**This vacancy is only available to existing University of Essex staff**
Department
The Institute for Social and Economic Research (ISER) at the University of Essex is internationally recognised for its expertise in longitudinal and survey research. ISER is home to – the UK Household Longitudinal Study (UKHLS), the largest household panel study of its kind in the world. Funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), this flagship £100 million initiative provides vital insights into the social and economic circumstances, attitudes and behaviours of people living in the UK.
is central to the UK’s social science research infrastructure, supporting thousands of data users each year and informing policy across government and academia. The Department offers a stimulating and collaborative research environment with a strong emphasis on innovation, data quality, and impact.
Duties of the role
The Senior Survey Data Officer (Feedforward) will play a key role in the delivery of the Understanding Society study by managing and developing the complex data flows that underpin longitudinal data collection.
The post holder will design, implement, and document feedforward datasets supplied to fieldwork agencies to ensure consistency and accuracy across survey waves. You will oversee the preparation and provision of sample and feedforward data for the main study, the Innovation Panel, and a range of enhancement and specialist studies.
Key responsibilities include producing and supplying regular datasets such as mailing files and consent reminders; importing and processing survey, administrative and biological data from multiple sources; quality checking and cleaning data; and preparing datasets for statistical analysis and release via the UK Data Service.
The role also involves developing standard operating procedures, responding to data-related queries, creating ad hoc reports and data products, and reviewing workflows to identify opportunities for continuous improvement. You will contribute directly to maintaining the high standards of accuracy, timeliness, and innovation that define .
Qualifications and skills required
The successful candidate will have strong technical and analytical skills and the ability to work confidently with large and complex datasets.
You should be capable of understanding and managing intricate data systems, with a proven ability to communicate technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences. Excellent attention to detail, strong organisational skills, and the ability to deliver high-quality work within tight deadlines are essential.
The role requires an aptitude for problem-solving, the ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative team, and a flexible approach to managing a diverse workload. The ideal candidate will also demonstrate a commitment continuous improvement in data management processes.
At the University of Essex, internationalism and diversity is central to who we are and what we do. We are committed to being a cosmopolitan, internationally oriented university that is welcoming to staff and students from all countries, faiths and backgrounds, where you can find the world in one place.
To support this commitment we have our, a staff-led network that promotes and celebrates the rich cultural diversity among Essex staff, and our Colchester campus based Faith Centre, which hosts regular services, meetings and events organised by our chaplains and faith representatives. For more information see: