Lead Researcher

Fixed Term Contract until August 2026
Manchester: £46,000 - £51,000
Guildford: £48,000 - £53,000
Smart Hybrid Working

Is educational research and innovation your specialism?

Do you have the expertise to lead impactful research projects?

Join AQA as a Lead Researcher and help shape the future of educational assessment.

You will be at the forefront of developing and delivering research and evaluation projects and services. Your extensive assessment expertise will be crucial in providing proactive advice and guidance, shaping the future. You will work collaboratively with various teams to develop and deliver research projects that encompass operational, assessment design, and policy research.

Why Join AQA?

• You will work within the Assessment Research and Innovation business area, leading thinking in the sector and will have access to a variety of training, development, and mentoring opportunities.
• This role is vacant due to promotion of the post holder which shows we are committed to your career. Over 50% of our recruitment is offered internally only, which means that this could be your next job, and the one after that.
• Your research will be impactful, contributing to the development of innovative, valid, and inclusive assessments.
• The opportunity to join lots of network groups (LGTBQ+, neurodiversity, disAbility, empowering women, wellbeing, ethnic minority and more)
• We will give you a fantastic pension offer which could see combined contributions of 18.5% among other strong benefits.

What will you need to succeed?

• Demonstrable expertise in educational assessment
• Experience managing research projects within a matrix management structure.
• Ability to lead, motivate, and coordinate people within projects. Provide guidance and expertise to support the Research and Evaluation Team through peer reviewing and CPD activities
• Experience of producing high quality outputs for a range of stakeholders
• In depth knowledge of a range of research methodologies, including experience of using data analysis software such as ‘R’, Python and NVivo

To apply, please upload your most recent CV with a cover letter detailing your suitability.

Please also upload an example of your writing with the application. Without this we will not be able to consider you for shortlisting. The piece of writing is not limited to peer-reviewed journal articles and may include (published) research reports, webpages / blog posts or conference papers (but not just slides).

Applications will close at 23:59 on Monday 5 May 2025
Interviews will be face to face in the week of 19 May in the office so that you can see where you will be working and meet some of the team you will be a part of.

AQA is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone—regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation, or background—is valued, respected, and supported to thrive. Come and be a part of it.

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Customer advert reference: R6544

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