About the role
The Bartlett School of Architecture is seeking to appoint a Research Fellow in Secure Spatial Analytics ( FTE, part-time possible) as part of the MRC-funded project Your Health and Where You Live. The post is funded until 31 July in the first instance.
As a Research Fellow in Secure Spatial Analytics, you will join a collaborative team at UCL’s Bartlett School of Architecture, working with colleagues at the University of Liverpool and NHS partners on privacy-preserving health and environment research. Over approximately six months you will focus on a clearly scoped software and methods package: designing, prototyping and evaluating practical ways to make Trusted Research Environment / Secure Data Environment datasets “spatially aware” while protecting privacy. This includes building and testing R and/or Python code that can be re-used by other analysts, for example distance matrices, neighbourhood structures or secure linkage tools.
You will bring strong programming skills (ideally in R or Python) and substantial experience working with real datasets. You will already be strong in at least one of two areas – spatial data (for example maps, networks or spatial statistics) or privacy-preserving methods (for example anonymisation, k-anonymity or secure linkage) – and you will be keen to learn the other on the job. Experience with Trusted Research Environments, DataSHIELD or UK health data is welcome but not essential. The work is well scoped for a six-month appointment, with clear deliverables and close technical support from the UCL and Liverpool team.
The role is suitable for candidates with a PhD (or near completion) or equivalent experience (for example research software engineering on scientific data) in computer science, software engineering, spatial data science, statistics, geography, epidemiology, public health or a related field. The role requires good analytical and communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a multi-institutional team. The salary for this role is Grade 7, £45, per annum (pro rata at FTE). A higher starting salary may be available depending on the agreed appointment date and duration. This role is eligible for part-time, hybrid and flexible working. This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit for more information.
About you
You are a technically strong programmer who enjoys turning ideas into reliable code. You have substantial experience writing and maintaining non-trivial R or Python code on real datasets, and you are comfortable using version control, basic tests and documentation.
You are strong in at least one of two areas:
1. Working with spatial data (for example, maps, neighbourhood structures or distance matrices), or
2. Privacy-preserving methods and disclosure control (for example anonymisation, k-anonymity, secure linkage).
You are keen to learn the parts that are new to you. You do not need prior experience working in Trusted Research Environments or with DataSHIELD; an interest in privacy and secure analytics, and a willingness to learn, are more important. In this role you will help us make individual-level health data in Trusted Research Environments/Secure Data Environments “spatially aware” while keeping people anonymous. You will prototype practical methods, apply them in one or two case studies, and release them as re-usable R/Python code, simple scripts and short “how-to” notes for analysts and data controllers.
You work well in a small, collaborative team, can manage your own workload over a 6-month project, and can explain technical trade-offs clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences. You are motivated by building tools that others will actually use and by contributing to fairer, place-based health research with real policy impact.
Application Process
The advert will close on 2 January at 23:59 GMT, however we may close applications early if we receive a high volume of applications. Early application submission is recommended. As a minimum we will keep all adverts open for 2 weeks.
Interview Date(s) are scheduled online for mid-January.
A job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page. This role may suit candidates from research software engineering, data science or spatial analysis backgrounds who are interested in privacy-preserving methods and secure health data.
3. When applying, please include a personal statement that contains a simple table listing all essential criteria (and any desirable criteria you meet). For each criterion, give a brief, evidence-based explanation (bullet points are sufficient) of how you satisfy it
4. This role does not meet the eligibility requirements for a skilled worker certificate of sponsorship or a global talent visa under UK Visas and Immigration legislation, and candidates will need to demonstrate the right to work in the UK.
Contact Details
5. If you have any queries about the role, please contact .
6. If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online or have any queries about the application process, please contact the HR Team at .
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As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:
7. 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
8. Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
9. Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
10. Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
11. Immigration loan
12. Relocation scheme for certain posts
13. On-Site nursery
14. On-site gym
15. Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
16. Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
17. Discounted medical insurance