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- Tasks: Lead research projects and collaborate with experts in educational assessment.
- Company: Join AQA, a leading organisation dedicated to improving education through assessment.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 25 days leave, and access to diverse network groups.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on education while working in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Doctoral degree in psychology or education, plus experience in quantitative research.
- Other info: Face-to-face interviews scheduled for May 2025; applications welcome from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 29000 - 35000 £ per year.
Research Fellow Fixed Term Contract until May 2026 (Maternity Cover) Manchester (£34,920 - £40,000) or Guildford (£36,360 - £42,500) Hybrid Working
Are you ready to make a real impact on millions of lives? Join AQA as a Research Fellow and collaborate with top educational assessment experts. If you have a background in education, assessment, psychology, or a related field, and excel in applying quantitative research methods to complex problems, this role is for you.
As a Research Fellow, you will:
- Lead and manage projects - design, conduct, and deliver research independently while collaborating with a dynamic team.
- Utilize your expertise - apply your specialist knowledge in educational assessment and research methodologies.
- Engage in diverse tasks - from literature reviews and data analyses to presenting findings and managing project documentation.
Enjoy our benefits:
- Award winning office spaces with a variety of individual and collaborative workspaces which you will use at least twice per week.
- A 35-hour working week, 25 days annual leave with extra days between Christmas and New Year.
- The opportunity to join lots of network groups (including LGTBQ+, Neurodiversity, disAbility, Empowering Women, Wellbeing, Ethnic Diversity).
- A generous pension with up to 18.5% combined contributions.
- Life assurance and enhanced maternity/paternity leave, and more.
Ready to join us? Here’s what you need:
- A doctoral degree (or nearly completed) in psychology or education, or equivalent professional qualification/experience.
- Experience in designing and conducting quantitative research using packages like 'R'.
- Knowledge of research project management.
- Ability to communicate research findings effectively to various stakeholders.
- Capability to work independently and as part of a team, and to lead and motivate project teams.
- Experience in education evaluation is a plus.
Next Steps:
- Read the full job description below.
- Upload your CV and a cover letter detailing how your experience aligns with this role.
- Provide evidence of your recent data analysis or data visualisation research (published or unpublished). (Without this we will not be able to shortlist you).
Application deadline: 23:59 on Monday 5 May 2025
Interview Process: Face to face interviews so that you can meet some of the team and see where you will be working. They are scheduled for the week beginning 12 May 2025.
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. Every application will receive a response. We look forward to hearing from you.
Research Fellow in Manchester employer: AQA
Contact Detail:
AQA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with AQA's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to educational assessment will help you align your responses during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in making an impact.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of AQA, especially those in research roles. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be beneficial for your interview preparation.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your quantitative research experience, particularly using tools like 'R'. Being able to articulate your past projects and their outcomes will showcase your expertise effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Practice presenting your research findings in a clear and engaging manner. Since communication is key in this role, being able to convey complex information simply will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Research Fellow position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and required qualifications, as this will help you tailor your application.
Craft a Tailored Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses how your experience aligns with the role. Highlight your background in education or psychology, your quantitative research skills, and any relevant project management experience.
Showcase Your Research Work: Include evidence of your recent data analysis or data visualisation research in your application. This could be published work or unpublished projects that demonstrate your expertise in using tools like 'R'.
Review and Edit: Before submitting your application, review all documents for clarity and accuracy. Ensure your CV is up-to-date and that your cover letter is free from errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at AQA
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in designing and conducting quantitative research. Highlight specific projects where you used statistical packages like 'R' and how your findings contributed to educational assessment.
✨Demonstrate Project Management Experience
Since the role involves leading and managing projects, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed research projects in the past. Discuss your approach to project planning, execution, and collaboration with team members.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice explaining complex research findings in a clear and concise manner. You may need to present your work to various stakeholders, so being able to tailor your communication style is key.
✨Prepare for Team Dynamics
As teamwork is essential in this role, think about your experiences working in collaborative environments. Be ready to discuss how you motivate and lead teams, as well as how you handle conflicts or differing opinions.
