Researcher/Senior Researcher (qualitative) AlphaPlus is globally recognised for excellence in the design, development and deployment of qualifications and assessments, and in the evaluation of their performance and impact. We work with schools, universities and professional organisations. AlphaPlus’s research/ senior researcher will be familiar with the key concepts of social research design, particularly as applied to an educational context. Working within the research team, and as a line report to the deputy director of research, the post holder will make a significant contribution to high quality research and evaluation outputs as part of AlphaPlus’s educational research and consultancy services. As with any small business, all staff are required to take part in diverse activities to fulfil business requirements. The post holder will work across the different stages of a project from project initiation and start-up, the design of research instruments, data collection and analysis, write up and project closedown. The distinction between researcher and senior researcher will be made in relation to experience delivering research and evaluation projects. Key project responsibilities As a (senior) member of the research team the post holder will be fairly autonomous in their role supporting the delivery of key projects such as Onscreen Personalised Assessments in Wales and the International Early Learning and Child Well-being Study (IELS). Typical activities run across the bilingual research project lifecycle are likely to include:

Recruiting and scheduling research interviews, focus groups and case study visits
Completing ethics forms
Drafting research information sheets for potential participants
Drafting research instruments such as interview and focus group schedules and questionnaires
Drafting bilingual surveys
Carrying out research interviews and carrying out fieldwork (applicants must be willing to carry out school visits which is likely involve travel across Wales, England and occasionally overseas)
Monitoring and evaluating the data collection process
Data analysis
Writing project reports
Presentation of results and recommendations to clients There is scope to lead research projects as and when they arrive at AlphaPlus. Person specification Personal attributes
Attention to detail (E)
Ability to work accurately under pressure to tight deadlines (E)
The ability to solve problems and work flexibly with research participants (E)
Understanding of need to treat respondents’ data appropriately (E)
Customer service: communicates effectively with external and internal customers (E)
Analytical and critical thinking (E)
Excellent written and spoken communication skills (E)
Ability to appraise own work critically (E)
Ability to work independently to high quality (e.g. to lead small-to-moderate whole projects, or elements of large projects) (E)
Commerciality: participates actively and willingly in activities to generate new business. Is creative in thinking of how to get new work in (D) Professional/technical competencies
Master’s degree with a significant research element ideally Psychology or Education Studies (E)
Driving licence and access to a car for school visits. Whilst we do not necessarily want to encourage car use many of the schools we visit are not easily accessible by public transport. (E)
Experience of analysing qualitative data in NVivo (D)
Welsh speaking (D)
Project management skills (E) Relevant experience
Understanding of key debates in education and assessment policy (E)
Experience of delivering qualitative research and evaluation, ideally in an awarding or other assessment organisation. (E)
Experience of working with high profile national stakeholders (D)
Experience of winning and delivering research or evaluation activities (D)
Whilst this is not a quantitative role our projects often include mixed methods so it would be advantageous if the post holder is able to interpret basic quantitative outputs. (D) Please note that AlphaPlus is not licensed to offer sponsorship under the UK government’s skilled worker visa sponsorship scheme. Application is via AlphaPlus direct and not via CV Library, by no later than noon on Monday 9 September 2024.. The full job description and application form are available from the opportunities section of the AlphaPlus website. To apply, please download the application form, complete and submit it by the application closing date together with your current CV tailored to highlight relevant qualifications and experience, and a covering statement. AlphaPlus jobs are based on competencies, which are published in the job description. When completing the covering statement, you are requested to set out how you meet the competencies relevant to this role, limiting this to no more than the five most important competencies. Please include how you meet the most important personal attributes and your most significant relevant experience

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Researcher/Senior Researcher (qualitative)