English Language Research and Impact: Assessment Researcher

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Join the British Council English Language Research and Impact (BCELRI) team and play a key role in advancing research and innovation in English language teaching, learning and assessment. As an Assessment Researcher within the Learning and Assessment Research (LAR) hub, you will provide expert, evidence-based advice and support across assessment development, validation and research projects within English & Exams (E&E). This role will contribute to strengthening the British Council’s global research and development capability, with a particular focus on projects spanning the full range of British Council language assessments, including the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

Working closely with the Head of Assessment Research and a broad network of internal and external stakeholders, you will help ensure that assessment research, product support and dissemination activities are delivered to the highest professional and academic standards. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced academic researcher with significant expertise in validation research and a strong publication record in the fields of language teaching, learning and assessment. You will contribute to the British Council’s thought leadership agenda by conducting, commissioning, presenting and publishing high-quality research that supports strategic priorities across BCELRI.

The successful candidate will build strong collaborative relationships, balance the needs of diverse stakeholders and contribute to maintaining the British Council’s reputation as a world authority in language assessment. In addition to leading assessment-focused initiatives, you will also support wider BCELRI programmes, conferences and research activities, offering the opportunity to broaden your professional experience while helping shape the future of English language assessment worldwide.

• Maintains an authoritative and up-to-date knowledge of assessment design and validity theory and practice to enable BCELRI to demonstrate expertise in language assessment, learning and educational reform.
• Conducts own research into test development and validation in teaching, learning and assessment and presents on test development and validation themes.
• Demonstrates a background in practical implementation of assessments at different levels across products and projects or programmes.
• Is familiar with the international high-stakes assessment environment, including knowledge of IELTS test format, scoring and use.
• Is able to oversee and be accountable for all compliance requirements associated with assessment initiatives.
• Develops a body of work through research, publication and dissemination which builds the British Council’s position of international leadership and authority in monitoring and evaluation of language assessment and learning.
• Works collaboratively with other members of the ELRI under the direction of the Head of Learning and Assessment Research on a range of assessment-related projects.
• Contributes to ELRI recommendations for future innovation and change in the British Council examination portfolio.
• Supports other members of ELRI to provide assessment expertise to research projects related to IELTS.
• Supports the ELRI’s contribution to the management of British Council and IELTS funded research programmes and research grant schemes.
• Takes an active role in presenting the research output from projects at peer-reviewed, international research conferences.
• Authors and publishes papers in peer-reviewed journals, monographs, book chapters, etc., on the output of research and development projects.

• Represents the British Council externally to enhance their reputation as leading authorities in the field of validation in language assessment.
• Takes responsibility for managing communications with both external and internal project partners.
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with a wide range of internal colleagues within the ELRI.
• Works with research teams within the ELRI to provide high level expertise to inform research on innovation in language assessment and learning products.
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Provides leadership and guidance on assessment principles and practice to the wider ELRI team.
• Participates in relevant internal and external working groups and other collaborative forums.
• Participates actively in professional associations and related initiatives.

• Contributes to BCELRI consultancy and supports the Learning and Assessment Research hub.
• Collaborates with other British Council and IELTS teams to provide advice and respond to inquiries needing specific assessment expertise.

• Provides strategic leadership for assessment initiatives.
• Sets, implements and oversees delivery of a workplan for specialised areas of assessment activities.
• May provide formal line management to individuals or small groups within BCELRI.
• Identifies requirements and recommends training and development provision.

• Education: PhD in language assessment or closely related field completed (or in-progress) OR equivalent professional experience.
• Experience in undertaking research in areas of English language teaching, learning and assessment.
• Experience of communicating research and/or theory in international forums.
• Experience using qualitative and/or quantitative research methods.

• Language: English. Knowledge of other languages is preferred.
• International and domestic travel for projects, conferences, and meetings as required.
• Participation in meetings across time zones as required.
• Working with dispersed teams or in face-to-face settings as required.

Please note that candidates must have the pre-existing, legal right to work in the listed location/s at the time of application. Mobility / relocation / visa sponsoring support will not be provided.

As part of your application, please upload a supporting statement demonstrating how your skills, knowledge, and experience meet the requirements of the role.

Country/Location: UK – (London, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Belfast and Manchester). Hybrid role. This role is open to candidates based in all UK locations and on a permanent homeworking basis for staff already on permanent homeworking contracts.

Pay Band: 8 Annual Salary: £38,820 onwards plus London Market allowance of £3,300 if London based.

Department: English and Exams - Global ARG Contract Type: Indefinite Closing Date: Sunday, 02 August 2026- 23:59 Philippine Time (GMT +8) / 16:59 UK time (BST).

The British Council is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

The British Council is a Disability Confident Employer.

The British Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults who we work with.