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Researcher
12 month fixed term contract
Manchester: £35,000 to £38,000 Guildford: £36,400 to £39,500 Hybrid working - min of 2 days per week in the office
Curious about how assessments shape education and life chances? Your research could directly influence how exams are designed, improving fairness, accessibility and innovation across the education system. At AQA, your work will go beyond theory. You will contribute to research that shapes real assessments used by students across the UK.
This is an ideal opportunity if you are looking to take your first step into applied research and gain hands-on experience across multiple projects. You will be able to develop your skills with the support of experienced researchers, training and mentoring.
What you'll be doing
You will join a growing Research and Evaluation team, supporting a mix of projects focused on digital, vocational and general qualifications.
In this role, you will:
- Work across 2 to 3 live research projects, collaborating with experienced researchers and project leads
- Carry out literature reviews, collect and analyse qualitative and quantitative data, and turn findings into clear, meaningful insights
- Contribute to reports, presentations and research outputs shared both internally and externally
- Get involved in school visits, observations and surveys to bring research to life
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You will have the space to work autonomously, while still being supported as part of a collaborative team environment.
What's in it for you
- The chance to make a meaningful impact on education while growing your career.
- A real sense of purpose where your work will influence national education.
- Being a part of AQA's inclusive and values-led culture with the opportunity to join a variety of employee networks including LGBTQ+, neurodiversity, empowering women, wellbeing, ethnic diversity, Interfaith and more.
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with service, along with discretionary Christmas closure days.
You'll thrive in this role if you have:
- A Master's degree (completed or in progress) in education, psychology, social sciences or a related field
- Experience using qualitative and/or quantitative research methods
- Strong communication skills, able to explain research clearly to different audiences
- A collaborative mindset, balanced with the ability to manage your own work
- Curiosity and critical thinking, especially about how assessments work and their wider impact
- Experience of using R would be beneficial
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You will also be someone who is adaptable, open to change, and comfortable working in a fast-moving research environment.
Diversity and inclusion statement
At AQA, we are committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity and promotes equity and inclusion. We believe that a diverse team brings richer perspectives and drives better outcomes. Our ED&I strategy ensures that everyone-regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation, or background-is valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. We actively promote inclusive language, avoid stereotypes, and strive for representation across all dimensions of diversity. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences.
Ready to apply?
Please upload your most recent CV with a cover letter to outline your suitability for this Researcher role at AQA.
Applications will close at 23:59 on Sunday 5 July.
Interviews will be in person in the Guildford or Manchester office, whichever is most local to you, in the week beginning 20 July.
Please note that an Enhanced DBS will be required for the successful candidate.
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