Research Officer and Data Scientist - Population Data Science

Swansea University / Prifysgol Abertawe
Swansea
6 days ago
Create job alert
About The University

Swansea University is a research‑led university that has been making a difference since 1920. The University community thrives on exploration and discovery and offers the right balance of excellent teaching and research, matched by an enviable quality of life.

Our stunning waterfront campuses and multicultural community make us a desirable workplace for colleagues from around the world. Our reward and benefits, and ways of working enable those who join us to have enriching careers, matched by an excellent work‑life balance.

About The Role

We have 2 fixed term roles available working full‑time, one ending on 30th September 2029 and one maternity cover until 30th April 2027.

The Population Data Science group at Swansea University (https://popdatasci.swan.ac.uk/) supports world‑leading research to develop cutting‑edge analytical tools and methodologies to address the most pressing health research challenges. Home to Researchers & Data Scientists who focus on a range of projects and programmes that seek to improve services and people's lives through population data science research. This multidisciplinary team works in a fast‑moving, agile environment and is committed to demonstrating the value of data science to a range of technical and non‑technical audiences.

Utilising the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage (SAIL) Databanks (www.saildatabank.co.uk) rich anonymised population‑scale, individual‑level, linked data sources to answer important population‑level questions that inform policy and evaluate national programmes and projects. We are looking for a Research Officer & Data Scientist to join our team who will work closely with various stakeholders, organisations, and groups. Our team regularly collaborates as part of many funded research projects and programmes nationally and internationally. Applications are sought from applicants with skills and experience in routine data analysis (preferably in health or social care) and a background in any of the following areas: epidemiology, statistics, operational research, or related informatics, to work in research and data science.

The Research Officer & Data Scientist will be part of the ADR Wales (Administrative Data Research Wales) (https://adrwales.org/), which brings together world‑renowned data science experts, leading academics and specialist teams within Welsh Government to produce evidence that shapes future policy decisions in Wales. The partnership is ideally placed to maximise the utility of anonymous and secure data to shape public service delivery, which will ultimately improve the lives of people in Wales.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

The University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity in all its practices and activities. We aim to establish an inclusive environment and welcome diverse applications from the following protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic and national origin), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation.

As an inclusive and welcoming workplace, we value people for their skills regardless of their background. Applications are welcome in Welsh and will not be treated less favourably than those submitted in English.

Welsh Language Skills

The Welsh language level required for this role is Level 1 – a little. The role holder will be able to pronounce Welsh words, answer the phone in Welsh (good morning/afternoon) and use very basic everyday words and phrases (thank you, please etc.). Level 1 can be reached by completing a 1‑hour course. The University is a proud bilingual institution; our Welsh Language Strategy outlines our aspiration to promote the language and enable our staff to engage with the language as an additional workplace skill and as a gateway to new cultural and social opportunities. Welsh speakers have the right to an interview in Welsh. Applicants for a role where Welsh skills are essential are expected to present their application in Welsh and will be interviewed in Welsh, if shortlisted.

Additional Information

Applications for this role will take the format of a CV submission and cover letter.


#J-18808-Ljbffr

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Research Officer & Data Scientist - Population Data Science

Senior Research Officer, Mental Health Data Scientist

Population Data Scientist & Research Officer

Population Data Scientist & Research Officer - Fixed-Term

Machine Learning Scientist - Cars

Data Science Graduate

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

How Many AI Tools Do You Need to Know to Get an AI Job?

If you are job hunting in AI right now it can feel like you are drowning in tools. Every week there is a new framework, a new “must-learn” platform or a new productivity app that everyone on LinkedIn seems to be using. The result is predictable: job seekers panic-learn a long list of tools without actually getting better at delivering outcomes. Here is the truth most hiring managers will quietly agree with. They do not hire you because you know 27 tools. They hire you because you can solve a problem, communicate trade-offs, ship something reliable and improve it with feedback. Tools matter, but only in service of outcomes. So how many AI tools do you actually need to know? For most AI job seekers: fewer than you think. You need a tight core toolkit plus a role-specific layer. Everything else is optional. This guide breaks it down clearly, gives you a simple framework to choose what to learn and shows you how to present your toolset on your CV, portfolio and interviews.

What Hiring Managers Look for First in AI Job Applications (UK Guide)

Hiring managers do not start by reading your CV line-by-line. They scan for signals. In AI roles especially, they are looking for proof that you can ship, learn fast, communicate clearly & work safely with data and systems. The best applications make those signals obvious in the first 10–20 seconds. This guide breaks down what hiring managers typically look for first in AI applications in the UK market, how to present it on your CV, LinkedIn & portfolio, and the most common reasons strong candidates get overlooked. Use it as a checklist to tighten your application before you click apply.

The Skills Gap in AI Jobs: What Universities Aren’t Teaching

Artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept. It is already reshaping how businesses operate, how decisions are made, and how entire industries compete. From finance and healthcare to retail, manufacturing, defence, and climate science, AI is embedded in critical systems across the UK economy. Yet despite unprecedented demand for AI talent, employers continue to report severe recruitment challenges. Vacancies remain open for months. Salaries rise year on year. Candidates with impressive academic credentials often fail technical interviews. At the heart of this disconnect lies a growing and uncomfortable truth: Universities are not fully preparing graduates for real-world AI jobs. This article explores the AI skills gap in depth—what is missing from many university programmes, why the gap persists, what employers actually want, and how jobseekers can bridge the divide to build a successful career in artificial intelligence.