Researcher

At AQA, we’re committed to advancing education and we’re committed to our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK, we mark over seven million GCSEs and A-levels each year and it’s our people who make this happen. Researcher
Fixed Term Contract until 28th February 2025
Guildford or Manchester with Smart Working Are you a Researcher with expertise in education, assessment, psychology or a related field? Do you have experience of applying quantitative research methods to complex problems and hold a minimum of a Master’s degree with a significant research element? Are you keen to further develop your skills and make an immediate impact on the guidance that AQA provides to our stakeholders? At AQA, we’re committed to advancing education and we’re committed to our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK, we mark over seven million GCSEs and A-levels each year and it’s our people who make this happen. In this role, you will be working in a fast-paced changing assessment environment, working with a highly experienced team who have a range of subject knowledge and experience.Essential skills:You must hold at least a Master’s Degree,You must have experience of quantitative research, with applied knowledge of statistics and statistical techniquesYou will have the ability to analyse and gain insight from datasets, as well as be able to model/simulate data using specialised software such as R or PythonYou must have demonstrable theoretical or practical experience with sampling and study designYou must be able to evidence a clear, unambiguous writing style and have experience of reporting research results through a variety of scientific and policy-oriented channelsYou must be able to build rapport to help develop effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholdersKnowledge and understanding of exam-related processes, such as marking, standardisation, question paper production, and awardingBe able to contribute to developing original ways to collect, analyse and interpret educational dataBe able to support the design, development and evaluation of new products and servicesBe able to engage with education stakeholders to maximise the uptake and influence of the researchYou will have a working week of 35 hours, with up to three days working from home per week. You will have a good pension; you can contribute up to 7% and we will put in 11.5% giving 18.5% towards your pension.You will have a basic of 25 days annual leave per year, with extra days at Christmas and the Bank Holidays on top. Does this seem like your next challenge? If so, apply today with your CV and covering letter via our
AQA job portal
.
Please also upload evidence of your writing with the application. Without this we will not be able to consider you for
shortlisting.
The piece of writing is not limited to peer-reviewed journal articles and may include (published) research reports, webpages / blog posts or conference papers (but not just slides).
Applications will be reviewed as we receive them and if a suitable candidate is identified, we reserve the right to close our advert sooner. Recruitment AgenciesWe have a preferred supplier list (PSL) in place.Unsolicited CVs will be treated as a gift. We will not be subject to or liable under your terms and conditions for agency fees.Full Job DescriptionSummaryPurpose: At AQA, we’re committed to advancing education and we’re committed to our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK, we mark over seven million GCSEs and A-levels each year and it’s our people who make this happen. Researcher
Fixed Term Contract until 28th February 2025
Guildford or Manchester with Smart Working
South £34,600-£37,700 + additional benefits
North £33,200-£36,200 + additional benefits Are you a Researcher with expertise in education, assessment, psychology or a related field? Do you have experience of applying quantitative research methods to complex problems and hold a minimum of a Master’s degree with a significant research element? Are you keen to further develop your skills and make an immediate impact on the guidance that AQA provides to our stakeholders? At AQA, we’re committed to advancing education and we’re committed to our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK, we mark over seven million GCSEs and A-levels each year and it’s our people who make this happen. In this role, you will be working in a fast-paced changing assessment environment, working with a highly experienced team who have a range of subject knowledge and experience.Essential skills:You must hold at least a Master’s Degree,You must have experience of quantitative research, with applied knowledge of statistics and statistical techniquesYou will have the ability to analyse and gain insight from datasets, as well as be able to model/simulate data using specialised software such as R or PythonYou must have demonstrable theoretical or practical experience with sampling and study designYou must be able to evidence a clear, unambiguous writing style and have experience of reporting research results through a variety of scientific and policy-oriented channelsYou must be able to build rapport to help develop effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholdersDesirable skills:Knowledge and understanding of exam-related processes, such as marking, standardisation, question paper production, and awardingBe able to contribute to developing original ways to collect, analyse and interpret educational dataBe able to support the design, development and evaluation of new products and servicesBe able to engage with education stakeholders to maximise the uptake and influence of the researchYou will have a working week of 35 hours, with up to three days working from home per week. You will have a good pension; you can contribute up to 7% and we will put in 11.5% giving 18.5% towards your pension.You will have a basic of 25 days annual leave per year, with extra days at Christmas and the Bank Holidays on top. Does this seem like your next challenge? If so, apply today with your CV and covering letter via our
AQA job portal
.
Please also upload evidence of your writing with the application. Without this we will not be able to consider you for
shortlisting.
The piece of writing is not limited to peer-reviewed journal articles and may include (published) research reports, webpages / blog posts or conference papers (but not just slides).
Applications will be reviewed as we receive them and if a suitable candidate is identified, we reserve the right to close our advert sooner. Recruitment AgenciesWe have a preferred supplier list (PSL) in place.Unsolicited CVs will be treated as a gift. We will not be subject to or liable under your terms and conditions for agency fees.Full Job DescriptionSummaryPurpose:• The Researcher will work alongside a team of educational assessment experts to support the delivery of research and development projects.• This will require developing and applying specialist knowledge of educational assessment and related research methodologies to deliver research tasks independently but within the context of collaborative projects and with appropriate guidance from the project owner.• As a technical expert, the Researcher will be responsible for aspects of research projects such as carrying out literature reviews, analysing quantitative or qualitative data using specialised software, and contributing to and delivering presentations and reports.Landscape:The Researcher will work within the Research and Development team. The team sits within the Assessment Research and Innovation business area and carries out qualitative and quantitative educational research with the goal of supporting AQA develop innovative, valid and inclusive assessments, whether on paper or on screen, and lead thinking in the sector. Our research programme defines our active areas of interest: accessibility, fairness and ED&I; validity and innovation; marking, grading and standards; AI in education and assessment. Our team’s background is in the social and natural sciences and encompasses a broad spectrum of areas of expertise. The successful candidate will have access to a variety of training, development, and mentoring opportunities.Activities:Applying methodological expertise to support research designCarrying out aspects of quantitative or qualitative research (e.g. literature reviews, data collection, data analysis, reports) using appropriate software, developing skills acquired in postgraduate studies or recent experienceWorking in teams to contribute to the successful delivery of projectsDeveloping up-to-date knowledge of the educational assessment landscape and relevant literatureEnsuring compliance with AQA’s policies and procedures, with particular regard to Ethics and Data ProtectionContributing to research impact and engagement through report writing and other forms of dissemination and communication, beginning to develop a public voice in the assessment research community that contributes to the maintenance and enhancement of AQA’s reputation in educational assessmentContributing to the ongoing development of the team’s research and development practice, promoting a positive team culture.Need to know (to be successful in this role, you will need to have knowledge/experience of):An undergraduate degree and a Master’s degree (or nearly completed) in psychology or education (although other disciplines will be considered), which will ideally include statistical training. Alternatively, an equivalent professional qualification or demonstrable experience.Knowledge and developing practice of postgraduate-level qualitative or quantitative research methods for the social sciencesDemonstrable ability to communicate research findings to a range of stakeholders and in a variety of formats (written and spoken forms)Ability to work independently and as part of a teamTo succeed:you will have the ability to think critically about how exams and tests are made, how they work, and how they affect education and life chances.You will be methodical with excellent attention to detail, capable of understanding and synthesising complex, diverse and incomplete information and able to present reasoned argumentsYou will have the ability to build strong working relationships with a range of stakeholdersYou will be able to manage your work and meet deadlines(Desirable) Some experience of contributing to applied research in an academic or commercial setting(Desirable) Principles of educational or psychological assessment (e.g. validity and reliability)(Desirable) Principles of educational testing and test development (e.g. classical test theory, item response theory, psychometrics) About UsAQA is an independent charity that sets and marks over half of all GCSEs and A-levels in the UK every year. Our purpose is to advance education by helping students and teachers to realise their potential. As part of AQA, you’ll very quickly appreciate the determination and unwavering passion to deliver this goal in everything we do. To help drive these ambitions, AQA invests in the development of its people by offering a range of professional development and learning opportunities leading to over 50% of our permanent roles being filled internally.Reasonable AdjustmentsIf you have any requirements for reasonable adjustments in relation to the application, interview or the prospective job, please contact Faye Harrison (she/her) at #####
or on 01483 477518. We are asking for this information to make the process as equitable as possible for each candidate.Please note that Faye will not be able to assist you with enquiries regarding Temporary vacancies or non-recruitment enquiries.If you have query regarding Temporary vacancies, please contact:
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Hybrid WorkingWe’re operating a hybrid working model. This allows for our colleagues to work from two days a week in one of our offices across England.AQA is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community regardless of gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity, disability status, citizenship, or any other aspect which makes people unique.Conflict of InterestPlease note that due to the confidential nature of our work, we are unable to employ people for our temporary roles who are currently a candidate for Key Stage 4 and 5 public examinations.
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