrogation and statistical analysis using R, Python or SQL.
• Experience leading or directing Data Analysts, setting priorities and ensuring delivery against agreed standards.
• Experience working in life sciences or healthcare environment, particularly with epidemiological, health research or health record data.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to communicate complex analytical findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Desirable: Experience working with medical imaging data, including DICOM files and associated tools.

Working hours are 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday; hybrid working is available. The role will be based at Manchester Science Park, just outside the city centre.

We actively welcome applications from people with disabilities, long‑term health conditions, neurodivergent candidates, and those with diverse thinking styles. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and in the workplace so that everyone can perform at their best. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact Tommy Wilson at [e-mail] so we can support you.

Your Wellbeing Matters to Us

Our wellbeing score on Indeed is rated at 77% (high), reflecting how people experience working here day‑to‑day. Colleagues often highlight a strong sense of purpose, supportive team culture, and the opportunity to grow.

We’re proud to offer a benefits package that supports your health, financial security, and development.

Our benefits

• 14.5% employer contribution to the USS Pension Scheme
• 26 days' annual leave, plus bank holidays, increasing to 30 days with service
• Option to buy up to 5 additional days' leave
• A paid day off for your birthday
• Enhanced family leave
• Hybrid & Flexible working available
• Healthcare Cash Plan and wellbeing support
• Free on‑site gym, subsidised lunch and free parking

#LI-Hybrid

The job advert closing date may change, so early applications are encouraged.