Catalyst ProjectThe Catalyst Project at the University of Essex is funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE). The Catalyst project provides a unique opportunity to bring together the University's world leading expertise in data sharing and data analytics with Essex and Suffolk County Council's strength in policy innovation to address two policy priorities that are of local and national importance:
This collaboration with both Councils will add value to their ongoing activity, helping them to integrate and manage data, to derive intelligence that will inform the design and implementation of service provision. The University input will be focused on the application of smart analytics in addressing the effective targeting and early intervention necessary to deliver efficient public services and better outcomes for vulnerable people.
The Strategic Planning and Change section is seeking to make a new appointment for the project, a Grade 7 or Grade 8 Research Data Analyst / Statistician. The post-holder will join an active research group within the Department of Mathematical Sciences at the University of Essex.
The Role and DutiesThe Catalyst Project Research Data Analyst / Statistician will be a member of the Catalyst Fund project team and play a critical role in the successful delivery of various high quality data resources from local government to the external user community. The post will primarily be based at County Council offices, playing a key role in liaising between Council staff, the Catalyst project team and other University staff as required to deliver Council priority initiatives.
Duties will include providing statistical support on predictive modelling, risk estimation and identification of risk factors in a series of applications; pre-processing and merging together data from varied sources, generating reports of preliminary data analysis, assisting in final analyses of data; and assimilating, interpreting and disseminating data and information from different sources.
In addition, a Grade 8 Research Data Analyst / Statistician would be encouraged to develop novel methodological approaches and publish your findings in scientific journals; and develop your own research ideas and present in scientific conferences.
Qualifications and SkillsAt both Grades 7 and 8, an MSc in in Statistics, Data Science, Econometrics, Computer Science or equivalent is essential, as is a degree or equivalent experience in a subject containing a substantial coverage of statistical theory, methods and practice.
A Grade 8 Research Data Analyst / Statistician will also be required to hold a PhD in Statistics, Data Science, Econometrics, Computer Science or equivalent or have suitable relevant working experience
Good subject knowledge of a broad range of Statistics and of working in R and RStudio; experience in programming in R, working with Shiny applications and R markdown and working with data in Excel; and the ability to write scientific reports and papers are essential at both grades.
In addition, a Grade 8 Research Data Analyst / Statistician is required to possess a good knowledge of machine learning techniques including Random Forests and Neural Networks methods; experience in analysis of qualitative data via tools such as text analytics and natural language processing; and experience of, or an interest in big data, data science and data analytics are also essential.
You will have excellent planning and organisation skills, including the ability to prioritise workload and meet tight deadlines. You will be IT literate, self-motivated with excellent communication skills and have the ability to self-motivate as well as motivate others in a team.
Due to the nature of the role, the appointment will be subject to a staff vetting process including a Disclosure Scotland check.
This post is fixed-term, full-time until 30 June 2019 due to a temporary funding source.
At the University of Essex internationalism is central to who we are and what we do. We are committed to being a cosmopolitan, internationally-oriented university that is welcoming to staff and students from all countries and a university where you can find the world in one place.
Please see the further detail link below for a full job description and person specification which outlines the full duties, skills, qualifications and experience needed for this role plus more information relating to the post. We recommend you read this information carefully before making an application. Applications should be made on-line, but if you would like advice or help in making an application, or need information in a different format, please telephone the Resourcing Team (01206 874588/873521).
*Further detail: Catalyst Project Research Data Analyst / Statistician jobpack*More information: Working at the University