Do you have a strong background in research with a particular focus on quantitative methodologies and comfortable with data, statistics and other evidence? Interested in labour markets, future skills, education to employment and social mobility topics? If so, join NFER and make a positive, lasting impact with a leading charity whose mission is to improve outcomes for future generations everywhere.
NFER’s UK business is focussed in a number of key education topic areas, which we manage across three strategic portfolios. These are the Optimal Pathways portfolio, which covers the education to employment and social mobility topics; the Systems and Structures portfolio, which also includes school funding and accountability; and the Classroom and Workforce portfolio, which covers the classroom practice and teacher workforce topics.
Each portfolio brings together our delivery of commissioned or grant funded research work and our business development activities, where we are aiming to expand NFER’s expertise, visibility and impact. We are looking for someone with expert quantitative / economist skills who can provide strong analytical leadership on both the delivery and development of quantitative research projects with particular focus on the Optimal Pathways and Systems and Structures portfolios.
Job Responsibilities
• assist strategic topic leads and methodological leads to create new ideas for research and analysis, and in developing quantitative / econometric methods
• promote research findings and to produce articles which contribute to the achievement of NFER’s visibility objectives
• provide mentoring and development to NFER’s junior economists and support the Lead Economist with leadership of the economics / quantitative analysis community.
Technical Requirements
• Educated to at least Masters level in economics, statistics or a similar field or with relevant work experience.
• A strong background in research with a particular focus on quantitative methodologies and comfortable with data, statistics and other evidence
• Ability to take responsibility for the quantitative design and analysis within evaluation research projects
• A strong communicator both verbally and written, with experience of drafting proposals, research reports and / or publications as an author
• An experienced user of statistical software, for example STATA, SPSS, R, MPlus or MLwiN
• Strong Project or programme management
Why NFER?
We have a strong track record in education research, a growing international reputation, and world-leading expertise in the role of assessment in driving improvement. We believe in the transformative impact that evidence-based insights can have in supporting improvements in education systems, informing policymakers and other key decision makers, and strengthening practice in the classroom.
- Attractive salary
- Generous pension scheme
- 42 days’ holiday per year including Bank Holidays + additional discretionary days (pro rata)
- Excellent support for professional development
- Hybrid or remote working with great work/life balance
- Plus lots of well-being and social activities
- UK based and UK Skilled Worker sponsorship
You’ll be linked to our Slough or York office with minimal requirement for office-based days meaning you can choose to work at home, from the office or a mix of the two to enable you to work as effectively as you can. Our teams value the energy we create when we come together so ideally you’ll join us in Slough for key dates throughout the year.
NFER is a not-for-profit organisation and an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
If you’re looking for a place where you can put your heart, soul and skills into making a difference, we want to hear from you. Apply via the button shown.
For more details or to discuss feel free to get in touch with Louise Wiseman, recruitment@nfer.ac.uk or book a time for a call (https://bit.ly/3tlFmPH) (no agency)