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 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 assets.

Led by the Data Science Development manager 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.

Key accountabilities:

• Working with senior members of the team to support the delivery of projects and analytical data products at scale to time, cost, and quality.

• Analyse and integrate complex data sets using techniques such as visualisation, statistical analysis, and machine learning to generate robust, actionable insight.

• Translate briefs into analytical solutions. Design, build, and maintain analytical data products and standardised analysis through robust and reusable code.

For full job description, please see role profile attached.

• 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 (or equivalents). Effective use of AI coding tools 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

• A high level of numerate, analytical, and logical thinking

• 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

Salary - up to £40,000

•  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 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

• Recognition and reward through our quarterly employee scheme and an ex-gratia bonus for going above and beyond