Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Admission Modelling

About us

UCL's Department of Statistical Science, established in 1911, remains a pioneering force in the field, combining world-class research with comprehensive educational programmes. The Vice-President (Strategy) team leads the development and delivery of UCL’s institutional strategy and strategic plans, providing insight and data to inform and align institutional decisions.

In a joint approach, we are developing a modern Planning Service for a world-class institution which has acknowledged the importance of better planning in its broadest sense, including data & insight, and excellence in implementation to its continued success.

About the role

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Admission Modelling to join us in a joint appointment between the Department of Statistical Science and the VP Strategy on a 2-year Fixed Term Contract. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to an ongoing, innovative statistical project launched in 2022, focused on developing a sophisticated model for predicting and aiding decision-making on UCL’s student enrolment.

The primary aim of this research project is to design an advanced offer-target and enrolment prediction model, leveraging extensive student application data to produce more accurate estimations of student numbers. Through such a predictive framework, the project seeks to mitigate potential risks associated with over- or under-enrolment, thus supporting UCL’s broader objectives for deliberate, data-informed planning.

As the Research Fellow, you will lead the development and refinement of statistical models, working with complex datasets to ensure accurate, actionable predictions. This involves preparing and integrating data from multiple sources, designing algorithms to automate key processes, and presenting outputs in a format accessible to UCL decision-makers. Your work will not only drive innovations in UCL’s admissions and enrolment processes but also provide a critical tool for strategic planning at the institutional level.

This position offers an excellent opportunity for a skilled statistician to play a central role in an impactful research initiative, applying advanced statistical methods to address real-world challenges within one of the world’s top universities. Your contributions will help shape the future of UCL’s admissions strategy, strengthening the university’s ability to plan effectively and meet its long-term objectives.

About you

To be successful in this role, you will need to have or be expecting to obtain a postgraduate degree in statistics or a related area within a year of appointment, or equivalent level of experience gained in the work environment.

Skilled in managing and analysing large, complex data sets, you have advanced expertise in statistical computing environments, specifically R, and are experienced in applying generalised linear regression modelling with numerous variables and including random effects. Your strong analytical abilities enable you to interpret complex data clearly, presenting insights in accessible formats for varied audiences.

With excellent verbal and written communication skills, you thrive in collaborative environments and have a refined ability to troubleshoot and optimise models for accuracy. You are detail-oriented, adaptable, and able to meet tight deadlines, ensuring high-quality outcomes under pressure.

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