Statistical analyst

DESA E&C Bristol, England, United Kingdom

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SALARY: £37,841 Per Annum

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

LOCATION: Research England, Westward House, Stoke Gifford, Bristol

GRADE: UKRI D

POSITIONS AVAILABLE: 1

CLOSING DATE: 5th January 2026

PROPOSED INTERVIEW DATE: w/b 2nd February 2026

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.

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 support the development of work areas, from designing and refining funding algorithms and quality assurance processes to delivering new funding mechanisms, while demonstrating a commitment to innovation and continuous improvement.

A sound understanding of an analytical product development cycle is crucial for this role, including analysing data using a variety of quantitative methods, evaluating methodologies 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 modelling. Able to work with initiative, you will support the delivery of projects and contribute to their development, while communicating clearly and professionally with colleagues.

• Develop a sound knowledge of the Higher Education sector data used by the analyst team to underpin SIRF funding allocations.
• Develop a sound knowledge of the algorithm‑driven (also referred to as formula‑based) research funding methods used by Research England and collaborate with colleagues to develop, maintain and implement funding models.
• Support the team by challenging assumptions, considering data and methodological limitations, and suggesting solutions.
• Critically evaluate and justify 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 incorporate a variety of data sources.
• Engage with quality assurance and publication processes for disseminating outcomes.
• Support the presentation of high‑quality statistical advice and analysis undertaken by the team.
• Support the development of new approaches and analytical models that underpin sector benchmarking activities.
• Investigate available datasets and determine possible metrics for use in sector analysis.
• Collaborate with colleagues on 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.
• Ensure that the team QA process is always followed and that QA approvals are escalated as necessary.
• Support wider areas of the Research Funding team activities as they arise.

• Formal statistical training:
  Degree in mathematics, or another subject, or equivalent professional experience, containing formal statistical training.
• Analytical expertise:
  Knowledge of the practical application of statistical and mathematical methodologies, with ability to develop new approaches for analysing and utilising data.
• Critical evaluation and problem solving:
  Ability to critically review and assess data, methods, and processes in a systematic way, identify potential issues or limitations, and suggest practical improvements or alternative approaches.
• Programming and data handling:
  Experience of coding to manipulate…