Research Officer (x 2 posts) - flexible employer

Research Officer (x 2 posts)

Contract: Permanent – Full time

Salary: £28,400 - £35,500

Location: Cambridge

What it’s about

The Research Division conducts and publishes authoritative research in order to validate, improve and develop Cambridge Assessment’s qualifications and services, and to influence thinking and policy on educational assessment. We research a wide range of assessment issues working with colleagues across the Group to provide a sound evidence base.

We are currently looking for 2 Research Officers, each concentrating on a different area:

The first role (A) is about applying your data analysis skills to help ensure that the tests, examinations and other forms of assessment offered by Cambridge Assessment are reliable, useful and fair. For example, this may include research into the on-going issues of how to ensure that examinations remain equally difficult over time, how to ensure the accuracy of marking, and understanding the impact of policy changes upon students. In addition, your work will contribute to knowledge in the assessment field more widely.

The second role (B) involves working on research projects relating to qualifications and curriculum reform, the impact of reforms on education, and understanding the psychological and organisational aspects of producing high-quality assessments. Some projects in this area are primarily qualitative whilst others are quantitative.

What you’ll be doing

Your principal accountabilities will be to:

• Provide quick answers to research questions through the analysis of the various large data sets held by Cambridge Assessment (Role A only).
• Design and conduct small scale qualitative research projects (Role B only).
• Design and conduct small scale quantitative research projects.
• Assist with substantial or more complex research projects.
• Produce reports, research papers, and presentations of publishable quality.
• Assist with administration in the Research Division as requested.
• Advance personal knowledge of educational measurement and assessment.

What we’re looking for

Qualifications

• Postgraduate qualification. For Role A, this will include a substantial statistics, data science or quantitative research element. For Role B, this will include a quantitative and/or qualitative research element.

Skills and behaviours

• Knowledge of research design and methods
• Practical skills in data analysis. For Role A, this will include programming skills (ideally, but not necessarily, using SAS or R).
• Good understanding of statistical methods.
• Ability to write research papers and reports of publishable quality.
• Ability to communicate clearly in oral presentations.
• Ability to collaborate effectively.
• Time management skills
• Creativity and self-discipline.

Who we are

Cambridge Assessment is Europe's largest assessment group, incorporating three major awarding bodies. It plays a leading role in researching, developing and delivering assessment to eight million candidates in 170 countries every year. The Group is a department of the University of Cambridge and a not-for-profit organisation.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a market leader and be rewarded with valuable learning opportunities, a competitive salary and benefits.

Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive package of benefits to help with your life both inside and outside of work:

• Generous contributory pension
• 28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
• Annual performance related bonus and increases (discretionary)
• Enhanced maternity/paternity pay and childcare voucher scheme
• Childcare vouchers
• Employee discount and cash back scheme at 2,500 retailers
• Cycle scheme
• Season Ticket Loan
• Subsidised staff restaurants
• Support for professional qualifications
• Discounted access to the University of Cambridge Sport Centre, along with various other local gyms.

We know that diversity of thinking, backgrounds and approaches leads to innovation and creates an atmosphere where everyone’s contribution is valued. As well as wanting to create diverse teams, we also value diversity in the way our people approach their work. Work/life balance is important to us at Cambridge Assessment and we offer our colleagues a range of flexible working options according to the needs of the business and the individual, so please let us know of any flexible working requirements when applying and we can see how we can support you.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 16 September and interviews will be held on 2 and  October.     

If you’re successful at interview stage we will ask you to undergo background screening (carried out by Credence Background Screening Ltd), to ensure that all information provided to us is accurate. We wish you all the very best with your application.

 CAMBRIDGE ASSESSMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER