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- Tasks: Develop statistical methods for monitoring online educational testing data.
- Company: Join Lancaster University, a top-rated institution known for outstanding research impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options and access to high-performance computing resources.
- Why this job: Contribute to impactful research in AI and education while publishing in top-tier journals.
- Qualifications: PhD in statistics or related field; experience in data analysis and programming required.
- Other info: Located in scenic Lancaster, with opportunities for international conference presentations.
The predicted salary is between 39355 - 45413 ÂŁ per year.
Overview
Senior Research Associate: Statistics – 0627-25 at Lancaster University Conferences and Events. This is a full-time post with funding for 12 months. We would like someone that can start as early as possible.
Role details
Location: Bailrigg, Lancaster, UK
Salary: ÂŁ39,355 to ÂŁ45,413 (Full time, indefinite with end date)
Closing date: Friday 03 October 2025
Interview date: Friday 24 October 2025
Reference: 0627-25
Overview of the project
Lancaster University/Lancaster University’s School of Mathematical Sciences is seeking to appoint a Senior Research Associate for the Responsible AI in Modern Online Educational Testing project. This is a full-time post with funding for 12 months. We would like someone that can start as early as possible.
The Duolingo English Test (DET) is an AI-powered, fully online and adaptive English-language assessment that hundreds of thousands of learners use each year. This project is centred around the fairness and quality control of their testing platform by developing statistical methods that continuously monitor exam data to detect suspected behaviour.
You will help build a change‑point detection framework that can distinguish between genuine changes, like evolving question difficulty or new cohorts of test‑takers, and the anomalous spikes that signal potential compromise. You will have access to anonymized item‑response data and Duolingo’s adaptive‑testing platform, ensuring that our methods are both sound and scalable.
Lancaster University will provide dedicated high‑performance computing resources and expert supervision from faculty with strengths in statistics, machine learning and psychometrics. Your findings are expected be published in top-tier journals and presented at international conferences.
Role responsibilities
- Developing change-point detection methodology for computerised adaptive testing data
- Developing code that implements the methods developed in a way which supports reproducible research practice
- Writing up the research findings for journal publication and international conference presentations
About You
- a PhD in statistics or a closely related field
- experience of latent variable modelling, categorical data analysis, streaming data, log-file data analysis, change-point detection
- demonstrable ability to publish, including the ability to produce high-quality academic writing
- strong computing skills, including programming in python/R/C or equivalent languages
- motivation, passion and resilience to ensure the robustness of the project’s results
Why work with us
This research project is located within the School of Mathematical Sciences at Lancaster University. In the most recent REF evaluation (REF 2021), 100% of our research impact was ranked “outstanding” (joint 1st in the UK).
Find out more about the department here: https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/maths/
Lancaster is a friendly, affordable city in North-West England. We\\\’re within two hours’ travel of most major UK cities and surrounded by scenic mountains and coastline.
Find out about our employee benefits and life at Lancaster on our website – https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/jobs
Contract and contact
This post is offered on a full-time, 12-month contract. We are happy to talk about flexible working.
To find out more about this position, and an informal chat about the role, please contact Dr. Gabriel Wallin, Lecturer in the School of Mathematical Sciences and Principal Investigator: g.wallin@lancaster.ac.uk.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
Please note: unless specified otherwise in the advert, all advertised roles are UK based.
We warmly welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, religion, gender identity or expression, race, disability or sexual orientation, and are committed to promoting diversity, and equality of opportunity.
Job information
- Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
- Employment type: Contract
- Job function: Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
- Industries: Events Services
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Senior Research Associate: Statistics - 0627-25 employer: Lancaster University Conferences and Events+
Contact Detail:
Lancaster University Conferences and Events+ Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Associate: Statistics - 0627-25
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in change-point detection methodologies. This will not only enhance your understanding but also allow you to discuss relevant techniques during the interview, showcasing your expertise and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with the academic community by attending conferences or webinars related to statistics and AI in education. Networking with professionals in the field can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to recommendations or collaborations that strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with programming languages like Python or R. Be ready to share specific examples of projects where you've implemented statistical methods, as this will demonstrate your practical skills and ability to contribute to the research team.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Lancaster University’s School of Mathematical Sciences and their recent publications. Understanding their focus areas and contributions to the field will help you align your interests with theirs, making a compelling case for why you're a great fit for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Associate: Statistics - 0627-25
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements. Highlight key skills such as experience in latent variable modelling and programming languages like Python or R.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect relevant experience and skills that align with the Senior Research Associate position. Emphasise your academic achievements, publications, and any specific projects related to statistics or AI.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the project and your motivation to contribute to the Responsible AI in Modern Online Educational Testing project. Mention your research interests and how they align with the goals of Lancaster University.
Highlight Your Research Experience: In your application, detail your previous research experience, particularly in developing methodologies or working with statistical data. Provide examples of your ability to publish high-quality academic work and your familiarity with reproducible research practices.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancaster University Conferences and Events+
✨Showcase Your Statistical Expertise
Make sure to highlight your experience with statistical methods, particularly in change-point detection and latent variable modelling. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've applied these techniques, as this will demonstrate your capability for the role.
✨Demonstrate Programming Proficiency
Since strong computing skills are essential, be ready to talk about your programming experience in Python, R, or C. You might even want to prepare a brief example of code you've written that relates to the job, showcasing your ability to implement statistical methods.
✨Prepare for Research Publication Discussion
Given the emphasis on publishing findings, think about your previous publications or research papers. Be ready to discuss your writing process and how you ensure high-quality academic output, as well as any experiences presenting at conferences.
✨Express Your Passion for Responsible AI
This role focuses on fairness in AI testing. Show your enthusiasm for responsible AI practices and how they relate to educational testing. Discuss any relevant experiences or insights you have regarding ethical considerations in AI, which will resonate well with the interviewers.
