Data Architect (Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge - University Information Services

Location: Cambridge

Salary: £63,606 to £67,468 per annum

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 9th September 2025

Closes: 23rd September 2025

Job Ref: VC47195

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.

Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.

Are you an experienced Data Architect with a passion for creating innovative data solutions? Do you excel at aligning data strategies with organisational objectives to drive success and modernisation? If so, we invite you to join our team at the University Information Services (UIS) at the University of Cambridge.

About Us:

University Information Services (UIS) provides essential IT services that support both the academic and administrative functions of the University of Cambridge. Our services are integral to the University's success and reputation, touching on key institutional-level risks and objectives. We oversee the development, delivery, and support of a number of University-wide technology and systems, including communications, storage, computing, and enterprise systems for staff and students.

The Role:

As a Data Architect within our Architecture Group, you will work collaboratively with various university departments as well as colleagues within UIS to develop and implement IT architectural design policies, patterns and principles. Your primary focus will be to support our exciting Finance Transformation Programme, ensuring that the University's data assets are effectively supported by relevant technology. Duties will include:

• Developing and maintaining data architecture frameworks that support the Finance Transformation Programme;
• Enabling integration between systems, promoting re-use, ensuring security and performance, and reducing duplication;
• Collaborating with the University Data Lead's office and other data leadership to support the governance of the University's data assets.

You'll get the chance to collaborate and interact with some of the finest minds in the world, sharing data, insight and expertise to make a meaningful difference to the University's success.

You should have the following skills and experience:

• Demonstrable experience as a Data Architect in higher education or other sector in a highly federated organisation, or relevant skills that demonstrate capability in the areas identified above.
• Some technical experience in Microsoft Azure data services (e.g. Azure Data Factory, Synapse, PowerBI).
• Proven understanding of MDM (Master Data Management) and Data Governance solutions. Basic level of proficiency with Purview or similar (e.g. Profisee) is desirable.
• A sound understanding of modern data architecture patterns including data mesh principles, data lake and lakehouse architectures, NoSQL technologies and schemaless data modelling.
• Demonstrable experience engaging with senior-level technology and business stakeholders, particularly in a financial context or setting.

The benefits

You can expect to receive:

• a competitive salary with automatic service-related progression and annual cost-of-living increases
• a generous annual leave allowance of 41 days per year (including bank holidays)
• access to a hybrid pension scheme with attractive employer contributions
• access to a range of shopping and travel discounts through the Cambens scheme.

We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible working arrangements.

We particularly welcome applications from women and /or candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our department/institution/Faculty/School/University.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.