Senior Statistical Analyst

SALARY: £43,116 Per Annum 

HOURS: Full Time or Part Time (Minimum 0.8 FTE)

CONTRACT TYPE: Fixed Term (Concluding 31 December 2030) 

LOCATION: Westward House, Stoke Gifford, Bristol

GRADE: UKRI E

POSITIONS AVAILABLE: 1

CLOSING DATE: 26 October 2025

PROPOSED INTERVIEW DATE: Mid-November 2025

Purpose

The research funding team is responsible for Research England’s research funding policy evaluation, development, and implementation. Working primarily with key Analysts and the Research Data & Evidence team you will be responsible for managing work areas from the design and development of funding algorithms and quality assurance processes to delivery of new funding mechanisms and be committed to innovation and continuous improvement. 

A sound understanding of an analytical product development cycle is crucial for this role, including significant experience of coding, analysing data (including applied quantitative methods), and presenting findings. Equally important is experience of quality assurance processes, and an awareness of how these minimise errors in analytical outputs. You will be well-organised and self-motivated, ideally with a background in statistical or financial modelling. Capable of working to your own initiative, you will contribute substantially to the development and delivery of projects and be a confident communicator with people at all levels. 

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.
• proactively engaging early and often within and across teams to share analytical results, and to discuss findings, taking data limitations into account.
• using the most appropriate methods and tools to determine and apply appropriate quantitative methods and write code to model formula-driven funding allocations, confidently adapting their approach as required to effectively manipulate a variety of data sources.
• engaging with quality assurance and publication processes for disseminating outcomes.
• taking responsibility for the presentation of high-quality statistical advice and analysis undertaken by self and/or team.

To provide broader sector analysis by:

• supporting the development of 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:

• developing and leading relationships with internal and external stakeholders where pertinent, potentially including representing RE at meetings and events.
• delegating tasks to colleagues and supporting junior staff as required.
• 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

• Degree in mathematics, or another subject - or equivalent professional experience - containing formal statistical training. (S) 
• Experience of coding in R language to manipulate large complex datasets. (S&I) 
• Strong analytical experience and knowledge of applied quantitative methods, including a track record in the practical application of analysis or research with an in-depth knowledge of the development of computational and statistical methods for solving complex problems and presenting analytical findings. (S&I)
• Proven ability to critically assess data, recognise drivers for change, and identify where data quality issues may have arisen. (S&l)
• Experience of quality assurance processes, and an awareness of how these minimise errors in analytical outputs. (S&I)
• Able to lead developing work areas, with responsibility for high-profile processes or projects. (S&I)
• Strong written  and verbal communication skills, to explain complex techniques and results to non-experts, including clarifying policy questions and guiding colleagues in interpretation of data. (S&I)
• Able to plan and manage a varied and demanding workload and respond to changing priorities. (I)

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 users 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.

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.

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.