Research Data Engineer

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Research Data Engineer to join the Trust’s Data Architecture team on a fixed-term basis, supporting delivery of the South West Secure Data Environment (SWSDE) programme and the wider development of research-ready healthcare data platforms.

Working closely with teams across Business Intelligence, Data Architecture, Data Science, Research & Development, and the Epic Electronic Patient Record (EPR) programme, the postholder will play a key role in designing and delivering scalable data pipelines that transform operational healthcare data into secure, research-ready datasets.

The successful candidate will lead the development of robust ETL processes to map Epic EPR data into OMOP-aligned data models, enabling secure and governed access for research and innovation activity across the South West region. This work will create reusable and standardised approaches which can scale across the Devon Epic EPR footprint and support future adoption nationally, as Epic capability expands.

The role also acts as an important technical bridge between operational data systems and research delivery. Working closely with the SWSDE, the postholder will support early-stage data quality assessments, feasibility scoping, and research onboarding activity, helping researchers better understand data structure, quality, and limitations while improving delivery timescales.

In addition, there is a significant opportunity to contribute to AI and advanced analytics innovation within the Trust. The postholder will work collaboratively with Data Science and AI teams to support proof-of-concept development and help demonstrate the SWSDE’s capability to support secure, AI-enabled research and advanced analytical workflows.

Working in partnership with the University of Exeter and regional NHS organisations, this is a unique opportunity to contribute to nationally significant work in health data interoperability, research infrastructure, and data-driven healthcare innovation., * Designing, developing, and maintaining scalable research data pipelines and ETL processes

• Mapping and transforming Epic EPR data into OMOP-aligned research datasets
• Supporting delivery of secure, research-ready datasets through the SWSDE
• Developing reusable and standardised data engineering approaches across the regional Epic footprint
• Supporting data validation, quality assurance, reconciliation, and metadata documentation activities
• Acting as a technical interface between operational systems, research teams, and the SWSDE
• Supporting feasibility assessments and early-stage data reviews for research projects
• Collaborating with clinical, operational, technical, and academic stakeholders across the NHS and university sector
• Supporting AI, advanced analytics, and proof-of-concept innovation projects
• Contributing to best practice in healthcare interoperability, research data engineering, and secure analytics environments
• Ensuring all activity aligns with NHS information governance, security, and data protection standards

We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking data professional with strong technical capability and a passion for enabling impactful healthcare research and innovation.

Working closely with teams across Business Intelligence, Data Architecture, Data Science, Research & Development, and the Epic Electronic Patient Record (EPR) programme, the postholder will play a key role in designing and delivering scalable data pipelines that transform operational healthcare data into secure, research-ready datasets., We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking data professional with strong technical capability and a passion for enabling impactful healthcare research and innovation., * Significant experience working in data engineering, healthcare analytics, or research data environments

• Strong experience designing and developing ETL or data integration pipelines
• Advanced SQL and relational database skills
• Experience working with healthcare datasets and NHS information governance requirements
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail
• The ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Experience working collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams

Desirable experience includes:

• Experience working with Epic EPR data or associated reporting and analytics platforms
• Knowledge or practical experience of the OMOP Common Data Model
• Experience supporting secure data environments or research platforms
• Exposure to cloud-based analytics technologies and modern data architectures
• Experience supporting AI, machine learning, or advanced analytics initiatives within healthcare

This role would suit an individual who is motivated by solving complex data challenges and who wants to contribute to innovative, research-driven improvements in healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.

The successful candidate will be required to undertake Epic EPR training as part of the role. An honorary contract arrangement with the University of Exeter may also form part of this post to support collaborative research delivery.

Looking after you is important to us.

We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.

If you are starting out in the NHS, you’ll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.

You will benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.

We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.

This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we will help you get there.

Salary is not the only financial benefit

You will have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers. You will also have access to other benefits including:

• National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
• Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter
• Car lease schemes.
• The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
• Cycle to work scheme

These are just a few of the benefits available - if the role is something you are interested in, we would love to hear from you.

As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Preference will be given to staff with ‘Priority’ and ‘At Risk’ status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust., Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford). Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within people’s own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).

Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities.