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- Tasks: Lead impactful research and turn data into powerful insights for student life.
- Company: Dynamic, student-focused organisation enhancing university experiences.
- Benefits: Flexible working, 35 days leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of student life with data-driven strategies and real impact.
- Qualifications: PhD-qualified with advanced data analysis and visualisation skills.
- Other info: Join a supportive team culture in a vibrant campus environment.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 36000 £ per year.
Location: University of Reading, Whiteknights Campus, Reading, Berkshire
Contract: Full time (Hybrid) 35 hours a week
Salary: £30,981.64
Turn insight into impact. Shape the future of student life.
About Reading Students' Union
We are a dynamic, student-focused organisation dedicated to empowering students and enhancing their university experience. Our vision is to be a place for everyone, we inspire and empower students to change the world.
The Role: Data & Insights Researcher
Love data analytics and research? This is your chance to bring our ambitious new data-driven strategy to life - creating agile insights that are engaging and accessible to a diverse range of audiences. You'll champion data innovation to keep us ahead of the curve and truly understand our students' evolving needs - creating a beating heart of data-driven campaigns with real-time impact. You'll turn raw data into powerful insights that shape student life. Your work will influence decisions, improve services, and ensure student voices are heard loud and clear.
What you'll do:
- Lead impactful research and analysis projects that drive evidence-based decisions and shape strategy.
- Turn complex data into clear, actionable insights for teams, leadership, and external partners—raising our profile and strengthening our brand.
- Create compelling dashboards, reports, and infographics that tell compelling stories of student life and organisational impact.
- Identify opportunities and pain points in student engagement, wellbeing, and retention through feedback and trend analysis.
- Create a culture of data-driven thinking, embedding insight into campaigns, service design, and strategic planning.
- Work closely with elected officers to measure impact, track progress, and transform manifesto priorities into measurable outcomes.
- Support commercial development and funding bids with robust data and insight.
- Produce our Annual Impact Report and deliver regular reporting cycles to monitor key metrics on student experience and organisational performance.
- Manage feedback loops so students see how their voices drive change.
- Develop and streamline data and planning tools by creating dashboards, templates, and reporting frameworks.
- Share expertise and build capability by delivering training and guidance on data analytics, tools and best practice across the organisation.
What We're Looking For:
Essential
- PhD-qualified researcher with significant experience in data analysis.
- Advanced analytical skills with the ability to clean, interpret, and visualise data accurately.
- Proficiency in data visualisation tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or similar platforms.
- Expertise in survey design, feedback collection, and handling both quantitative and qualitative data.
- Strong understanding of data ethics, GDPR compliance, and research best practices.
- Ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable insights and compelling narratives.
- Strategic mindset—applying insights to campaigns, service design, and organisational delivery.
- Excellent communication skills for engaging diverse audiences.
- Collaborative and innovative approach, with a passion for enhancing student experience.
- Exceptional time management and ability to prioritise tasks across multiple projects.
- Meticulous attention to detail, with the ability to identify trends and anomalies.
Desirable
- Experience in education, charity, or student-focused environments.
- Understanding of the higher education and/or Students' Union context.
Why Join Us?
- Inclusive and supportive team culture.
- Flexible working options.
- 35 days annual leave including Christmas and Easter closure days.
- Professional development opportunities.
- Unique working environment in the heart of a vibrant Student's Union, set on a stunning, green campus.
Ready to make an impact? Apply today and help us deliver on our data-driven strategy that drives real change. Committed to equality, celebrating diversity, and embedding sustainability—building an inclusive workplace and a brighter future for all.
Data & Insights Researcher (PhD qualified) in Reading employer: Reading Students' Union
Contact Detail:
Reading Students' Union Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Data & Insights Researcher (PhD qualified) in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Reading Students' Union on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your data analysis projects. Use visuals to tell a story about how your insights have made an impact—this is your chance to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get ready for interviews by rehearsing answers to common questions about data ethics and your analytical process. We want you to feel confident and ready to impress!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and making a difference in student life.
We think you need these skills to ace Data & Insights Researcher (PhD qualified) in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Data: When you're writing your application, let your love for data analytics shine through! Share specific examples of how you've used data to make a difference in previous roles. We want to see your enthusiasm for turning insights into impactful actions.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit the role of Data & Insights Researcher. Highlight your PhD qualifications and relevant experience in data analysis. We’re looking for someone who can connect their skills directly to our mission of enhancing student life.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain complex data concepts. Remember, we want to see how you can turn raw data into compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Reading Students' Union
✨Know Your Data Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with data visualisation tools like Power BI or Tableau. Brush up on how to clean, interpret, and present data effectively, as this will be crucial in demonstrating your analytical skills during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Research Experience
Prepare to discuss your PhD research and any relevant projects. Highlight how you've turned complex data into actionable insights and how that experience can benefit the organisation's goals in shaping student life.
✨Understand the Student Context
Familiarise yourself with the current trends and challenges in student engagement and wellbeing. Be ready to share your thoughts on how data can address these issues and improve the overall student experience.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining your findings in a way that’s engaging and accessible. You’ll need to convey complex information to diverse audiences, so focus on crafting compelling narratives that resonate with different stakeholders.