Research Systems Technical Support Officer

University of Bristol; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - GBP 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking a skilled individual to contribute to the development of a Virtual Learning Environment. This role entails deploying and maintaining a secure data environment while assisting in the creation of data pipelines using Python and SQL. The ideal candidate should be experienced in managing Virtual Learning Environments and adept at working with complex data types. This open-ended position offers a hybrid working model and a contract funded until 2028, with a deadline for applications on February 15, 2026.

Qualifications

• Experience with layout customization and user access management in Virtual Learning Environments.
• Familiarity with a variety of complex data types and data science packages.
• Strong communication skills and an interest in customer service.

Responsibilities

• Develop a novel Virtual Learning Environment including deployment and maintenance.
• Contribute to development of data pipelines for research projects.
• Support existing software systems and user support activities.

Skills

Managing Virtual Learning Environments

Data manipulation

Python

SQL

Communication Skills

Customer liaison

Job description

Overview

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a UK-wide research infrastructure as part of a core team (across Bristol and Edinburgh). The UK Longitudinal Linkage Collaboration (UK LLC) is a research platform that provides a secure computing environment to systematically link study participant’s data to their health, social and environmental records. We provide a research service to researchers across health and social sciences across the UK. The team has received additional funding to develop a virtual training platform. Hybrid working is available; two days in the office per week (typically Tue and Wed).

What will you be doing?

You will contribute to the development of a novel Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) including deployment, customization and maintenance, as part of a new secure data environment that will host lo-fidelity and hi-fidelity synthetic data. You will also contribute to the development of data pipelines (primarily with Python and SQL) that automate manipulation and processing of datasets for use in research projects. You will support existing software systems that the UK LLC hosts and maintains for researchers across the UK and undertake user support activities to meet the needs of the UK LLC’s partner studies and expert researchers.

You should apply if

You are experienced with managing Virtual Learning Environments, including layout customization, user access management, content development, and maintenance. You are also experienced in working with a variety of complex data types, and the application of a variety of data science packages and coding approaches. You enjoy applying these skills to new scenarios and solving problems while developing new methods and approaches as well as improving existing ones. You have excellent communication skills, an interest in working with a variety of organisations outside of the University of Bristol and have a strong drive for customer liaison and service delivery and enjoy working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment with an enthusiastic and diverse team.

Please note that appointments are subject to a BPSS check.

Additional information

Contract type: Open-ended with funding until 31/05/2028

Work pattern: Full-time/ 1 FTE

Grade: I

School/Unit: Bristol Medical School

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 15/02/2026

For informal queries please contact: Sam Neale- Data Research Software Engineer ([e-mail])

Our strategy and mission

We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.

The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.