At a Glance
- Tasks: Support research and validation of global English language assessments while managing projects.
- Company: Join a leading educational company focused on language assessment innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and extensive professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with opportunities for international travel.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in language education and develop your research skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and experience in research or data analysis.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
- Description
- Specialist, Researcher (English Language Assessment)
This role aligns to industry-level titles such as Assessment Researcher.
About the Role
We are looking for a motivated researcher to join our English Language Learning division, supporting the delivery, validation, and continuous improvement of high-stakes English language assessments used globally.
In this role, you will provide research, project management, and operational support across a wide range of research and validation activities.
You will contribute to maintaining the quality, validity, and fairness of Pearson’s English language assessments while developing your own expertise in language assessment research.
Alongside supporting larger research programmes, you will have opportunities to design and conduct your own research studies, contributing to the evidence base supporting products such as PTE Academic and PTE Core.
Our Team
You will be part of the Assessment Research and Validity team, responsible for ensuring Pearson’s assessments are psychometrically sound, fit for purpose, and supported by robust validation evidence.
The team works across a broad range of activities including test performance monitoring, standards maintenance, field-testing research, stakeholder engagement, score concordance studies, technical advisory activities, externally funded research programmes, and validity research supporting both existing and new assessment products.
- Location & Work Setup
- UK-based role with remote and hybrid working supported
- 37.5 hours per week, with flexibility to support global collaboration
- Occasional international travel may be required
- Your Key Responsibilities
- Research Project Support
- Support the planning, coordination, and delivery of research and validation projects across the English language assessment portfolio.
- Assist with project tracking, timelines, risk management, and stakeholder communication.
- Support participant recruitment, data collection, data management, and research administration activities.
Contribute to the preparation of research reports, presentations, and supporting documentation.
- Assessment Research & Analysis
- Conduct quantitative and qualitative analyses under the guidance of senior researchers.
- Support investigations into test performance, validity, reliability, fairness, and user experience.
- Assist with standards maintenance activities and evaluation of assessment outcomes.
- Contribute to the development of research evidence for existing and emerging assessment products.
Design and conduct independent research projects aligned to team priorities and professional development goals.
- External Research & Stakeholder Activities
- Support the administration and coordination of externally funded research projects.
Support the organisation of Technical Advisory Group (TAG) meetings, workshops, and research events.
- Communication & Knowledge Sharing
- Prepare summaries, reports, presentations, and briefing materials for internal and external audiences.
- Communicate research findings clearly and accurately to a range of stakeholders.
- Support conference submissions, publications, webinars, blogs, and other dissemination activities.
- Contribute to maintaining research documentation, team resources, and knowledge repositories.
What We're Looking For
Essential Skills & Experience
- Degree in education, applied linguistics, language testing, psychology, statistics, social science, or a related discipline.
- Experience supporting research, evaluation, or data analysis projects.
- Knowledge of research methods, validity theory, and psychometric concepts.
- Strong organisational and project management skills with excellent attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively across several projects simultaneously.
- Experience analysing and interpreting quantitative and/or qualitative data.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other standard research tools.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Collaborative approach and willingness to learn new research methods and technologies.
Desirable Skills & Experience
- Familiarity with statistical analysis software such as R, SPSS, Wintsteps or similar tools.
- Experience working in language testing research environments.
- Experience supporting conferences, stakeholder events, or research dissemination activities.
- Experience working with large datasets or survey platforms.
- Interest in English language assessment, educational measurement, or assessment innovation.
- Development Opportunities
This role provides opportunities to
- Develop expertise in high-stakes language assessment and validation research.
- Build quantitative and qualitative research skills.
- Lead small-scale research studies and contribute to larger international research programmes.
- Present findings internally and externally.
- Your Rewards & Benefits
We know you’ll do great work, so we give a lot back with some of the best benefits in the business.
We know one size doesn’t fit all, so our workplace programs meet the different needs of our diverse teams, and their families, too.
Please see our attractive UK benefits here
Home - Pearson Benefits
Specialist, Researcher employer: Pearson
Pearson is an excellent employer that values flexibility and a supportive work culture, making it an ideal place for those seeking part-time opportunities in Birmingham. With a commitment to employee growth, Pearson offers training and development resources, ensuring that staff can enhance their skills while contributing to a meaningful mission of education and assessment. The friendly atmosphere and focus on compliance create a rewarding environment for Test Centre Administrators who enjoy helping candidates succeed.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist, Researcher
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at Pearson, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like Pearson. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist, Researcher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Pearson. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at Pearson. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pearson
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at Pearson. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at Pearson to drive research projects forward.
