Data & Insights Researcher

Location: University of Reading, Whiteknights Campus, Reading, Berkshire 

Contract: Full time (Hybrid) 35 hours a week

Turn insight into impact. Shape the future of student life!

About Reading Students’ Union

We are a dynamic, student-focused organisation dedicated to empowering students and enhancing their university experience. Our vision is to be a place for everyone, we inspire and empower students to change the world. Check out our exciting new strategy

The Role: Data & Insights Researcher 

Love data analytics and research? This is your chance to bring our ambitious new data-drive strategy to life - creating agile insights that are engaging and accessible to a diverse range of audiences. 

You'll champion data innovation to keep us ahead of the curve and truly understand our students' evolving needs - creating a beating heart of data driven campaigns with real-time impact. You’ll turn raw data into powerful insights that shape student life. Your work will influence decisions, improve services, and ensure student voices are heard loud and clear.

What you'll do

• Lead impactful research and analysis projects that drive evidence-based decisions and shape strategy.
• Turn complex data into clear, actionable insights for teams, leadership, and external partners—raising our profile and strengthening our brand.
• Create compelling dashboards, reports, and infographics that tell compelling stories of student life and organisational impact.
• Identify opportunities and pain points in student engagement, wellbeing, and retention through feedback and trend analysis.
• Create a culture of data-driven thinking, embedding insight into campaigns, service design, and strategic planning.
• Work closely with elected officers to measure impact, track progress, and transform manifesto priorities into measurable outcomes.
• Support commercial development and funding bids with robust data and insight.
• Produce our Annual Impact Report and deliver regular reporting cycles to monitor key metrics on student experience and organisational performance.
• Manage feedback loops so students see how their voices drive change.
• Develop and streamline data and planning tools by creating dashboards, templates, and reporting frameworks.
• Share expertise and build capability by delivering training and guidance on data analytics, tools and best practice across the organisation.

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• PhD-qualified researcher with significant experience in data analysis.
• Advanced analytical skills with the ability to clean, interpret, and visualise data accurately.
• Proficiency in data visualisation tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or similar platforms.
• Expertise in survey design, feedback collection, and handling both quantitative and qualitative data.
• Strong understanding of data ethics, GDPR compliance, and research best practices.
• Ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable insights and compelling narratives.
• Strategic mindset—applying insights to campaigns, service design, and organisational delivery.
• Excellent communication skills for engaging diverse audiences.
• Collaborative and innovative approach, with a passion for enhancing student experience.
• Exceptional time management and ability to prioritise tasks across multiple projects.
• Meticulous attention to detail, with the ability to identify trends and anomalies.

Desirable

• Experience in education, charity, or student-focused environments.
• Understanding of the higher education and/or Students’ Union context

Why Join Us?

• Inclusive and supportive team culture
• Flexible working options
• 35 days annual leave including Christmas and Easter closure days
• Professional development opportunities
• Unique working environment in the heart of a vibrant Student’s Union, set on a stunning, green campus.

Ready to make an impact?

Apply today and help us deliver on our data-drive strategy that drives real change!

Committed to equality, celebrating diversity, and embedding sustainability—building an inclusive workplace and a brighter future for all.

Please apply via the ‘Apply’ button above.