At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to develop innovative computational tools in machine learning and statistics.
- Company: UCL's Department of Statistical Science, a leader in statistical research since 1911.
- Benefits: 41 days holiday, pension scheme, cycle to work, and employee support services.
- Other info: Exciting career growth opportunities in a diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cutting-edge research while growing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: MSc or PhD in statistics, mathematics, or machine learning with strong programming skills.
The predicted salary is between 39148 - 39148 £ per year.
The Department of Statistical Science at UCL is the longest established university statistics department in the world and has played a pioneering role in the development of the subject since its foundation in 1911. It is one of nine departments in the UCL Faculty of Mathematical and Physical Sciences and has close links with many other departments, both within the Faculty and outside of it. We teach statistical science at all levels (undergraduate single/combined honours, service courses, MSc and PhD) and carry out research across a wide range of theoretical and applied areas. In the last Research Excellence Framework exercise (2021/22), over 97% of our output was classified as “world‑leading” or “internationally excellent” in terms of originality, significance and rigour. We consistently score highly in the National Student Survey in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey.
About the role
The post is an exciting opportunity for a researcher with a background in mathematics, statistics or machine learning who would like to grow that skill set further. They will build hands‑on experience in developing novel computational tools to enable the use of large‑scale models and will have the opportunity to develop their expertise on dissemination of research. The postholder will be expected to join, and be an active member in, the Fundamentals of Statistical Machine Learning research group. This post is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, grant EP/Y022300/1 and applicants are recommended to look at the grant description. The post is funded for 8 months and available from the 1st of January 2027, although an earlier start date may be possible subject to approval from the funder. The role is suitable at either Research Assistant level (grade 6B; i.e. an applicant with an MSc degree) or Research Fellow level (grade 7; i.e. an applicant with a PhD degree).
Salary grade 6B spine point 25 £39,148 per annum to spine point 28 £41,833 per annum. Salary grade 7 spine point 31 £45,103 to spine point 37 £52,586 per annum.
About you
The successful candidate must have a MSc or a PhD in statistics, mathematics or machine learning and strong programming skills in Python or R. They will also have a good understanding of the main computational methods used to compute intractable expectations and a strong mathematical background.
What we offer
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are:
- 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
- Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
- Relocation scheme for certain posts
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The department holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance the representation of women in science, mathematics, engineering and technology. We strongly support UCL’s Equalities and Diversity Strategy and encourage applications to our vacancies from under‑represented groups.
Research Assistant/Fellow in Computational Statistics and Machine Learning employer: UK Dementia Research Institute
UCL's Department of Statistical Science offers an exceptional work environment for researchers in Computational Statistics and Machine Learning, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. With access to world-leading research facilities, generous benefits including 41 days of holiday, and a strong commitment to equality and diversity, employees are empowered to grow their skills and contribute to groundbreaking projects. The department's prestigious history and high standards in research excellence make it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
Contact Details:
UK Dementia Research Institute Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant/Fellow in Computational Statistics and Machine Learning
✨Tap into Online Data Science Communities
Join online communities focused on data science like Kaggle, LinkedIn groups, or Reddit threads. These are goldmines for temporary gigs, as you can network with professionals and potentially hear about opportunities at companies like UK Dementia Research Institute before they're even advertised!
✨Show Off Your Skills With Projects
Got some cool data science projects? Showcase them on platforms like GitHub or create a personal portfolio website. This visibility is crucial for landing temporary roles—let recruiters see your actual skills in action, which can set you apart from the crowd.
✨Check Out Specialist Job Boards
For temp roles, hit up job boards dedicated to tech and data science, like Stack Overflow Jobs or DataJobs. These platforms often feature openings that you won’t find on general job sites, including contracts with companies like UK Dementia Research Institute.
✨Leverage University Resources
If you're currently at uni or recently graduated, tap into your school's career services. They often have connections with companies looking for temporary data science interns or contract workers, and they might even host job fairs with employers like UK Dementia Research Institute.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant/Fellow in Computational Statistics and Machine Learning
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Data Projects:When applying for a temporary data science role at UK Dementia Research Institute, make sure to showcase any relevant projects you've worked on. Whether it's a personal project, an academic undertaking, or contributions to an open-source initiative, detailing these experiences can really set you apart and demonstrate your practical skills.
Emphasise Your Analytical Skills:In your CV and cover letter, focus on the specific analytical skills that are key to data science. Mention any experience with statistical tools, programming languages like Python or R, and data visualisation software. Don't forget to include any certifications that may bolster your expertise!
Show Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, it's important to convey your adaptability and willingness to learn. In your cover letter to UK Dementia Research Institute, emphasise how quickly you can get up to speed with new tools or projects. Highlight any previous experiences where you've had to adjust to new environments or challenges.
Craft a Unique Data-Driven Cover Letter:Instead of the usual generic cover letter, spice it up with some data! Maybe you’ve improved a process by 20% in a past role or cleaned a dataset with over a million entries. Use these stats to your advantage to grab UK Dementia Research Institute’s attention and show the tangible impact of your work.
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Dementia Research Institute
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
For a data science gig, it's crucial to demonstrate your analytical abilities. Be ready to discuss previous projects and the methodologies you used. Think about how you can quantify your impact—did your analysis improve efficiency or save costs? These are the stories that will stick with interviewers at UK Dementia Research Institute.
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
You might face technical questions on tools relevant to data science, like Python, R, or SQL. Prepare to solve a problem live—perhaps they'll ask you to write a simple query or code snippet. It’s cool to talk about them, but we need to show we can do it in practice, especially in a temporary role where quick results matter.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, emphasise your ability to learn quickly and adapt to new tools or workflows. Share examples of how you've thrived in fast-paced environments before, and how you can hit the ground running at UK Dementia Research Institute.
✨Prepare a Portfolio of Your Work
Bring your portfolio to the table—showcase projects where you've leveraged data science techniques to solve problems. Whether it’s a GitHub repository or a set of case studies, having tangible examples of your work will help you stand out and show what you bring to the team at UK Dementia Research Institute.