Research and Innovation Officer

This post is a Fixed Term/ Secondment until 01/09/2027. If you are a Hywel Dda University Health Board employee and are applying for this post as a secondment, agreement for the secondment is needed from your current manager prior to application.

The Research & Innovation Officer will support the delivery of research, evaluation, and innovation projects across the Innovation and Tritech Department. Working both independently and collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, the post holder will lead and coordinate research studies and service evaluations, collect and analyse qualitative and quantitative data, and contribute to reports, publications, funding applications, and service improvement initiatives. The role involves monitoring project progress, ensuring compliance with research governance and regulatory standards, providing specialist research expertise and training, and supporting the translation of research findings into improvements in healthcare services and patient outcomes.

As a Research & Innovation Officer, you will support research, evaluation, and innovation projects that improve healthcare services and patient outcomes across the Health Board. Working with clinicians, academics, patients, and partner organisations, you will help plan, deliver, and evaluate projects that support evidence‑based practice and service improvement.

Key responsibilities include leading and supporting research studies, evaluations, and innovation initiatives; collecting and analysing qualitative and quantitative data; preparing reports and recommendations; monitoring project progress; and communicating findings to stakeholders. You will work collaboratively with NHS teams, universities, industry, and third‑sector partners, while ensuring compliance with governance and regulatory requirements.

You will also support funding applications, promote the dissemination of findings, and provide guidance to colleagues involved in research and innovation activities.

The successful candidate will have experience in research, evaluation, or project delivery, strong analytical and communication skills, knowledge of research methods and information governance, and the ability to manage competing priorities. A relevant postgraduate qualification, or equivalent experience, is desirable.

This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to meaningful improvements in healthcare and make a positive impact on patient care and service delivery.

Hywel Dda University Health Board plans and provides NHS healthcare services for people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties.

We have over 13,000 staff and together we provide primary, community, in‑hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services.

We work in partnership with the three local authorities, as well as public, private and third sector colleagues, including our valued team of volunteers.

• Four main hospitals:
  Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth;
  Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen;
  Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli; and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest
• Five community hospitals:
  Amman Valley and Llandovery hospitals in Carmarthenshire;
  Tregaron Hospital in Ceredigion; and Tenby and South Pembrokeshire hospitals in Pembrokeshire
• Two integrated care centres:
  Aberaeron and Cardigan in Ceredigion, and several other community settings
• 47 general practices (six of which are health board managed practices); dental practices (including four orthodontic); 99 community pharmacies; 43 general ophthalmic practices; and 8 ophthalmic domiciliary providers
• Numerous mental health and learning disabilities services

You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.

The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.

The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.

Interviews will be held on 06/08/2026

• Post graduate diploma level qualification in a relevant field or equivalent level of knowledge of research design and methods, as practised in a research environment.
• Evidence of continued professional development
• Knowledge of Thematic Analysis or similar methods of qualitative data analysis
• Knowledge of clinical and research terminology. A good understanding of research methods, analysis, and Information Governance.

• Master's or PhD or other relevant doctoral qualification…