Data Scientist

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.

Contractual Hours: 35.00 hours per week.

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.

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• 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.
  
• To 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.
  

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• 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 audience.
  
• 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 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.
  

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• 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 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.
  

Studies 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 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 and one of us will be in touch shortly.

Is fully remote working an option? No