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Salary: £43,116 Per Annum
Hours: Full Time / Part Time (Minimum 0.8 FTE)
Contract Type: Fixed Term (Concluding 31 December 2030)
Location: Westward House, Stoke Gifford, Bristol
Grade: UKRI Band E
Positions Available: 1
Closing Date: Sunday 26 October 2025
Proposed Interview Date: Mid-November 2025
Job Overview
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.
Key Responsibilities
* 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.
* Proactively engage early and often within and across teams to share analytical results, and to discuss findings, taking data limitations into account.
* Use 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.
* Engage with quality assurance and publication processes for disseminating outcomes.
* Take responsibility for the presentation of high‑quality statistical advice and analysis undertaken by self and/or team.
Broader Sector Analysis
* Support the development of analytical models that underpin sector benchmarking activities.
* Investigate available datasets and determine possible metrics for use in sector analysis.
* Collaborate 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.
Quality Assurance Support
* Ensure that the team QA process is always followed.
* Make sure that QA approvals are escalated as necessary.
Other
* Develop and lead relationships with internal and external stakeholders where pertinent, potentially including representing RE at meetings and events.
* Delegate tasks to colleagues and support junior staff as required.
* Support wider areas of the Research Funding team activities as they arise.
Person Specification
* Degree in mathematics, or another subject or equivalent professional experience containing formal statistical training.
* Experience of coding in R language to manipulate large complex datasets.
* 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.
* Proven ability to critically assess data, recognise drivers for change, and identify where data quality issues may have arisen.
* Experience of quality assurance processes, and an awareness of how these minimise errors in analytical outputs.
* Able to lead developing work areas, with responsibility for high‑profile processes or projects.
* 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.
* Able to plan and manage a varied and demanding workload and respond to changing priorities.
Benefits
* An outstanding defined benefit pension scheme.
* 30 days’ annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and 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.
UKRI is an Equal Opportunity & Disability Confident Employer.
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