Research Officer (Quantitative)

Position overview

The Research Officer 1 (RO1) is responsible for providing support to projects within a research program under the direction of the relevant Project Director(s) or Project Manager(s) and working in collaboration with other project team stakeholders.

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 Officer (Quantitative) is responsible for supporting the design, delivery and analysis of quantitative research, assessment and evaluation projects. Working under the direction of Project Directors, Research Fellows and Project Managers, the role provides analytical expertise across a diverse portfolio of education, assessment and international development projects.

The position contributes to the delivery of high-quality research outcomes through quantitative data management, statistical analysis, reporting and the interpretation of findings. The role works collaboratively with project teams and stakeholders to support evidence-based decision-making and high-quality client outcomes.

Please note: Candidates must be based in the UK and hold valid working rights to work in the United Kingdom.

Position context

The Research Officer (Quantitative) is part of ACER UK's research team and provides quantitative analysis capability across a broad range of national and international projects.

The role supports work associated with education research, assessment, learning measurement, evaluation and international development programs. This includes supporting projects funded by governments, international agencies and development partners, as well as large-scale assessment and trialling activities. The position contributes specialist analytical expertise to project teams and supports the delivery of quantitative analysis, reporting and evidence generation across the organisation. The role also supports ACER's ability to pursue new business opportunities by strengthening internal quantitative research capability and reducing reliance on external resources.

Job responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to deliver research and project outcomes to agreed objectives, timelines and quality standards.
• Undertake quantitative data management, analysis and interpretation across a range of research, assessment and evaluation projects.
• Support the design and implementation of quantitative research methodologies, surveys and assessment activities.
• Prepare reports, data outputs, visualisations and other project deliverables for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Contribute to the development and quality assurance of research instruments, assessment materials and analytical outputs.
• Support proposal development, tender submissions and business development activities through methodological and analytical input.
• Contribute to continuous improvement activities and support projects across ACER programs as required.

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

Education

Bachelor Degree (or nearing completion) in relevant discipline.

Skills, knowledge and experience

Essential

• Demonstrated research and/or analytical skills
• Experience with analytical software such as SPSS or R
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Well-developed interpersonal skills including the ability to liaise effectively with a range of internal and external stakeholders from culturally diverse backgrounds
• Effective planning and organisational skills with the ability to manage a range of tasks with conflicting priorities
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines without compromising attention to detail
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team
• Computer literacy, particularly with general business software
• Willingness to learn and demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement and professional development

Desirable

• Experience working on education, assessment, learning measurement or international development projects.
• Familiarity with assessment data, learning metrics and quantitative methodologies used in educational research.
• Experience contributing to proposals, tenders and business development activities.