Data Scientist

University of South Hampton; Southampton; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Power BI

Tableau

Job summary

University of Southampton is seeking a Data Scientist to join Strategic Planning & Analytics to strengthen Southampton’s external rankings and reputation through data-driven insights.

You will develop predictive models, integrate multiple data sources, and create tools to support evidence-based decision-making across the University. The role involves communicating complex findings to non-specialist audiences and collaborating across faculties and professional services to drive strategic impact.

Qualifications

• Strong numeracy and ability to analyse complex data from multiple sources.
• Knowledge of statistical modelling, predictive analytics or ML methods.
• Experience cleaning, validating and analysing complex datasets.
• Ability to assess data quality, uncertainty and limitations.
• Proficiency with Excel, Python, R, SQL and Alteryx or equivalent.
• Ability to translate quantitative analysis into clear insights and recommendations.
• Ability to communicate findings to non-specialists clearly.
• Curiosity, creativity and rigour in using data to solve problems.
• Awareness of data protection, governance and ethical use of data.

Responsibilities

• Develop predictive modelling of reputation drivers and outcomes.
• Build evidence, models and tools to support targeting and decision-making.
• Combine data from internal and external sources for analysis.
• Apply statistical methods to identify patterns and test assumptions.
• Interpret results and provide actionable recommendations for leadership.
• Collaborate with Strategic Planning & Analytics in a cross-functional team.

Skills

Numerical analysis

Statistical modelling

Predictive analytics

Data cleaning

Data integration

Data quality

Excel

Python

R

SQL

Alteryx

Data governance

Ethical data use

Communication

Non-specialist communication

Tools

Excel

Python

R

SQL

Alteryx

Power BI

Tableau

Job description

The University of Southampton is seeking a Data Scientist to join Strategic Planning & Analytics and support work focused on strengthening Southampton’s reputation and performance in external rankings.

This new role will help the University build a richer, data-driven understanding of how reputation is formed, measured and influenced. Working within a dedicated team, you will develop evidence, models and tools that support more effective targeting, prioritisation, decision-making and impact measurement across the University.

Your primary focus will be to develop predictive modelling of reputation drivers and outcomes, while also improving the University’s analytical tools, methods and use of data. You will bring together complex data from a range of internal and external sources, applying appropriate analytical and statistical methods to identify patterns, test assumptions, model potential outcomes and generate actionable insight.

You will work with datasets relating to university rankings, reputation indicators, peer and competitor performance, survey outcomes, research and education metrics, and other relevant external and internal sources. This may include data cleaning and transformation, exploratory data analysis, segmentation or clustering, predictive modelling, trend forecasting, scenario modelling, sensitivity analysis, benchmarking and interpretation of composite or weighted indicators.

This is an opportunity to apply data science to work with direct strategic relevance. You will be part of Strategic Planning & Analytics, the University’s central data reporting, insight and analysis team, working in a collaborative analytical environment that brings together expertise in data science, advanced analytics, forecasting, market insight and business intelligence.

We are looking for someone who combines technical analytical capability with excellent judgement, curiosity and communication skills. You will be confident working with complex, incomplete or inconsistent datasets, assessing data quality and limitations, selecting appropriate methods, and translating quantitative analysis into clear insights, options and recommendations for decision-makers.

You will need to be comfortable working across organisational boundaries, collaborating with colleagues in professional services and faculties, and communicating technical findings clearly to non-specialist audiences. Experience of university rankings, league tables, reputation analysis, higher education data or bibliometrics would be valuable, but we are also interested in candidates who can bring strong data science and analytical experience from other relevant contexts.

About you

You will bring:

• strong numeracy and experience of analysing complex data from multiple sources;
• knowledge of statistical modelling, predictive analytics, data science or machine learning methods;
• experience integrating, cleaning, validating and analysing complex datasets;
• the ability to assess data quality, uncertainty, limitations and appropriate use;
• experience using tools such as Excel, Python, R, SQL, Alteryx or equivalent;
• experience translating quantitative analysis into clear insight, options and recommendations;
• the ability to communicate technical findings clearly to non-specialist audiences;
• curiosity, creativity and rigour in using data to solve complex problems;
• awareness of data protection, data governance and ethical use of data.

Experience of rankings, league tables, reputation surveys, higher education performance metrics, bibliometrics, external datasets such as QS, THE, REF, HESA, NSS, Graduate Outcomes, or data visualisation tools such as Power BI or Tableau would be an advantage.

You will join a supportive and ambitious team within the world-leading, research-intensive University of Southampton, a founding member of the Russell Group and ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide.

You will have the opportunity to apply data science to a high-profile strategic priority, develop expertise in reputation and rankings analytics, and contribute directly to evidence-based decision-making across the University.

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applicants who support our mission of inclusivity.

Apply by 11.59 pm UK time on the closing date. For assistance contact Recruitment on [phone] or [e-mail] quoting the job number.