Research Officer

We are seeking a Researcher to join our team in the Department of Education and support an exciting study identifying the practices used by early educators to foster children's communication, language, and literacy skills. Reporting to Dr Sandra Mathers, you will work as part of a collaborative research group responsible for delivering high-quality research to strengthen the Education Endowment Foundation's Early Years Evidence Store. The role involves managing your own research and administrative activities, engaging in project planning, and helping shape evidence-based updates to language and literacy taxonomies.
You will adapt and develop research methodologies, overseeing arrangements for data collection and leading the recruitment of early years settings. A key part of the role involves conducting mixed-methods fieldwork, including systematic observations and educator interviews, which will require some national travel. You will gather, analyse, and present qualitative and quantitative data, prepare written outputs for publication, and organise project meetings. You will also support day-to-day project administration and represent the research group externally.

Applicants must hold a relevant PhD/DPhil (or be close to completion), together with relevant experience and possess sufficient specialist knowledge to contribute effectively within established research programmes. You must demonstrate highly effective organisational skills and the ability to manage your own academic research tasks. Strong communication skills are essential, including the ability to write publishable text, present findings, and collaborate effectively within a team. You must also have the ability to handle confidential data in line with established agreements and policies.