British Council
English Language Research and Impact: Assessment Researcher
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We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For 90 years we have shaped brighter futures through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity.
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Role Description/Purpose
Join the British Council English Language Research and Impact (BCELRI) team and play a key role in advancing research and innovation in English language teaching, learning and assessment. As an Assessment Researcher within the Learning and Assessment Research (LAR) hub, you will provide expert, evidence-based advice and support across assessment development, validation and research projects within English & Exams (E&E). This role will contribute to strengthening the British Council’s global research and development capability, with a particular focus on projects spanning the full range of British Council language assessments, including the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Working closely with the Head of Assessment Research and a broad network of internal and external stakeholders, you will help ensure that assessment research, product support and dissemination activities are delivered to the highest professional and academic standards.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced academic researcher with significant expertise in validation research and a strong publication record in the fields of language teaching, learning and assessment. You will contribute to the British Council’s thought leadership agenda by conducting, commissioning, presenting and publishing high-quality research that supports strategic priorities across BCELRI. The successful candidate will build strong collaborative relationships, balance the needs of diverse stakeholders and contribute to maintaining the British Council’s reputation as a world authority in language assessment. In addition to leading assessment-focused initiatives, you will also support wider BCELRI programmes, conferences and research activities, offering the opportunity to broaden your professional experience while helping shape the future of English language assessment worldwide.
Role Accountabilities
As a key member of the Learning and Assessment Research (LAR) hub, you will contribute to a globally recognised thought leadership agenda by supporting assessment innovation, product development and validation across the British Council’s English and Exams portfolio. Working collaboratively with colleagues across ELRI, English Programmes and international stakeholders, you will play a central role in generating and disseminating research that strengthens the British Council’s reputation as a world-leading authority in language assessment.
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This role is ideal for an experienced assessment researcher with deep expertise in assessment design, validity theory and validation research. You will lead and contribute to research projects, publish and present findings at international conferences, provide expert advice on assessment initiatives and support the development of innovative language learning and assessment products. You will also engage with global research communities, collaborate with IELTS and British Council partners, and help inform educational reform projects through evidence-based assessment expertise and consultancy.
The successful candidate will be a strategic and influential professional who can build strong relationships across a wide range of stakeholders while driving high-quality research and innovation. You will provide leadership on assessment principles and practice, contribute to future assessment strategy, oversee specialised programmes of work and support the growth of assessment capability within ELRI. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on language education and assessment globally while contributing to the British Council’s mission of creating meaningful and lasting connections through education and research.
Qualifications & Experience
- Education: PhD in language assessment or closely related field completed (or in-progress) OR equivalent professional experience
- Experience in undertaking research in areas of English language teaching, learning and assessment.
- Experience of communicating research and/or theory in international forums with external specialist audiences in both written and spoken modes.
- Experience using qualitative and/or quantitative research methods.
Further Information
Language
- English
- Knowledge of other languages is preferred
Additional Job Requirements
- International and domestic travel for projects, conferences, and meetings as required
- Participation in meetings across time zones as required
- Working with dispersed teams or in face-to-face settings as required
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Right to Work: Please note that candidates must have the pre-existing, legal right to work in the listed location/s at the time of application. Mobility / relocation / visa sponsoring support will not be provided.
Country/Location
- UK – (London, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Belfast and Manchester). Hybrid role
This role is open to candidates based in all UK locations and on a permanent homeworking basis for staff already on permanent homeworking contracts.
Pay Band
- 8
Annual Salary
- £38,820 onwards plus London Market allowance of £3,300 if London based
Department
- English and Exams - Global ARG
Contract Type
- Indefinite
Closing Date
- Sunday, 02 August 2026 - 23:59 Philippine Time (GMT +8) / 16:59 UK time (BST)
A connected and trusted UK in a more connected and trusted world.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community as we believe that a diverse workforce gives added depth to our work. The British Council is a Disability Confident Employer. The Disability Confident scheme helps challenge attitudes, increase understanding of disability and ensure staff are drawn from the widest possible pool of talent. We guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the minimum role requirements. We welcome discussions about specific requirements or adjustments to enable participation and engagement in our work and activities.
Safeguarding Statement
The British Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults who we work with. We believe that all children and adults everywhere in the world deserve to live in safe environments and have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, maltreatment and exploitation as set out in article 19, UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) 1989. Appointment to positions where there is direct involvement with vulnerable groups will be dependent on thorough checks being completed in line with legal requirements and with the British Council’s Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children.
If you experience any difficulties with submitting your application, please email askhr@britishcouncil.org
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