Data Science Apprentice

RAND Europe; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 21,000; Full time

Job summary

A research organisation in Cambridge is offering a Data Science Apprentice role. This position provides hands-on experience in data science while you gain a recognized qualification over a two-year fixed-term contract. Responsibilities include supporting data projects, cleaning datasets, and creating visualisations. Candidates should have an interest in data science, problem-solving skills, and A-levels in relevant subjects. The role offers competitive benefits including a salary of circa £21,000.

Benefits

Pension – 8% Employer contribution

33 days holiday allowance

Annual salary review

BUPA medical insurance

Flexible working arrangements

Learning and development opportunities

Free on-site parking

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Demonstrable motivation to build a career in data science.
• Familiarity with data analysis and statistical concepts.
• Self-starter with a commitment to learning.

Responsibilities

• Support data extraction and creation of datasets.
• Clean and standardise datasets for analysis.
• Explore datasets using analytical tools.
• Create engaging data visualisations.
• Maintain documentation and code repositories.

Skills

Interest in data science

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Team player

Curious mindset

Education

A-levels (or equivalent) in Mathematics, Science, Computing

GCSE Maths and English A*-B/5-9

Tools

Python

R

Power BI

Job description

RAND Europe is an independent, not-for-profit research organisation whose mission is to help improve policy and decision-making through rigorous and independent research and analysis. We benefit the public interest through the impact and wide dissemination of over 200 projects per year. Our work at its most impactful changes policy, practice and process to the benefit of the public good. That is also our organisational mission.

About The Role

This Data Science Apprentice role offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands‑on experience and develop practical skills in data science and analytics while working towards a recognised qualification on a two‑year fixed‑term contract. As a member of the Data Science Lab, you will support a range of research and data analysis projects, contributing to the development of high‑quality datasets, analytical tools, and insightful visualisations. This role enables you to learn from experienced data scientists, collaborate across multidisciplinary teams, and apply your skills to projects that inspire better policy and decision‑making.

You will receive comprehensive training and mentorship, developing your expertise in data collection, cleaning, programming, and communication of data‑driven insights. Upon completion, you will have built a solid foundation in modern data science workflows and best practice within a research environment. As well as ensuring sufficient training to meet the Level 4 Data Analyst Apprenticeship, you will have access to a range of complimentary training services as part of RAND's Data Science Lab.

Responsibilities

• Support the extraction, aggregation, and creation of datasets from a range of sources, including open databases, web scraping, policy documents, academic literature, and bibliometric data
• Clean, standardise, and prepare datasets from various sources, ensuring data quality and consistency prior to analysis
• Explore and analyse datasets using a range of analytical tools— including statistical methods, regression analysis, and machine learning techniques—to identify key trends and generate actionable insights for research projects
• Create clear, engaging data visualisations and dashboards to communicate key research insights to internal and external audiences, including policy makers
• Contribute to the adaptation of existing data workflows, such as the systematic application of large language models (LLMs) in a Python programming environment for data extraction and analysis
• Maintain up‑to‑date code repositories and documentation, ensuring code is well annotated and accessible for team use
• Assist in the development and upkeep of dashboards and digital observatories using tools such as Power BI, Streamlit, Shiny, Plotly or WordPress
• Collaborate across the Data Science Lab and research groups, providing support to colleagues and contributing to a positive, inclusive team environment
• Undertake ad hoc duties as required

Requirements

• Strong interest in data science and research analytics, with demonstrable motivation to build a career in this field
• Familiarity with data analysis, statistical concepts, and creating data visualisations (coursework, science experiments, projects, or self‑study count)
• Some experience with coding (e.g. Python, R, or similar) is desirable but not essential
• Excellent problem‑solving skills
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present findings clearly
• Strong team player who can work collaboratively and communicate clearly within a team
• Self‑starter with a positive attitude, curious mindset, and willingness to embrace new challenges
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development
• A‑levels (or equivalent) in Mathematics, Science, Computing or related subjects (essential)
• GCSE Maths and English A*‑B/5‑9 (essential)
• Further experience or coursework in coding, statistics, or data analysis (desirable but not required)

Benefits

• Pension – 8% Employer contribution
• 33 days holiday allowance, including the Bank Holidays
• Annual salary review
• BUPA medical insurance
• Generous company sick pay
• Enhanced family friendly policies
• Group income protection scheme
• Group life assurance
• Compassionate leave
• Flexible working arrangements
• Learning and development opportunities
• Employee wellbeing training and support
• Fresh fruit every day
• Free on‑site parking
• Cycle to work scheme
• Access to company bikes
• Service awards

Salary

Circa £21,000

How To Apply

If you believe you are suited to the above role, please follow the link here to place your application via Digital Native: Data Analyst Apprentice - Digital Native

Please note if you apply via Workable your application may not be reviewed. If you have not been contacted within 30 days of the application deadline, please assume your application has not been successful.