Statistical Analyst

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This role is a Statistical Analyst for a fixed‑term contract until 31 December 2030, offering £37,841 per annum. Located in Bristol, key skills include statistical training, programming, quality assurance and project management, with experience in higher‑education data analysis preferred.

The Research Directorate of Research England is responsible for policy development, evaluation and implementation to maximise the excellence and impact of research in universities. As a Statistical Analyst you will design and deliver analytical tools and processes that support the allocation of £2 billion of strategic institutional research funding (SIRF) to higher‑education providers across England.

Working across the Research and Analysis Directorates, you will help develop and refine funding algorithms, quality‑assurance processes and new funding mechanisms, always striving for innovation and continuous improvement.

• Support the algorithm‑driven allocation of research funds to higher‑education providers:
• Develop deep knowledge of Higher Education sector data used for SIRF funding allocations.
• Understand and maintain research‑funding methods, collaborating with colleagues to create and implement funding models.
• Challenge assumptions, analyse data and methodological limitations, and propose solutions.
• Critically evaluate and justify choice of methods and tools, selecting appropriate quantitative techniques for formula‑driven models.
• Engage in quality‑assurance and publication processes to disseminate outcomes.
• Present high‑quality statistical advice and analysis to the team.
• Provide broader sector analysis:
• Develop new analytical models underpinning sector benchmarking.
• Investigate available datasets and determine suitable metrics for sector analysis.
• Collaborate on insights from datasets and contribute to visualisations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Assist with quality‑assurance checks:
• Ensure team QA processes are followed.
• Escalate QA approvals as necessary.
• Support wider activities of the Research Funding team as required.

• Formal statistical training:
  Degree in mathematics, a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Analytical expertise:
  Practical application of statistical and mathematical methodologies, creativity in developing new analytical approaches.
• Critical evaluation and problem solving:
  Systematic review of data, methods and processes, with proactive improvement proposals.
• Programming and data handling:
  Experience coding to manipulate datasets.
• Quality assurance and coding standards:
  Writing well‑structured code and following best practices to ensure reliable outputs.
• Collaboration and project management:
  Ability to work with colleagues on high‑profile processes and projects.
• Workload management:
  Plan and manage varied workloads, adapting to changing priorities.
• Communication and influence:
  Clear written and verbal communication, ability to explain data and analysis to non‑specialists, and engage constructively with colleagues.

• Outstanding defined‑benefit pension scheme.
• 30 days annual leave plus 10.5 public & privilege days (full‑time equivalent).
• Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities.
• Employee assistance programme providing confidential help and advice.
• Flexible working options.
• Other wellbeing initiatives supporting a healthy work‑life balance.

Please apply online. If you experience any issue applying, contact Recruitment. Submit a CV and a cover letter that showcases how your skills and experience align with the role’s essential and desirable criteria.

Closing date: 5 January 2026.