At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct high-level statistical research to shape education policy and drive change.
- Company: Join the National Education Union, a powerful advocate for educators.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days of annual leave, a pension scheme, and competitive salary.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on education while developing your research skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in a maths-related field or equivalent experience required.
The predicted salary is between 54748 - 54748 £ per year.
The National Education Union is a powerful force for change in education, representing 500,000 teachers, lecturers, support staff, and leaders. As we undertake an extensive staffing review, this is an exciting time to join us on our journey to becoming a more agile, strategic, and powerfully coordinated trade union—ready to meet the challenges of the future and drive lasting change in education.
We are seeking professionals to join the Policy, Research and Equality team and provide high-level statistical research expertise that both underpins and challenges policy development, contributing to the NEU’s research strategy. Successful applicants will support the development of policy in ways that advance the Union’s mission to shape the future of education, raise the status of education professionals, and hold the government to account for the impact of education policies.
Working under the direction of the Senior Research and Statistics Manager, you will provide specialist research expertise to support other teams within the organisation as required. You will help to identify, analyse and report on government data from the Department for Education (DfE), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and other government departments. You will develop and use a range of statistical tools to elicit and report member opinion on policy issues in liaison with colleagues across the department, and assist in collecting views from member groups and committees as appropriate.
The role also involves preparing reports—including survey reports and literature reviews—and developing briefings for colleagues, members and external audiences. You will summarise and critique reports from external organisations such as the DfE, the OECD, NFER and other educational research bodies. You will undertake and commission research to understand the impact of policies and to develop evidence of effective practices and approaches.
Prospective applicants should be educated to degree level in a subject with a significant element of mathematics or possess equivalent proven relevant experience. You will need a high level of mathematical and statistical skill; experience using a range of research methods, particularly survey development and analysis; and the ability to produce clear, high‑quality written communications on detailed, specialist and complex issues—for example, quantitative analysis of large datasets, literature reviews and briefing documents.
You will also have strong IT skills, including proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite, statistical applications (Python), data dashboards (Power BI / Tableau), code collaboration tools (GitHub), survey applications, and other relevant programmes used to support and manage a wide range of research work.
In addition to salary, we offer good conditions including 33 days’ annual leave plus Christmas closure days and a defined benefit pension scheme. Salary and benefits are pro-rata for part-time applicants.
Researcher x 3 employer: The Training Brokers Ltd
The National Education Union is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London that fosters professional growth and collaboration. With a commitment to meaningful change in education, employees benefit from generous annual leave, a defined benefit pension scheme, and opportunities to engage in impactful research that shapes educational policy. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to advancing the status of education professionals and making a real difference in the sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Researcher x 3
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of the National Education Union on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the NEU's recent initiatives and challenges in education. Show us that you're not just interested in the role, but also passionate about making a difference in the education sector.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your statistical skills! Be ready to discuss how you've used data analysis in past projects. We want to see your expertise in action, so brush up on those Python and Power BI skills!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Researcher x 3
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Researcher role. Highlight your relevant experience in statistical research and policy development, and show us how your skills align with our mission at the NEU.
Show Off Your Skills:We want to see your mathematical and statistical prowess! Include specific examples of how you've used these skills in past roles, especially when it comes to analysing data or developing surveys.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key. We appreciate well-structured documents that get straight to the point, especially when discussing complex issues. Make it easy for us to see your qualifications!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with the NEU.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Training Brokers Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As a researcher, you'll need to demonstrate your statistical prowess. Brush up on key mathematical concepts and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in past projects. Prepare examples of how you've used statistical tools like Python or Power BI to analyse data.
✨Research the NEU
Familiarise yourself with the National Education Union's mission and recent initiatives. Understanding their goals will help you align your answers with their values during the interview. Be prepared to discuss how your research can contribute to their objectives.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle complex data. Think of scenarios where you've had to analyse large datasets or develop surveys. Practise articulating your thought process clearly and concisely.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
You'll need to produce high-quality written communications, so be ready to discuss your writing experience. Bring samples of reports or briefings you've created, and be prepared to explain how you simplify complex information for different audiences.
