| About UKHSAUK Health Security Agency – GOV.UKUK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is an executive agency, sponsored by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). At UKHSA, our mission is to protect people’s health by preventing and responding to threats—whether that’s a new pandemic, everyday infections like influenza, or environmental dangers like radiation or extreme weather. We save lives, protect livelihoods, and work with partners across the NHS, care systems, and globally to keep communities safe. We’re a hub of scientific and operational expertise, tackling health challenges at every level—local, national, and international. The Chief Data Officer (CDO) group is the analytical powerhouse of UKHSA and plays a key role in making sure data is used safely, legally, and ethically. We support every step of the data journey—from collecting and managing information to analytics and delivering insights that drive real-world action. If you’re passionate about using data to make a difference and want to help solve big health challenges, there’s a place for you here in the CDO group. |
| Placement start date: June 2026 onwards Duration: 3 months |
| Working pattern and location of the placement: Placements will be remote with the occasional office/event attendance, but this is at the successful candidate’s discretion. Our head office is in Canary Wharf, we also have offices in Liverpool, Bristol and Birmingham, if you would like to attend one of the offices more regularly, we can look at getting you a government pass. Full-time is preferred so you can fully immerse yourself in the team and project, but we will work flexibly if part-time hours are required. We do however need the placement to be undertaken in one continuous block due to IT and data access/security requirements. |
| Description of the placement opportunity available: Background/ expected impact: UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is looking for academic expertise to support the principles of UKHSA’s data strategy to build a more efficient, collaborative, and data-driven Agency. You will be supporting the Data Architecture team on health-related data modelling projects; to map, design and build a unified data model. In the Chief Data Officer Group (CDO) we are combining cutting-edge tools and collaborative techniques, to create a more efficient, transparent, and harmonised data environment to yield greater public health benefits. Producing sustainable data flows through analysis and translation of UKHSA’s business needs, optimising how data is stored and moved through the agency. Collaboration is key to our success, working with and guiding multiple stakeholders on data-centric initiatives. Outline of duties: During this placement we would expect you to be evaluating existing data systems, making sure data architecture processes adhere to standards, policies and best practices. You will be addressing specific data challenges within a government/health context which will involve extensive stakeholder engagement. This will involve learning about our existing and planned data estate using modern data tooling. Working within a government context effective communication to both technical and non-technical audiences is key, this placement will develop these skills substantially. Expected output(s)/ deliverable(s): – Produce a data model in a specific health setting that can be used by UKHSA and has future implications for the data architecture team. – Apply data architecture principles and standards to their implementation in a health setting, with the potential for a published piece of work. – Produce a report outlining the data challenges and potential solutions, drawing on industry best practice standards and policies. Support for Postgraduate Researcher: UKHSA is an excellent placement opportunity as we have a developed culture of learning and development, fostered in an inclusive environment. To ensure that the student has opportunities to expand their skillsets and to develop professionally, we can provide some training in analysis, where required, but we also encourage the student to engage with subject matter experts and other early career researchers (ECR) across the UKHSA. At UKHSA, we have a thriving Early Career Research (ECR) network led by our CDO Partnerships team. The student will have the opportunity to join and be supported by the ECR network within the UKHSA, and by other ECRs and team members within the host team. After your placement you will also join our Alumni ECR Network, where you will receive exclusive insights, future opportunities and development from CDO. So, invest in your future and apply, if you think you fit the skills criteria below, we’d love to hear from you! |
| Skills and experience required for the role: Essential skills – Computer Science background (degree level or equivalent) – Produced relevant data models across multiple subject areas – An understanding industry-recognised data modelling patterns and standards, and when to apply them Desirable – Experience in evaluating and recommending appropriate data models and architectural patterns aligned with specific requirements and technical objectives. – Understanding of sophisticated data models and industry best practice. |
| Security/ health and safety restrictions (if relevant): Just Cyber Security, but you will complete training in this when you start, and other mandatory training to use UKHSA systems. |
| Anticipated costs associated with the placement (e.g. travel and subsistence costs), and any financial contribution the Host will make to help cover these (if relevant): Aimed primarily at PGRs with research council funding through a Doctoral Training Partnership or the PGR is happy to undertake the placement unpaid. Any costs associated with travel or accommodation will usually be reimbursed by UKHSA in line with other funding schemes. Placements are remote based, and you will not be expected to travel but we have several offices if you do wish to work out of them. |
| How to apply: Closing date for applications: Rolling Application format: CV and a 500-word cover letter to evidence how you fit the project requirements, skills and what you can bring to this role. How to submit an application: Send your CV and a cover letter (max 500 words) to the CDO Partnerships Team, UKHSA, CDOPartnerships@ukhsa.gov.uk with the subject line “REF16-HDM DTP placement application”. Please note this opportunity is being advertised at multiple universities. |
| Recruitment process: The Host Organisation is responsible for processing the applications received for this opportunity and applications will be processed as follows: Successful applicants will be invited for a short virtual interview on MS Teams. The successful candidate will be informed 2-3 weeks after the interview, depending on how many interviews there are. The successful candidate will then be asked to sign an agreement after security checks (United Kingdom Security Vetting: Applicant – GOV.UK) have been completed. Please allow 4-6 weeks for the whole onboarding process, at the higher end if you are an international PGR holding a student visa. Civil Service eligibility criteria will apply. How to Apply | Civil Service Careers (civil-service-careers.gov.uk). |
| Host contact details: Any queries about this opportunity should be addressed to the Host Organisation. CDO Partnerships Team, UKHSA CDOPartnerships@ukhsa.gov.uk – please reference the placement you are enquiring about in the subject heading. |