Communications Insights Analyst – AKTP Associate

University of Exeter; Exeter; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

£150 training budget

Unique career opportunity in industry–

Academic support and supervision

Job summary

University of Exeter, on a fixed-term AKTP project, seeks a data-savvy researcher to join the collaboration with M&C Saatchi World Services LLP. The role focuses on testing AI-driven approaches to enhance public messaging about democracy, with duties split between Exeter and London visits.

The ideal candidate has a first degree in relevant fields, strong data skills (Python/R), and experience in multidisciplinary teams. This is a full-time fixed-term position from Nov 2026 to Feb 2027.

Qualifications

• Educated to first degree level in data science, statistics, psychology, political science, computational social science, neuroscience, marketing analytics or in a related field of study or equivalent experience.
• Confidence using tools such as Python, R, or equivalent analytical software.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience with structured datasets, statistical analysis, reproducible workflows, and data visualisation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts to mixed audiences.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary academic–industry team with commercial awareness.
• Experience managing research projects or contributing significantly to collaborative research.
• Well-organised, self-motivated, and able to prioritise work independently.
• Adaptable and able to work in a fast-paced commercial environment.
• Understanding of health and safety requirements and good research record-keeping.

Responsibilities

• Test AI tools that estimate brain responses to messages to improve public communication about democracy.
• Work on a 3-month AKTP between the University of Exeter and M&C Saatchi World Services LLP.
• Spend majority of time on Exeter Streatham Campus with ~5 visits to M&C Saatchi World Services in London.
• Full-time commitment for the fixed-term period.

Skills

Python or R

Data analysis

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Project management

Organised

Adaptability

Health and safety knowledge

Equality and inclusion

Willingness to travel (to London)

Education

First degree in data science / statistics / psychology / political science / computational social science / neuroscience / marketing analytics

Job description

Contract Type

Fixed-term contract

Location

Exeter

Salary

The salary will be from £33,951 on Grade (E) depending on skills, qualifications and experience

The starting salary will be from £33,951 on Grade (E) up to £39,906 depending on skills, qualifications and experience.

About The Role

Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences

The above full time role is available on a fixed term basis from November 2026 until February 2027.

The starting salary will be from £33,951 on Grade (E) up to £39,906 depending on skills, qualifications and experience.

An exciting opportunity has become available to work on a 3-month Accelerated Knowledge Transfer Partnership (AKTP) between the University of Exeter and M&C Saatchi World Services LLP (M&CSWS). The AKTP will test whether artificial intelligence tools that estimate how the brain responds to messages can help improve public communication about democracy. The project works with a communications agency to develop and test better ways of designing messages, using real-world data on how people engage with them.

The successful candidate will be employed by the University of Exeter and will spend the majority of their time working on University of Exeter Streatham Campus with approximately 5 visits to M&CSWS based in London. They will be expected to work full-time.

Company Information

M&C Saatchi World Services is a specialist division of M&C Saatchi that tackles complex global challenges through strategic communications, creativity, and technology. Its work focuses on using communications to deliver meaningful real-world outcomes and long-term behaviour change, including in complex and high-stakes environments.

More information about M&CSWS can be found here: https://mcsaatchiworldservices.com/.

Qualification / Skills We Require

• Educated to first degree level in data science, statistics, psychology, political science, computational social science, neuroscience, marketing analytics or in a related field of study or equivalent experience.
• Confidence using tools such as Python, R, or equivalent analytical software.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience working with structured datasets, statistical analysis, reproducible workflows, and data visualisation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to mixed academic and industrial audiences.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary academic–industry team, with commercial awareness.
• Experience of managing research projects or contributing significantly to collaborative research.
• Well‑organised, self‑motivated, and able to prioritise work independently within a project framework.
• Adaptable and able to work effectively in a fast‑paced commercial environment.
• Understanding of health and safety requirements and good research record‑keeping practices.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusive working practices.
• Willingness to travel to London for face to face meetings with M&CSWS, and flexibility to meet project demands.

Benefits

• A £150 training budget
• A unique and challenging career opportunity, working with both industry and academia.
• The successful applicant will develop a wide range of industrial and research skills for their future career, utilising the skills and knowledge of company supervisors, as well as benefitting from continuous academic support.
• The opportunity to manage and lead on a project early on in your career.

Before submitting an application you may wish to discuss the post further by contacting Dr Darren Schreiber – [e-mail] at University of Exeter or email Nathaniel Hill - [e-mail] - at M&C Saatchi World Services LLP.

About The Division

Not Specified

About Us

Transform Your Career and Help Shape a Greener, Healthier, and Fairer Future

We are committed to understanding different cultures and perspectives, supporting diverse leadership, and striving for social justice. We encourage applications from all groups underrepresented in our community, including racially minoritised individuals and those with disabilities. Our inclusive, merit-based recruitment processes seek to embrace a diverse set of experiences to ensure colleagues feel supported equitably. With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 countries, we foster a culture where everyone can thrive.

You can read more about our current accreditations and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here, including our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.

Why our colleagues love working here

• Flexible working opportunities and leading parental leave initiatives
• Generous annual leave (39-41 days including bank holidays)
• Competitive pension contributions
• A genuine dedication to supporting the health and wellbeing of all colleagues - see initiatives here
• Sustainability and the environment being at the heart of what we do
• A unique and challenging career opportunity, working with both industry and academia
• You will develop a wide range of industrial and research skills for their future career, utilising the skills and knowledge of company supervisors, as well as benefitting from continuous academic support
• The opportunity to manage and lead on a project early on in your career

How We Can Help

If you're considering applying and need support to do so, please get in touch with us at [e-mail]. You can request reasonable adjustments within your application or by contacting us. You can also choose to be considered under our Disability Confident Scheme and find out here how this is managed during our recruitment and onboarding process.