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. Business Unit description Business Unit Description 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. About The Role Contractual Hours 35.00 About The Role The Lead 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 Lead Data Scientist will leverage the power of statistical analysis and machine learning to maximise the value of UCAS’ data assets. 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. This role is a 12 month fixed term contract. Ky Accountabilities • Explore existing and new data sets and confidently use a range of appropriate techniques including data visualisation, statistical analysis, unsupervised and supervised machine learning, and an enquiring mindset to derive valuable insights with minimal supervision from data and communicate these effectively internally and externally. • To deliver high value analytical products and services to time and quality, using your own initiative to prioritise and resource epics. You can find the full job description in the attached role profile below. 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 • Good working knowledge of programming in Python and/or R (or equivalents) and the ability to write readable, efficient code. • Can confidently apply coding standards and has an in-depth knowledge of version control methodology • 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-focused • 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 Package Salary - up to - £47,000 • 30 days annual leave (plus 3 concessionary days over Christmas and your bank holidays • Flexibility – UCAS positively supports Hybrid working for its employees, meaning you can work between home and the office in a way that suits you and the business and also has a comprehensive Flexible Working Policy • A generous pension scheme Hundreds of high street discounts and offers with Perkbox • Internal training and development • Subsidised gym and cafe • Be rewarded for going above and beyond with our ex-gratia bonus scheme and Celebrating U, our quarterly employee recognition scheme • Dedicated volunteer employee networks promoting wellbeing, awareness and inclusion Working Arrangements Is fully remote working an option? No