Post-doctoral Research Associate

A Post-doctoral Research Associate is required for a study into the learning of French, German, and Spanish in primary schools in England. The project will examine young learners’ linguistic progression over the four years of language learning in primary school (from age 7 to 11) and will explore the individual, instructional, and contextual factors that influence young learners' language learning, in particular within classroom settings in English-speaking countries where exposure to the language being learned is limited.

The Progression in Primary Languages project is led by Dr Rowena Kasprowicz and funded through a UK Research and Innovation Future Leaders Fellowship.

You will have:

• A doctorate in education / applied linguistics or a related discipline
• Proven quantitative (e.g. experimental) and qualitative research skills
• Advanced knowledge of German (i.e. at least A-level or equivalent but degree-level or equivalent preferred)
• Experience working in schools (in a teaching and/or research capacity)
• Knowledge of foreign language education in England

The role is available part-time (at 0.6 FTE), starting 1st December 2023 fixed term until 31st December 2025.

Informal contact details

Contact role: Associate Professor in Second Language Education, UKRI Future Leaders Fellow
Contact name: Rowena Kasprowicz
Contact email: r.kasprowicz@reading.ac.uk

Interview date: TBC

Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. However, non-UK candidates who do not already have permission to work in the UK should note that by reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship will not be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and is a Diversity Champion for Stonewall, the leading LGBT+ rights organisation. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

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