Systems and Data Analyst

Job Location: Milton Keynes, Remote/Hybrid

Department: Research & Enterprise Office

Closing Date: 13 March 2026

Weekly Working Hours: 37

Contract Type: Permanent

The Open University is the UK’s largest university, a world leader in flexible part-time education combining a mission to widen access to higher education with research excellence, transforming lives through education. Find out more about us and our mission by watching this short video (you will be taken to YouTube by clicking this link).

This role will be part of the Deputy Director RIS Operations portfolio whose aim is to coordinate the development and implementation of institutional Research and Knowledge Exchange related, policies and systems. This team oversees research governance integrity, compliance, adherence to matters of Trusted Research, management and support for all RKE systems and data.

As a Systems and Data Analyst within Research and Innovation Services, you will directly provide administrative, operational, data reporting and project support. Working flexibly and collaboratively with colleagues across the Service and the wider University, you will primarily be responsible for the identification and implementation of resolutions to support for Research and Knowledge exchange (RKE) and PGR-related systems issues.

You will also support the identification, implementation, and dissemination of good practice as part of a commitment to continuous improvement and the development of operational capabilities.

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• Production of both regular and ad-hoc reports, drawing on data from multiple sources, using Excel and Power BI.
  
• Provide, email-based, user administration and system use support for research related systems.
  
• Produce and maintain user communications and system usage guides.
  
• Provide quality assurance of reports produced and the testing of low-code/no-code system and process enhancements.
  
• Where appropriate, assist with the ongoing enhancement of research related systems and processes.
  
• Undertaking activities as may reasonably be requested by line manager, R&E Senior Managers and the Head of R&E.
  

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• Experience of working in Higher Education Research Administration or sector-related knowledge
  
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office, being an expert in Excel and Power BI
  
• Excellent attention to detail
  
• Evidence of dedication to customer satisfaction
  
• Problem solving ability, numeracy, analytical and interpretative skills
  
• Effective oral and written communication skills, with the ability to disseminate systems information to different audiences
  
• Organisational skills including the ability to manage own workload
  
• Willingness to take on new or develop existing MS PowerApps skills
  
• Ability to work flexibly both independently and part of a team
  

If you have any questions, or need support or adjustments relating to your application, the recruitment process, or the role, please contact us on or email quoting the advert reference number.

At The Open University, we offer a range of benefits to recognise and reward great work, alongside policies and flexible working that contribute towards a great work life balance. Get all the details of what benefits we offer by visiting our Staff Benefits page (clicking this link will open a new window).

We are open to discussions about flexible working. Whether it’s a job share, part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement. Please reach out to us to discuss what works best for you.

This role is contractually aligned to our offices in Milton Keynes. However, we can accommodate hybrid working where the required individual can work from home and the office with the understanding that they will need to be onsite at least 2 times per month. Within the initial training and induction period, there will be a requirement to be onsite more regularly.

While most roles will remain open until the advertised closing date, applications may be reviewed on an ongoing basis. In some cases, vacancies may close earlier if a sufficient number of suitable applications has been received and equality impacts have been appropriately considered. All roles will remain advertised for a minimum of one week before any early closure is implemented. If you have started an application or were in the process of applying when the advert closed, we encourage you to get in touch. We are committed to understanding individual circumstances and can offer further support where needed, including reasonable adjustments for applicants with protected characteristics.

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• CV
  
• Supporting Statement (Your Supporting Statement should be no more than 1000 words and should outline how you meet the essential criteria listed above)
  

You can view your progress and application communications when you are logged into our recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folders if you do not receive associated email updates.

The Open University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion which is reflected in our mission to be open to people, places, methods and ideas. We aim to foster a diverse and inclusive environment so that all in our OU community can reach their potential. We recognise that different people bring different perspectives, ideas, knowledge, and culture, and that this difference brings great strength. We strive to recruit, retain and develop the careers of a diverse pool of students and staff, and particularly encourage applications from all underrepresented groups. We also aspire to make The Open University a supportive workplace for all through our policies, services and staff networks.