This new role will help the University build a richer, data-driven understanding of how reputation is formed, measured and influenced. Working within a dedicated team, you will develop evidence, models and tools that support more effective targeting, prioritisation, decision-making and impact measurement across the University.

Your primary focus will be to develop predictive modelling of reputation drivers and outcomes, while also improving the University’s analytical tools, methods and use of data. You will bring together complex data from a range of internal and external sources, applying appropriate analytical and statistical methods to identify patterns, test assumptions, model potential outcomes and generate actionable insight.

You will work with datasets relating to university rankings, reputation indicators, peer and competitor performance, survey outcomes, research and education metrics, and other relevant external and internal sources. This may include data cleaning and transformation, exploratory data analysis, segmentation or clustering, predictive modelling, trend forecasting, scenario modelling, sensitivity analysis, benchmarking and interpretation of composite or weighted indicators.

This is an opportunity to apply data science to work with direct strategic relevance. You will be part of Strategic Planning & Analytics, the University’s central data reporting, insight and analysis team, working in a collaborative analytical environment that brings together expertise in data science, advanced analytics, forecasting, market insight and business intelligence.

We are looking for someone who combines technical analytical capability with excellent judgement, curiosity and communication skills. You will be confident working with complex, incomplete or inconsistent datasets, assessing data quality and limitations, selecting appropriate methods, and translating quantitative analysis into clear insights, options and recommendations for decision-makers.

You will need to be comfortable working across organisational boundaries, collaborating with colleagues in professional services and faculties, and communicating technical findings clearly to non-specialist audiences. Experience of university rankings, league tables, reputation analysis, higher education data or bibliometrics would be valuable, but we are also interested in candidates who can bring strong data science and analytical experience from other relevant contexts.

About you

You will bring:

• strong numeracy and experience of analysing complex data from multiple sources;
• knowledge of statistical modelling, predictive analytics, data science or machine learning methods;
• experience integrating, cleaning, validating and analysing complex datasets;
• the ability to assess data quality, uncertainty, limitations and appropriate use;
• experience using tools such as Excel, Python, R, SQL, Alteryx or equivalent;
• experience translating quantitative analysis into clear insight, options and recommendations;
• the ability to communicate technical findings clearly to non-specialist audiences;
• curiosity, creativity and rigour in using data to solve complex problems;
• awareness of data protection, data governance and ethical use of data.

Experience of rankings, league tables, reputation surveys, higher education performance metrics, bibliometrics, external datasets such as QS, THE, REF, HESA, NSS, Graduate Outcomes, or data visualisation tools such as Power BI or Tableau would be an advantage.

You will join a supportive and ambitious team within the world-leading, research-intensive University of Southampton, a founding member of the Russell Group and ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide.

You will have the opportunity to apply data science to a high-profile strategic priority, develop expertise in reputation and rankings analytics, and contribute directly to evidence-based decision-making across the University.

Closing Date: 26 Aug 2026

Section: Management, Specialist & Administrative

Salary: £36,636 to £44,746 Per annum
Full Time Permanent

This new role will support work focused on building a richer, data-driven understanding of how reputation is formed, measured and influenced. Working within a dedicated team, you will help the University use evidence more effectively to understand performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and assess the impact of targeted activity.

You will analyse Southampton’s performance across major domestic and international rankings and reputation indicators, interpret complex methodologies, benchmark performance against peers and competitors, and translate findings into clear recommendations for senior stakeholders, faculties and professional services. You will also support the development of dashboards, reports and data resources that make reputation and rankings insight accessible across the University.

This is an opportunity to apply strong analytical skills to work that directly supports institutional strategy. You will be part of Strategic Planning & Analytics, the University’s central data reporting, insight and analysis team, working in a collaborative environment that brings together expertise in data science, advanced analytics, forecasting, market insight and business intelligence.

We are looking for someone who can combine technical analytical capability with strong judgement and communication skills. You will be confident working with complex datasets, interpreting trends and methodologies, testing assumptions, and explaining findings clearly to non-specialist audiences. Experience of higher education rankings, league tables, reputation analysis, bibliometrics or competitor intelligence would be valuable, but we are also interested in candidates who can bring strong analytical experience from other relevant contexts.

You will need to be comfortable working across organisational boundaries, building effective relationships with colleagues in professional services and academic areas, and contributing to project delivery in a fast-moving strategic environment.

About you

You will bring:

• strong numeracy and experience of analysing complex data from multiple sources;
• excellent Excel and data manipulation skills;
• the ability to interpret methodologies, indicators and trends carefully and critically;
• experience translating analysis into clear insight, options and recommendations;
• strong written and verbal communication skills;
• confidence working with senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams;
• attention to data quality, definitions, caveats and ethical use of data.

Experience of rankings, league tables, reputation analysis, higher education data, bibliometrics, research performance, survey data or competitor intelligence would be an advantage.

What we can offer

You will join a supportive and ambitious team within a world-leading, research-intensive University of Southampton, a founding member of the Russell Group and ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide.

You will have the opportunity to work on high-profile strategic questions, develop expertise in reputation and rankings analytics, and contribute directly to evidence-based decision-making across the University.

The role is offered on a hybrid basis, with a base at the Southampton campuses.

Closing Date: 26 Aug 2026

Section: Management, Specialist & Administrative

Salary: £36,636 to £44,746 per annum
Full Time Permanent