At a Glance
- Tasks: Use data science techniques to support customer outputs and develop innovative data products.
- Company: Join UCAS, the leading admissions service connecting people to higher education.
- Benefits: Up to £40,000 salary, 30 days leave, hybrid work, and wellness support.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent training and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education by leveraging data for better decision-making.
- Qualifications: Degree in a numerate field and experience with Python and data visualisation.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 € per year.
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.
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.
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.
Skills, qualifications, and experience:
- 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.
Package:
- 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.
Is fully remote working an option? No.
Data Scientist employer: UCAS
UCAS is an exceptional employer, offering a purpose-driven work environment that connects individuals to higher education opportunities. With a strong focus on employee growth through internal training and access to industry-recognised certifications, UCAS fosters a collaborative and inclusive culture in its South West, Gloucestershire location. The hybrid working model, generous annual leave, and comprehensive wellbeing support further enhance the appeal of joining this innovative organisation dedicated to making a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Scientist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at UCAS or in the data science field. A friendly chat can give us insights into the company culture and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical skills. Practice coding challenges in Python and be ready to discuss your past projects. We want to show off our analytical prowess!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your soft skills! Being able to communicate complex data insights clearly is key. We should practice explaining our work to non-technical folks, just like we would at UCAS.
✨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 being part of the UCAS team. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Data Scientist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Data Scientist role. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the job description, especially your programming knowledge and data analysis experience.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're passionate about data science and how you can contribute to UCAS. Use specific examples from your past work to demonstrate your skills and curiosity in the field.
Showcase Your Projects:If you've worked on any data science projects, whether personal or professional, make sure to include them. We love seeing practical applications of your skills, so share links or descriptions of your work!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. This ensures your application gets to the right people and shows us you're serious about joining our team at UCAS.
How to prepare for a job interview at UCAS
✨Know Your Data Science Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your data science techniques, especially in statistical analysis and machine learning. Be ready to discuss how you've used these skills in past projects, as well as any specific tools or programming languages like Python that you're comfortable with.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your critical thinking abilities. Think of examples where you've translated complex briefs into actionable insights or analytical solutions. This will show that you can tackle real-world problems effectively.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
Since you'll be working with both technical and non-technical audiences, practice explaining your work in simple terms. Use clear examples to illustrate your points, and don’t shy away from asking questions to ensure understanding.
✨Be Curious and Customer-Focused
Demonstrate your natural curiosity about data and how it can drive business outcomes. Share instances where you've gone above and beyond to understand user needs or improve customer experiences through data-driven decisions.
