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UCAS is the world’s leading shared admissions service for higher education. We provide application services for UK universities and colleges and deliver a wide range of research, consultancy and advisory services to schools, colleges, careers services, professional bodies and employers.
Business Unit Description
The Digital Services business unit is at the heart of UCAS’ technical innovation, data and infrastructure. It focuses on leveraging data science, technology, and enterprise architecture to enhance UCAS' digital products and services. The unit is dedicated to developing and improving customer‑centric digital solutions, ensuring seamless and secure online experiences for all users. By providing insightful data and analysis, often made available to anyone with a free‑to‑use intuitive dashboard, Digital Services empowers the Higher Education sector and those interested in the sector with valuable information to make informed decisions. By working in collaborative, expert‑led, multi‑disciplinary teams, Digital Services drives UCAS’ mission to connect students with their next opportunities through advanced technological solutions.
Contractual Hours
35.00 hours per week
About The Role
The Data Scientist will be part of a team responsible for using critical thinking and data science techniques to support a wide range of customer outputs, including data product development, live data services, data consultancy, marketing optimisation, digital behaviour analysis and policy research. The Data Scientist will leverage the power of statistical analysis and machine learning to maximise the value of UCAS’ data asset. Led by the Principal Data Scientist you will support the delivery of products, services and analysis to time, cost, and quality. You will champion excellence and professionalism in Data Science and have the customer focus and curiosity to use data in new and exciting applications, while communicating this clearly externally and with a wider audience within the business.
We are recruiting for 2 Data Scientist positions.
Key accountabilities
- Explore existing and new data sets, and use a range of techniques including data visualisation, statistical analysis, unsupervised and supervised machine learning, and an enquiring mindset to derive valuable insights from data and communicate these effectively internally and externally.
- Deliver high‑value analytical products and services to time and quality.
- Support live products in running effectively and consistently, while continually looking forward to their continuous improvement through increased power of analytical insight.
Skills, Qualifications, and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in a numerate discipline, such as mathematics, statistics, computer science, operational research, data science, or a related field, or demonstrate knowledge and work experience to an equivalent level.
- Good working knowledge of programming in Python and/or R (or equivalents) and the ability to write readable, efficient code.
- A collaborative nature and the ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non‑technical audiences.
- A natural curiosity and drive to find things out that really matter from data.
- Commercially aware and user‑focused.
- A high level of numerate, analytical, and logical thinking.
- Proven experience of developing, testing, and deploying statistical, numerical, and/or machine‑learning models.
- Proven experience in using data science to deliver improved business outcomes.
- Experience of data visualisation tools is desirable.
- Experience of coaching peers or junior members of staff.
Package
- Up to £37,000 - 12 month fixed term contract.
- Purpose‑driven work in a charity‑led organisation connecting people to education and opportunity.
- Internal training, mentoring, and access to industry‑recognised certifications through our development academies.
- Hybrid working model built on trust and flexibility, with a 35‑hour week and flexible contracts.
- 30 days annual leave, 3 concessionary days over Christmas, bank holidays, and the option to purchase additional leave.
- Everyday well‑being support through Perkbox, offering discounts and wellness tools.
- On‑site facilities including a subsidised gym, café, and free parking at our Cheltenham office.
- Inclusive culture supported by employee networks, well‑being champions, and Mental Health First Aiders.
- Recognition and reward through our quarterly employee scheme and an ex‑gratia bonus for going above and beyond.
Working Arrangements
Is fully remote working an option? No.
Seniority Level
Entry level
Employment Type
Contract
Job Function
Engineering and Information Technology
Industries
Education Administration Programs
