Research Fellow 1 (Mathematics)

Position overview

ACER International UK (ACER UK) is part of the ACER Group of companies and provides expert advice and services in assessment and learning to a number of government and non-government organisations in the UK and internationally. Current clients include the Standards and Testing Agency (STA), the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), the World Bank and national governments in Africa under a grant agreement with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). ACER is regarded as one of the world’s leading expert organisations in assessment and promoting innovation in learning for all ages.

The Research Fellow (Mathematics) will be part of ACER UK's assessment team, contributing to the design, development and review of mathematics assessments across a range of national and international projects. The role will primarily support education and assessment programs funded by the UK's FCDO, with a particular focus on mathematics assessment development in Africa.

The position contributes to ACER's capability in a core area of work and supports the delivery of high-quality assessment solutions across mathematics and learning measurement projects. As a member of ACER UK's assessment team, the Research Fellow will work collaboratively with colleagues across ACER's global offices and may contribute to projects across the organisation as required.

Job responsibilities

The Research Fellow 1 is a research professional responsible for working collaboratively with both internal and external project stakeholders to enable the delivery of quality research and project outcomes.

• Work collaboratively with both internal and external project stakeholders to enable the delivery of research and project outcomes to agreed objectives, standards, timelines and budgets
• Conduct and deliver components of high quality research to meet project objectives
• Contribute to design and construct components of survey and assessment instruments, and learning materials
• Undertake data collection and analysis
• Prepare components of reports and other forms of project dissemination and communication
• Contribute to preparing research proposal submissions, applications and tenders for new business
• Actively contribute to and participate in continuous improvement activities to enhance the delivery of research outcomes at ACER
• Develop and build professional collegiality through participation in events, forums, workshops and conferences at ACER and in the broader research community
• Develop mathematics assessment frameworks, test specifications, assessment items and supporting materials
• Contribute to the design, review and validation of mathematics assessments for primary, secondary and tertiary education contexts
• Provide mathematics content expertise to project teams and contribute to technical discussions relating to assessment design and implementation
• Contribute to quality assurance processes for assessment materials and project deliverables
• Provide support across ACER projects and programs as required, consistent with the broader test development function

Organisational accountabilities

• Proactively work towards achieving individual, team and organisational objectives while demonstrating ACER’s leadership behaviours:
  • Developing Self – involves self-management, self-reflection and self-improvement
  • Embracing Change – being open to change and leading change when appropriate
  • Pursuing Excellence – ongoing search for new and better ways of working
  • Setting Directions – strategic thinking and planning for the future
  • Supporting Colleagues – supporting and contributing to the development of others
  • Working Collaboratively – building highly effective internal and external relationships

• Actively work to create an equitable, fair and harmonious work environment which is free from harassment, bullying and discrimination by demonstrating respectful and courteous behaviour towards others
• Proactively foster an inclusive and diverse work environment which encourages and respects different experiences and perspectives, and values diversity of thought
• Comply with all occupational health and safety requirements, including following safe work practices for self and others
• Comply with all information security requirements, including completing regular security training and abiding by the standards and procedures laid out in ACER’s Information Security Management System
• Work in accordance with ACER’s policies and procedures

Skills, knowledge and experience

Essential

• Experience undertaking quality educational research
• Knowledge of research approaches and their application
• Excellent planning and organisational skills with the ability to manage a range of tasks with conflicting priorities
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines while maintaining high attention to detail
• Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to foster and develop effective working relationships with both internal and external stakeholders from culturally diverse backgrounds
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team
• Computer literacy, particularly with general business software and relevant analytical software
• Willingness to learn and demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement and professional development

Desirable

• School level mathematics teaching and assessment experience in either a primary or secondary school setting
• Demonstrated expertise in mathematics education, curriculum and assessment
• Experience developing large-scale assessments, test items or learning measurement tools, including working with test outcomes and test statistics
• Knowledge of educational contexts in low- and middle-income countries would be advantageous
• The ability to travel for work purposes