Please note that this is an apprenticeship position and therefore anyone with more than six months professional experience working as a data analyst or who holds a degree or Master’s degree in a subject such as Data Science, Business Analytics, Maths will not be eligible.
You will also need to commit to completing a Level 4 Data Analyst Apprenticeship.
RAND Europe is a not-for-profit policy research organisation. Our mission is to help improve policy- and decision‑making through evidence-based research and analysis. We realise our mission by undertaking objective, balanced and relevant research, sharing the insights and information widely, and working in partnership with a range of clients and collaborators.
Our work combines the academic rigour with a task‑oriented approach. In addition to our strong ethos of evidence‑based research, RAND Europe is a values‑driven organisation.
Position summary
This apprenticeship offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands‑on experience and develop practical skills in data science and analytics while working towards a recognised qualification. As a member of the Data Science Lab, you will support a range of research and data analysis projects, contributing to the development of high‑quality datasets, analytical tools, and insightful visualisations. This role enables you to learn from experienced data scientists, collaborate across multidisciplinary teams, and apply your skills to projects that inspire better policy and decision‑making.
You will receive comprehensive training and mentorship, developing your expertise in data collection, cleaning, programming, and communication of data‑driven insights. Upon completion, you will have built a solid foundation in modern data science workflows and best practice within a research environment. As well as ensuring sufficient training to meet your Level 4 Data Analyst Apprenticeship, you will have access to a range of complimentary training services as part of RAND’s Data Science Lab.
Key responsibilities
* Support the extraction, aggregation, and creation of datasets from a range of sources, including open databases, web scraping, policy documents, academic literature, and bibliometric data.
* Clean, standardise, and prepare datasets from various sources, ensuring data quality and consistency prior to analysis.
* Explore and analyse datasets using a range of analytical tools – including statistical methods, regression analysis, and machine learning techniques – to identify key trends and generate actionable insights for research projects.
* Create clear, engaging data visualisations and dashboards to communicate key research insights to internal and external audiences, including policy makers.
* Contribute to the adaptation of existing data workflows, such as the systematic application of large language models (LLMs) in a Python programming environment for data extraction and analysis.
* Maintain up‑to‑date code repositories and documentation, ensuring code is well annotated and accessible for team use.
* Assist in the development and upkeep of dashboards and digital observatories using tools such as Power BI, Streamlit, Shiny, Plotly or WordPress.
* Collaborate across the Data Science Lab and research groups, providing support to colleagues and contributing to a positive, inclusive team environment.
* Undertake ad hoc duties as required.
Skills and Experience
* Strong interest in data science and research analytics, with demonstrable motivation to build a career in this field.
* Familiarity with data analysis, statistical concepts, and creating data visualisations (coursework, science experiments, projects, or self‑study count).
* Some experience with coding (e.g. Python, R, or similar) is desirable but not essential.
* Excellent problem‑solving skills.
* Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present findings clearly.
* Strong team player who can work collaboratively and communicate clearly within a team.
* Self‑starter with a positive attitude, curious mindset, and willingness to embrace new challenges.
* Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
Essential Qualifications
* 7 GCSEs including Maths and English A* – B/5 – 9
* 3 A-levels (or equivalent) in Mathematics, Science, Computing or related subjects at grades A - C
Further experience or coursework in coding, statistics, or data analysis (desirable but not required).
Salary: £21,000
Location: Cambridge, CB2 8BF. (Currently hybrid – spending three days per week in the office)
Rand Values
Quality. We pursue excellence.
* Apply the most rigorous standards to work.
* Take a holistic view of the problem‑solving landscape.
Objectivity. We are independent and impartial.
* Provide unbiased analysis and insights.
* Apply constructive, critical thinking to the challenges.
* Find and follow the best evidence wherever it leads.
Collaboration. We are stronger through the power of partnerships.
* Work as a team to achieve common goals, taking and sharing responsibility for success.
* Combine strengths and support one another.
* Value diversity, seek out and respect the contributions of others.
Service. We serve the public good and those with whom we work.
* Strive to have impact and make a difference to society and to clients.
* Honour your commitments to the organisation and others.
* Act with integrity.
Learning. We always look for better ways to do things.
* Use knowledge and insight to achieve better outcomes.
* Continuously improve and learn from experience.
* Combine curiosity with an entrepreneurial outlook
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