Staff Spotlight: In conversation with… Zak Stinchcombe, Senior Data Analyst
In this staff spotlight, we sat down with Zak Stinchcombe, Senior Data Analyst to chat about his journey into data, the creative perspective he brings and the difference data can make to our patients.
Can you tell us about your career journey so far?
My career journey has been quite unexpected! At university, I studied philosophy looking at areas like aesthetics, literature and the philosophy of art.
A key part of my degree was studying logic. After finishing my undergraduate degree, I worked in an admin role on the 100,000 Genomes Project. I realised that some of the logical concepts I’d been studying could be linked directly to how data systems worked, like tracking patient referrals and managing datasets. It was a lightbulb moment for me.
From there, I worked in roles such as a patient pathway coordinator and research coordinator, which were more patient facing. I then moved into more data focused work. When the Genomic Medicine Service was established, I transitioned into data analysis and eventually became a Senior Data Analyst.
What inspired you to work in your career path?
There were two key moments for me.
The first was recognising that what I’d learned at university could be applied in a practical and measurable way. It was exciting to see something quite abstract suddenly have a real-world use.
What really cemented it, though, was the impact of data on our patients. This wasn’t just about numbers on a screen, it was about real people and important healthcare questions, some of which they’d been trying to answer for years!
What does a typical day in your role look like?
In a way, a typical day follows the ‘data lifecycle’ which involves cleaning and processing data, analysing what it shows, presenting it in an accessible way and lastly, thinking about what actions should come next.
A key part of my role is making data understandable and useful, especially for colleagues who don’t have a data background.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I really enjoy the collaborative nature of the role! People often come to me with a question or a challenge and a feeling that data might help, but they’re not always sure how.
I love working through those problems, thinking creatively about solutions and then seeing something come together that genuinely helps. That moment when someone says to me, “Yes, that’s exactly what I needed!” is particularly fulfilling.
What’s one skill or interest you have outside of your role that helps you in your work?
Music plays a big part in my life; work wouldn’t be quite the same without a great soundtrack! Music, after all, is another language through which we describe the world, so it can be a great help when you’re trying to make sense of a tricky problem.
More generally, I’ve always had both a creative and analytical side. My background in the arts and my interest in data don’t compete but rather complement each other. My creative perspective is particularly helpful when it comes to data visualisation, and presenting data in a way that people connect with.’
What key projects have you been working on? Is there one you’re particularly proud of?
One of the projects I’m most proud of is contributing to the emerging digital genomic test directory and order management work. It’s something that will have a lasting impact and improve our services.
I’ve also enjoyed working on improving end to end referral pathways for whole genome sequencing (WGS), helping make the process more efficient and impactful for patients who undergo WGS.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in your field?
Firstly, don’t feel like you need a traditional data background to get started. If you’re curious and willing to learn, there are lots of ways to build those skills.
Secondly, once you discover an interest, it’s worth formalising that knowledge. I completed a Level 4 Data Analyst apprenticeship through Guy’s and St Thomas’, and that helped strengthen my foundations significantly.
For anyone who doesn’t want to go down the data analyst route but wants to bring a more data driven approach into their current role, I’d say:
- Don’t be intimidated, data is simply another way of understanding what’s already happening.
- Try to keep your data tidy because good data starts with good structure.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help as people working in data are usually very happy to support others.
