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.

The Data Scientist will apply critical thinking and data science techniques to support a range of outputs, including product development, live services, consultancy, marketing optimisation, digital behaviour analysis, and policy research. They will use statistical analysis and machine learning to unlock the value of UCAS’ data assets.

Reporting to the Principal Data Scientist, you’ll help deliver high-quality products and insights, championing excellence and innovation in data science. You’ll bring curiosity and a customer focus, clearly communicating your work across the business and externally.

You’ll also support the Data Science Strategy Lead in migrating 70+ products to Databricks using Python. This includes prioritising tasks, embedding rigorous testing, and collaborating with data teams to ensure smooth delivery of descriptive and predictive analytics.

• Explore and analyse data using visualisation, statistical methods, and machine learning to generate insights

• Deliver high-value analytical products and services to time and quality

• Support live products and drive continuous improvement through analytics

• Work collaboratively using agile methods and manage workload to sprint goals

• Use initiative to deliver workstreams effectively and contribute to innovation

• Re-platform products and improve automation and efficiency

• Present insights to internal and external stakeholders

• Coach peers and junior data scientists, sharing best practices

• 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 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-focussed, alongside a high level of numerate, analytical, and logical thinking

• Proven experience of developing, testing, and deploying statistical, numerical and/or machine-learning models

• Experience of coaching peers or junior members of staff

• Purpose-driven work in a charity-led organisation connecting people to education and opportunity
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  Internal training, mentoring, and access to industry-recognised certifications through our development academies
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  Hybrid working model built on trust and flexibility, with a 35-hour week and flexible contracts
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  30 days annual leave, 3 concessionary days over Christmas, bank holidays, and the option to purchase additional leave
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  Everyday wellbeing support through Perkbox, offering discounts and wellness tools

• Onsite facilities including a subsidised gym, café, and free parking at our Cheltenham office

• Inclusive culture supported by employee networks, wellbeing champions, and Mental Health First Aiders