research analyst Stoke-on-Trent, England
Job description
Provide Application development as necessary in development of the in-house systems to support the delivery of research projects Support the R&I function in advising on grant submissions and queries To be a source of expertise for all digital research, working across the portfolio of studies and projects adopted and undertaken by the Trust Design and implement Extraction, Transformation and Loading (ETL) procedures for intake of data from clinical and corporate systems, as well as ensure data is verified and quality is checked. Optimize security and ETL procedures between the Data Warehouse and Research environments Perform the design and extension of data marts, metadata, and data models Be knowledgeable about a range of information query tools and languages Support as required the Head of Data Architecture in investigating new methods of data manipulation and the most appropriate methods for ETL Continuously maintain and enhance existing stored procedures, queries and reports Analyses, interprets and resolves highly complex information problems where there is no precedent and where other leading opinions may conflict Adapt, design and improve systems used to store and disseminate information Troubleshoot errors and problems with databases and extracts Ensure that documentation related to the Data Warehouse architecture, codes, ETL process and Data Warehouse reports is kept up-to-date and maintained in a version control system Ensure that any changes in systems data sets are properly managed in the ETL process Develop test scenarios to test any changes affecting the Data Warehouse Ensure the systematic documentation of all test issues following the internal testing process and ensure that all issues are reported Support where needed the resolving of errors in the output of reports generated from the Data Warehouse To attend meetings on behalf of Application Development and /or Information and Contracting Team as required. Reporting To undertake detailed, complex investigation into sensitive areas, taking the lead in undertaking projects from inception to completion Interpret information, highlighting trends and / or inconsistencies and undertake ad hoc data analysis to investigate any issues highlighted Support Research through the provision of accurate information, using analytical techniques to assess data quality and cleanse large volumes of highly complex datasets. To interpret data requirements from non-technical staff, into technical specifications for the activity reporting systems.
Interpret highly complex database processes and standards in a simplified manner for non-technical staff. Application Development Responsible for the design and implementation of technical architectures to meet R&I requirements. Anticipate, plan and communicate change requirements to the various HIS infrastructure BAU technical support units to be able to cope with changes in advance of requirements. Establish and maintain Technical Design Authority processes for new implementations and changes to the IT infrastructure relating to Integration.
Provide overall technical ownership of the integration and ERP architecture, which includes any in-house or third party applications or systems, on an ongoing basis. Ensure that solutions are designed to operate effectively and have the best balance of economical, efficiency, security and resilience considerations to fit with requirements. Services should be standardised and scalable as much as possible but may need to be customised for particular requirements. Document, cost and describe the benefits of options and proposed solutions to key stakeholders that may include internal departments, customers and 3rd party providers.
Define specifications of requirements and evaluate supplier responses for procurements. Work with key suppliers and technology providers to ensure full optimisation of new technologies for the environment and ensure that learning is disseminated across nominated team members Specify acceptance test requirements and participate in acceptance testing/deployment activities. Provide assurance that delivered solutions meet the design specification requirements. Provide clear and concise handover documentation where appropriate for use by other departments.
To undertake training in appropriate incumbent integration and ERP technologies and to research and make recommendations regarding future technologies to support the integration agenda. To cascade and support upskilling of junior staff to ensure resilience across the function. Process management To continually document the processes associated with the practical integration of systems, To be responsible for maintaining all project documentation and ensuring format consistency across different system integration models. To support the development of an organisational IM&T knowledge base.
To ensure processes and reports are modified when changes are made to integration specifications in order that they can be communicated. Systems Analysis and Design To support the Head of Application Development with the development of information & performance strategies & frameworks and in mapping information needs and identifying and implementing possible system and technical operational solutions To support the Information and Data Warehousing function to ensure that the developed integration architecture is consistent, documented and supports the internal and external reporting agenda. Service/People Management To provide a data warehouse function to BI, IM&T, Corporate and Clinical Services Provide line management, support and training for members of the Data Warehouse Team including performance management when this may be required. To promote and participate in the process of sharing knowledge of reporting, database and querying techniques, data standards and changes between team members.
Develop a good understanding of the Clinical Directorates and monitor and support their data quality processes, working closely with managers and key players to ensure all activity is captured and reported correctly. Provide guidance to operational staff to ensure adherence to local and national data standards, including data dictionary and PbR guidance. Decisions and judgements Analyses, investigates and resolves activity queries and discrepancies from managers and teams, including the use of complex calculations. Ability to prioritise and plan own work, work in an organised fashion, and cope with the pressures of ensuring continual deadlines are met is essential.
Communication and relationships Discusses sometimes contentious and sensitive information that requires tact and persuasion. To advise staff of technical options available and make recommendations to address data quality and performance issues. To make formal and informal presentations to research and educational colleagues. To provide specialist advice, guidance and support to non-technical staff in the interpretation and analysis of performance related activity.
Attend regional and national conferences and represent the Trust on working groups as appropriate. To advise the appropriate manager of issues with data such as changes to trends or unusual levels of activity. Adhere to Trust Information Governance Policy; particularly with regard to data security and patient confidentiality The post holder will be required to work with staff from Research and Innovation Dept and Keele University. They will need to work closely with staff, including academics and clinicians.
To contribute as required, to working groups developing performance, information, or Information Governance policies, and to volunteer suggested improvements. To raise awareness within the BI/ DW function of new guidance or legislation relating to data collection and submission, and of new performance analysis tools that may enhance the teams service to the Trust. To assist in maintaining awareness of all changes within the NHS and the Trust that may affect the use and distribution of information. Physical demands of the job Requires the ability to maintain and analyse highly complex patient related activity and information through appropriate database and reporting tools.
A high level of concentration is required on a daily basis for long periods of time. Additionally, unanticipated fluctuations in demand may require highly intense periods of activity within a complex and dynamic environment. There may be frequent interruptions to answer queries from staff and customers. Requires a high level of experience and skilled use of IT systems and equipment.
The post holder will be required to utilise highly developed keyboard skills in the manipulation and analysis of information and developing reports. Delivery of complex analytical documents to short deadlines. Requirement for light physical effort including a combination of sitting, standing and walking as required. There will be occasional exposure to emotional circumstances when dealing with staff performance and disciplinary issues.
The post holder will be office based and will be required to attend meetings across the Trusts geography including National representation. The post holder maybe asked to work from home for extended periods to support infection control.
