Statistical Analyst

UK Shared Business Services Ltd; Bristol; On-site; GBP 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK research organization is seeking a Statistical Analyst to drive the development of analytical tools and support the allocation of substantial research funding to English universities. The successful candidate will engage in critical evaluation and collaborative efforts within a dynamic research environment. A degree in mathematics or equivalent experience is required, along with strong analytical skills. This role offers full-time or part-time opportunities under a fixed-term contract until December 2030.

Benefits

Defined benefit pension scheme

Excellent holiday entitlement

Employee shopping/travel discounts

Qualifications

• Formal statistical training is essential.
• Ability to develop new approaches for data analysis.
• Experience in programming for data handling.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver analytical tools for funding allocation.
• Support algorithm-driven allocations of research funds.
• Engage in quality assurance processes.

Skills

Statistical training

Analytical expertise

Critical evaluation

Coding experience

Quality assurance

Collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Degree in mathematics or equivalent experience

Job description

SALARY: £37,841 Per Annum
HOURS: Full Time or Part Time (Minimum 0.8 FTE)
CONTRACT TYPE: Fixed Term (ending 31 December 2030)

CLOSING DATE: 5th January 2026
PROPOSED INTERVIEW DATE: w/b 2 nd February 2026

PURPOSE

The Research Directorate is responsible for Research England’s policy development, evaluation and implementation aimed at maximising the excellence and impact of research in universities in England. As a Statistical Analyst at Research England working across the Research and Analysis Directorates, you will be in a key position to design and deliver analytical tools and processes that directly support the allocation of £2 billion of strategic institutional research funding (SIRF) to higher education providers in England.

MAIN OUTPUTS AND ACTIVITIES

To support the algorithm-driven allocation of research funds to higher education providers by:

• developing a sound knowledge of the Higher Education sector data used by the analyst team to underpin SIRF funding allocations.
• developing a sound knowledge of the algorithm-driven (also referred to as formula-based) research funding methods used by Research England and collaborating with colleagues to develop, maintain and implement funding models.
• supporting the team by challenging assumptions, considering data and methodological limitations, and suggesting solutions.
• critically evaluating and justifying the choice of methods and tools, using evidence to select and apply appropriate quantitative techniques for developing formula-driven funding allocation models, suggesting adaptations to approaches to effectively incorporate a variety of data sources.
• engaging with quality assurance and publication processes for disseminating outcomes.
• supporting the presentation of high-quality statistical advice and analysis undertaken by the team.

To provide broader sector analysis by:

• supporting the development of new approaches and analytical models that underpin sector benchmarking activities.
• investigating available datasets and determining possible metrics for use in sector analysis.
• collaborating with colleagues on possible ways to gain sector insight from datasets and how these could feed data visualisations that may aid in supplying this insight to internal and external stakeholders.

To assist with quality assurance checks when required:

ensuring that the team QA process is always followed, making sure that QA approvals are escalated as necessary.

Other:

supporting wider areas of the Research Funding team activities as they arise.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

(S) – ASSESSED AT SHORTLISTING

(I) – ASSESSED AT INTERVIEW

(S&I) – ASSESSED AT BOTH SHORTLISTING AND INTERVIEW

Formal statistical training: Degree in mathematics, or another subject, or equivalent professional experience, containing formal statistical training. (S)

Analytical expertise: Knowledge of the practical application of statistical and mathematical methodologies, with ability to develop new approaches for analysing and utilising data, rather than relying on rote application of standard methods. (S&I)

Critical evaluation and problem solving: Ability to critically review and assess data, methods, and processes in a careful and systematic way, identify potential issues or limitations, and suggest practical improvements or alternative approaches. (S&I)

Programming and data handling: Experience of coding to manipulate datasets. (S&I)

Quality assurance and coding standards: Experience of checking the accuracy and reliability of analytical work, including writing well-structured code and following good practices to ensure outputs are correct and easy to maintain. (S&I)

Collaboration and project management: Ability to collaborate with colleagues on the development of work areas and contribute to high-profile processes or projects. (S&I)

Workload management: Ability to plan and manage a varied workload, adapting to changing priorities effectively. (S&I)

Communication and influence: Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain data and analysis to non-specialists, ask clarifying questions, and engage in constructive discussions with colleagues to explore ideas and develop solutions. (S&I)

About Us

UKRI - UK Research and Innovation

UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.

Supporting some of the world’s most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.

More information can be found at www.ukri.org.

Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI.

How we support EDI in the workforce

At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit ‘How we support EDI in the workforce’.

Disability Confident Employer

As a user of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all applicants with a disability who opt into the disability confident scheme and meet the minimum criteria for the role. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.

How to apply

Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the ‘experience’ section of the application.

UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion – a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.

About the Team

Research England is one of the nine Councils within UK Research and Innovation. As a key component of the research funding system, Research England will oversee UKRI’s England-only functions in relation to university research and knowledge exchange (KE). This includes providing grant funding to English universities for related activities; developing and implementing the Research Excellence Framework in partnership with the UK Higher Education funding bodies; supervising the sustainability of the Higher Education research base in England; guiding the UK Research Partnership Investment Fund; and coordinating the Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF). Research England will build and sustain the conditions for a healthy and dynamic research and KE system in English universities. They also work closely with their counterparts in the Devolved Administrations.

For more information about Research England, click here.