Senior Research Fellow (Read to Learn) (80% FTE) in Bangor

The individual will work with academic leaders in the field of language and literacy.

The Project

CAL:ON Cymru is a national centre of excellence for literacy at Bangor University, designed to transform children’s literacy outcomes across Wales. CAL:ON presents a coherent, bilingual, and evidence-based pan-Wales strategy, delivered in partnership with all 22 local authorities. Three interlinked work packages will create lasting impact.

• Work Package 1: Develops new bilingual professional learning modules (blended asynchronous and synchronous formats) aligned with Curriculum for Wales for primary and secondary schools. Embedded in Initial Teacher Education (ITE), co-developed with educators, these resources and guidance permeate the Welsh education system for a transformative, evidence-based approach to literacy tuition.
• Work Package 2: Develops and trials effective, bilingual whole class literacy programmes and interventions for ages 4 – 16 years — including adapted versions of the successful NELI and RILL programmes — across the national school network. Robust evaluation via Randomised Controlled Trials (RCT) informs national guidance and rollout.
• Work Package 3: Responds to the urgent need to identify learners at risk of falling behind by providing new bilingual, co-designed assessment tools at key transition points. Tools support timely intervention while reducing teacher workload and aligning with the Curriculum for Wales ethos.

Purpose of the Job

The post holder will lead a large research team, working in the area of secondary-school provision. The post holder will be responsible for leading on the research underpinning material creation, leading on curriculum design and lesson plans. Acting as a source of expert advice, the post holder will contribute their substantial knowledge of the primary and secondary educational landscape to the project. They will also contribute to policy by taking the lead in managing client relationships, where appropriate. They will prepare and negotiate proposals independently and project manage several aspects of the project identifying and leading on staff development and delivery.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead a large research team, preparing and negotiating proposals independently.
• Contribute to policy and policy relationships when deemed appropriate by the Principal Investigator.
• Lead on the organisation and supervision of the project team, taking the lead in client relationships and professional issues.
• Identify and lead on staff development within the sub-team, acting as a mentor to early career staff.
• Gather and analyse data. Maintain a thorough and up to date knowledge of the scientific literature related to the research aims of the project / actively support the principal investigator in developing new techniques collecting and analysing data in school relating to school needs and pilot outcomes.
• Deliver research outcomes. As required -- contribute to the dissemination of research outputs to policy partners and public press; write regular updates on progress to the project management group; collaborate with co-researchers and write up the results in scientific articles; write final reports; discuss and share results with grant holders.
• Administration of the research project. Arrange project meetings for the sub-group; participate in project meetings / coordinate project to meet aims and objectives / liaise with stakeholders (external and internal).

Other Duties and Responsibilities

The post holder will be expected to participate in performance review and developmental activities. The post holder will be expected to comply with the University’s equality policies and statements, Dignity at Work and Study Policy and the University’s Welsh Language Scheme. The post holder has a general and legal duty of care in relation to health, safety and wellbeing and must take all reasonable steps to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for themselves and for other members of staff, students and visitors affected by their actions or inactions. The post holder is also required to comply with all applicable health and safety policies, procedures and risk assessments. The post holder must comply with relevant legal and financial policies and procedures and be aware of their responsibilities in terms of the legal requirements of their post.

Person Specification

Qualifications/Training

Essential

• PhD (Psychology or Education) or possess equivalent experience relevant to the role.

Experience/Knowledge

Essential

• Experience (5 years +) teaching literacy to children through the medium of Welsh in either primary or secondary school.
• Experience of working at the Local Authority level with leadership responsibilities in the domain of children’s literacy.
• Experience of contributing to policy in the field of children’s literacy in the medium of Welsh.
• Experience of providing expert advice to clients / outside bodies.
• Experience of organising and supervising project teams implementing staff development and mentoring.

Skills/Abilities

Essential

• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written skills in Welsh and English.
• Demonstrate the ability to prioritise workload and work to deadlines.
• Demonstrate proven project management skills.

Desirable

• Demonstrate good computer skills, including MS Office, PowerPoint, Excel.
• Demonstrate ability to work as part of a team.

Other

Essential

• The ability to speak and write Welsh fluently in a wide variety of situations is essential for this post.

Desirable

• Ability to travel to complete research activities and attend meetings, conferences as is required by the role.

General

We are a member of Advance HE's Athena SWAN Gender Equality charter and hold a Silver award in recognition of our commitment to and progress towards gender equality within the University's policies, practices, and culture. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. All members of staff have a duty to ensure their actions are in line with the overall environmental aims of the University and minimise their environmental impact. All offers are made subject to proof of eligibility to work in the UK and receipt of satisfactory references.

Disclosure & Barring Service

This post is subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check. This post is subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) before the appointment is confirmed. DBS checks will be updated every 3 years.