Lead Researcher
Permanent Guildford: £47,500 - £54,300 | Manchester: £45,600 - £52,100
Working Arrangements
Hybrid, two days a week in the office, including one anchor day and one flexible day
Shape research that influences the future of assessment and supports learners of all abilities. AQA is looking for a Lead Researcher to develop and deliver research and evaluation projects across the assessment field, including vocational reform and the development of new assessment products. You’ll bring assessment research expertise and turn evidence into insight that supports decisions across AQA and the wider sector. This is a permanent, research-focused role with visible impact at a time of change in education and assessment. You’ll join the Research and Evaluation team within Assessment Research and Innovation, supporting valid, inclusive and innovative assessments across paper-based and digital settings.
Responsibilities
- Leading research and evaluation projects in a matrix structure, balancing project leadership with technical input.
- Applying methodological expertise to design, deliver and interpret qualitative or quantitative research.
- Providing assessment expertise for vocational and new assessment product workstreams.
- Line managing and supporting a small number of more junior researchers, including coaching and development support.
- Building relationships with stakeholders across AQA, including product management, vocational, sales, marketing, digital and edtech teams.
- Communicating research clearly through reports, presentations and other outputs for internal and external audiences.
- Developing an expert voice in assessment and representing AQA where appropriate.
Qualifications
- Demonstrable assessment research expertise and a sound understanding of the challenges and opportunities of the sector.
- A master’s degree in psychology, education, social sciences or a related area, with doctoral study or equivalent experience being beneficial.
- Secure knowledge of research methodologies and confidence designing and delivering qualitative and quantitative projects.
- Strong stakeholder management skills.
- Experience using tools such as R, Python or NVivo, depending on your research background.
- Experience managing research projects or people through line management, matrix management or project leadership.
- Experience presenting research findings to a wide range of audiences.
- Wider education research experience may also be relevant where it links closely to assessment.
What’s in it for you?
- The chance to make a meaningful impact on education while developing your profile as an expert voice in assessment research.
- A permanent, research-only with the opportunity to have real impact in the field.
- Long-term impact across vocational and new assessment product workstreams expected to develop over the next three to five years.
- A 35-hour working week with flexible, hybrid working.
- 25 days’ annual leave rising to 30, plus Christmas closure days.
- A benefits package including up to 11.5 percent pension contribution, BUPA healthcare support, wellbeing programmes and volunteering opportunities.
- Training, development and mentoring in a team with broad expertise across social and natural sciences.
- An inclusive, values-led culture with employee networks including LGBTQ+, neurodiversity, empowering women, wellbeing, ethnic diversity and Interfaith.
We are 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.
At AQA, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone- regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation or background is valued, respected, and supported to thrive. We actively promote inclusive language, avoid stereotypes, and strive for representation across all dimensions of diversity. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences.
Applications are expected to close on Monday 31 August 2026.
Shortlisting and screening are expected during the week commencing Monday 7 September 2026.
Please note that an Enhanced DBS will be required for the successful candidate.
Reasonable Adjustments If 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 . 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:
We’re operating a smart working model. This allows for our colleagues to work from two days a week in one of our offices across England.
Equality, diversity and inclusion AQA is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone- regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation or background is valued, respected, and supported to thrive.
Conflict of Interest Please 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.
Safeguarding AQA is committed to the safeguarding of children and adults at risk. We’re dedicated to reducing the risk of employing or contracting any person intent on abusing their position of trust, along with identifying and responding to any incident of alleged abuse from its employees or associates fairly and swiftly. For more information on safeguarding at AQA please visit the AQA website here.
Contact Temporary roles: Permanent and Fixed Term roles: Privacy Policy
#J-18808-Ljbffr
