At a Glance
- Tasks: Use data science techniques to support customer outputs and develop analytical products.
- Company: Join UCAS, the leading admissions service connecting people to higher education.
- Benefits: Up to £30,000 salary, 30 days leave, hybrid working, and wellness support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education by leveraging data for innovative solutions.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in a numerate discipline or relevant apprenticeship; eagerness to learn.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with excellent career development and recognition opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 21600 - 36000 £ per year.
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's 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
The Junior 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 recommendation. The Data Scientist will leverage the power of statistical analysis and machine learning to maximise the value of UCAS’ data asset. Led by the Data Science Team Lead 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. This role is a 12 month fixed term contract.
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 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.
- Engage with data scientists across the business.
Skills, qualifications, and experience:
- A bachelor’s degree (or higher) in a numerate discipline, or an apprenticeship in Data Science or similar discipline with appropriate work experience.
- A high level of interest in Data Science and a capacity and willingness to learn is essential.
- 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.
- Experience of data visualisation tools is desirable.
Package:
- Salary up to £30,000
- 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
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 are interested in this vacancy, but don’t necessarily meet every single point on the job description, please 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 careers@ucas.ac.uk.
Junior Data Scientist in Gloucester employer: UCAS - Universities and Colleges Admissions Service
Contact Detail:
UCAS - Universities and Colleges Admissions Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Data Scientist in Gloucester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with UCAS employees on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common data science questions and scenarios. Use platforms like StudySmarter to brush up on your skills and get comfortable explaining your thought process and technical knowledge.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your projects! Whether it's a personal project or something from your studies, having tangible examples of your work can really impress interviewers. Make sure to highlight how you used data to solve real problems.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the UCAS team.
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Data Scientist in Gloucester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Junior Data Scientist role. Highlight any relevant projects or coursework that showcase your data science abilities. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about data science and how you can help UCAS connect people to education. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Curiosity: In your application, demonstrate your natural curiosity and eagerness to learn. Share examples of how you've explored data sets or tackled challenging problems. We love candidates who are excited to dive into data!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy and straightforward!
How to prepare for a job interview at UCAS - Universities and Colleges Admissions Service
✨Know Your Data Science Basics
Make sure you brush up on your fundamental data science concepts, especially statistical analysis and machine learning techniques. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Curiosity
During the interview, demonstrate your natural curiosity about data. Prepare examples of how you've explored data sets in the past and what insights you derived from them. This will show your potential employer that you're not just a number cruncher but someone who genuinely wants to understand the story behind the data.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since you'll be working with both technical and non-technical audiences, practice explaining complex data concepts in simple terms. Think of ways to convey your findings effectively, perhaps through visualisation tools you've used before.
✨Engage with the Team Spirit
UCAS values collaboration, so be prepared to discuss how you've worked in teams before. Share experiences where you contributed to group projects, highlighting your ability to communicate and work well with others to achieve common goals.