Researcher data pathway graduate - Hybrid

Jisc Graduate scheme Sept 2025 – PLEASE APPLY NOW!

Closing date: 7th February 2025

Do you have an inquisitive mind and a can-do attitude? Join our graduate scheme and kickstart your career in tech.

Salary: £27,500+ fantastic benefits

Hours: 35 hours per week

Duration: September 2025 to September 2027

Location: Hybrid - A blend of working from home and your nominated hub office, we have hubs in London, Bristol, Manchester and Oxford. 

Who can apply:  Graduated or will graduate in 2025 with a 2:2 Bachelor's degree in social sciences (e.g. Economics, Psychology, Geography, Politics, Sociology, Social policy, Education)

Transforming Lives Through Digital Innovation

At Jisc, a not-for-profit organisation, we believe in the power of education and research to improve lives, and we know that technology enhances these fields.

During our two-year programme, you’ll gain hands-on experience in various specialisms, rotating through different areas within your chosen track. You’ll also spend time in three unique business placements, learning about different aspects of our organisation.

For more information about our company please visit our website:  Jisc  For more information about our official statistics, see HESA

Why Join Jisc?

Join Jisc and be part of a supportive environment where every voice is valued. We offer opportunities to explore new areas, acquire cutting-edge skills, and grow professionally.

“During my time at Jisc in marketing communications, I've thoroughly enjoyed both the role and the collaborative environment. The tasks are engaging and challenging, allowing me to continually develop and refine my marketing skills. The team is incredibly supportive, always encouraging me to achieve my best. I love that we're all driven towards the same goals, pushing to meet objectives while growing professionally together. It's been a great experience so far! “  Marihah Nasir Business lead graduate

About the role:

The Graduate Researcher role is designed for individuals with a passion for tertiary education and a keen interest in applying/developing their data skills to answer important policy questions relating to universities and skills. The successful candidate will rotate through three key teams (8 months per team) within our Data Policy and Research Group over a two-year period, gaining a comprehensive understanding of higher education data, policy, experimental data development, and research. 

We value meeting-based interactions and cross team working, so there is the requirement to visit the Cheltenham office from time to time for occasional meetings. This will also give you further opportunity for collaboration, experimentation, innovation and creativity and to build relationships with the team and the business unit you are working within.

Responsibilities will include:

Responsibilities will include: 

• Explore policy topics and practitioner challenges within tertiary education.  

• Use policy analysis and knowledge to identify possible areas for investigation by the group.  

• Develop an understanding of the data sources that could help to address identified priorities on the Group’s roadmap.  

• Identify or develop datasets and variables to address daps in understanding, with a focus on HESA data and other sources of Open Data. 

• Develop technical skills in SQL, Stata, Python, or R by undertaking work-based learning within the team.  

Key Skills and Experience:

• Some foundational skills in data manipulation, investigation, and visualization, and demonstrable interest in in developing the skills to explore data using statistical packages.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Clear interest in tertiary/higher education policy and practice. 
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Perks and Benefits:

Take a look at some of our fantastic benefits! More info can be found here

• Hands-On Experience: Work on real projects.
• Mentorship and Support: One-on-one support from experienced professionals.
• Career Growth: Opportunities for advancement.
• Community: Join networks like Youth Network, LGBTQ+, Neurodiversity, Women's Network, and more.
• Flexible work pattern, which can adapt to suit your schedules and personal commitments
• 31 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) that includes an additional three closure days over Christmas  plus family friendly policies including enhanced parental, maternity and paternity leave and opportunity for career breaks
• Generous flexible pension schemes, Protection benefit – life cover
• Annual company performance award
• A range of wellbeing lifestyle benefits including company paid health care cash plan, employee assistance programme, mental health first aiders and support
• Allocated allowance of up to £250 to equip your home office
• Financial well-being support including access to preferential loan and savings plans, mortgage advice, will writing tools and support and resources to help you make the most of your money
• The opportunity to donate to charity tax-free with our Payroll Giving benefit
• A wide range of discounts from retailers and big-name high-street stores
• Support your volunteering with up to 3 days volunteer leave
• Cycle to work scheme and eye care scheme including free eye test vouchers
• Employee recognition awards and travel loans
• A company culture which supports and promotes personal learning and development, including access to thousands of courses on LinkedIn Learning

Equity, diversity and inclusion:

At Jisc, we don’t look for ‘sameness’, but to truly include people who can add unique perspectives and experiences to our culture, and we are working hard to achieve progressive change. ‘Always inclusive’ is one of our six guiding principles which actively encourages us to bring our whole authentic selves to work. We believe that our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to our success.

We work hard to create an equitable experience for our candidates and workforce which embraces all aspects of their identity including race and ethnicity, religion and belief, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, trans identities, age, class, disability, neurodivergence, or veteran status.

Application process:

We want you to showcase your talent throughout the recruitment process. If you feel you can benefit from a reasonable adjustment or support to the way you work, or the way we work with you during this process, please speak with us and will try to accommodate requests as best we can.  Please be aware that this role will require a basic DBS check. 

Just so you know, applications open on 02/01/2025 and close 07/02/2025. 

The recruitment process involves the below:

• We receive your application and review it in line with our requirements for the role
• You will be notified via email if you have been either shortlisted or not eligible for the next stage
• A member of the Jisc Talent Acquisition team will be in touch to arrange an initial chat with you if shortlisted
• You will then be asked to record a short video responding to a choice of scenarios allowing us to get to know you better
• Thereafter you will be invited to an online interview with one of our line managers and a member of the Talent acquisition team or you will be contacted to advise you have not been selected
• We are hoping to complete all interviews by the end of April 2025, and will be in touch to present any offers of employment following your interview.

We would like to wish you the best of luck with your application.