Data Scientist

General information Reference 002034 Publication start date 03/11/2025 Publication end date 17/11/2025 Post Description Data Scientist Closing date 14/11/2025Vacancy location Location South West, Gloucestershire, Rosehill – HybridVacancy details Job Profile Digital Services – Data Operations Title Data Scientist Contract Type Fixed-term contract Contract duration 1 yearAbout us About UCAS UCAS is at the heart of connecting people to higher education.UCAS is the world’s leading shared admissions service for higher education. We provide application services for UK universities and colleges as well as delivering a wide range of research, consultancy and advisory services to schools, colleges, careers services, professional bodies and employers.We’re a successful and fast-growing organisation, which helps hundreds of thousands of people every year. We’re committed to delivering a first-class service to all of our customers — they’re at the heart of everything we do. 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 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. 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 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.About the role Contractual Hours 35.00 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 businessWe 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 externallyTo 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 insightFor full job description, please see role profile attached? 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 be able to demonstrate knowledge and work experience to an equivalent levelGood working knowledge of programming in Python and/or R (or equivalents) and the ability to write readable, efficient codeA collaborative nature and the ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audienceA natural curiosity and drive to find things out that really matter from dataCommercially aware and user-focussedA high level of numerate, analytical, and logical thinkingProven experience of developing, testing, and deploying statistical, numerical and/or machine-learning modelsProven experience in using data science to deliver improved business outcomesExperience of data visualisation tools is desirableExperience of coaching peers or junior members of staff Package Up to £37,000 – 12 Month Fixed Term ContractPurpose-driven work in a charity-led organisation connecting people to education and opportunityInternal training, mentoring, and access to industry-recognised certifications through our development academiesHybrid working model built on trust and flexibility, with a 35-hour week and flexible contracts30 days annual leave, 3 concessionary days over Christmas, bank holidays, and the option to purchase additional leaveEveryday wellbeing support through Perkbox, offering discounts and wellness toolsOnsite facilities including a subsidised gym, café, and free parking at our Cheltenham officeInclusive culture supported by employeenetworks, wellbeing champions, and Mental Health First AidersRecognition and reward through our quarterly employee scheme and an ex-gratia bonus for going above and beyondStudies have shown that some groups of people are less likely to apply to a role unless they tick every box. At UCAS we recognise that talent comes in various forms and we are committed to delivering a fair and equitable recruitment process where applicants have an equal opportunity to demonstrate their skills. So, if you think you have what it takes, but don’t necessarily meet every single point on the job description, please still apply.If you have any questions and would like to find out more about the role before applying please email the Talent Acquisition team via [email protected] and one of us will be in touWorking Arrangements Is fully remote working an option? No Attachments Attachment Data Scientist (FTC) – November 2025.pdf (345 Kb)