At Research Data Scotland (RDS), we’re on a mission to unlock the potential of public sector data securely, responsibly, and for the benefit of everyone in Scotland. We’re delivering an exciting programme of cross-organisational driver projects funded by the UK Government (Health Data Research Service)– and we’re looking for a Project Manager to be part of it.

About the job

RDS is undertaking an exciting co-ordinated programme of work to transform the operating model for data access for research in Scotland, with partners in the Scottish Safe Haven Network.

The Scottish Safe Haven Network covers 5 federated Data Safe Havens. Each Safe Haven node has responsibility for controlling secure and ethical access to patient-level data for scientific and clinical research.

 We are looking to recruit an experienced Project Manager to plan, co-ordinate and support the delivery of several driver projects, working closely with colleagues in RDS and across the Scottish Safe Haven Network. The postholder will provide professional project management expertise, build effective relationships and drive progress. 

The projects will range from technical aspects of digital enquiry to agreeing a sector wide framework for data governance. Each project will involve some aspect of transformation in data management, technical delivery and/or process support, so knowledge of change management processes would be helpful.

You will work within the established RDS Project Management Framework for managing these projects from concept to conclusion, with collaboration and engagement of Safe Haven Network stakeholders a key feature of the role. This role will also look to learn from projects as they develop and share learnings and disseminate best practice across the whole data landscape.

If you’re excited by innovation, enjoy working in complexity, and want to play a key role in transforming how data is accessed for research, this is a brilliant opportunity to grow your impact and your career.

Applications for secondments from organisations that offer this type of developmental opportunity are welcome. This post is offered as a 12 month fixed term contract. 

You are a credible and curious self-starter. You are highly organised and have proven project management experience, preferably in the public sector or academia. You are passionate about how data driven innovation can transform services and improve wellbeing and have good knowledge of/experience in working with sensitive data and/or secure data platforms. 

You’re a confident and adaptable Project Manager who thrives in change and enjoys finding and solving problems. You’re naturally curious, open to new ideas and comfortable challenging the status quo when it leads to better outcomes.

You bring strong relationship‑building skills and know how to bring people with you – whether that’s senior stakeholders, delivery teams or external partners. You communicate clearly, listen well, and can translate complexity into practical, actionable plans.

You’re delivery‑focused, but not rigid. You balance structure with flexibility, using judgement to adapt methodologies and tools to suit the context rather than forcing one‑size‑fits‑all solutions.

Above all, you take ownership, learn from experience, and are motivated by delivering meaningful change that adds real value.