Post-Doctoral Research Assistant (PDRA)

Part time, fixed term contract

Closing date: 23:59 15th August 2025

Join a groundbreaking project on mathematical storytelling in secondary education

We are seeking a motivated and skilled Post-Doctoral Research Assistant (PDRA) to join the Institute of Education at the University of Reading on a part-time (0.75 FTE) fixed-term basis for 29 months, starting 1 October 2025. This is an exciting opportunity to support an exciting Leverhulme Trust-funded research project led by Dr. Natthapoj Vincent Trakulphadetkrai (Associate Professor of Mathematics Education).

You will play a central role in the design, delivery, and evaluation of a multi-school research study investigating the impact of mathematical storytelling on secondary students’ mathematics learning and related outcomes. Working closely with senior collaborators at the University of Cambridge and University College Dublin/London, your duties will include recruiting and liaising with schools, delivering teacher training, supporting data collection and analysis, and co-authoring outputs for academic and practitioner audiences.

You will have: (A = Assessed at the Application stage / I = Assessed at the Interview stage)

• A PhD in (Secondary) Mathematics Education or a closely related discipline (e.g., Educational Psychology), or evidence of PhD thesis submission in one of these fields (A, I)
• Ability to start the role on 1st October 2025 on the 0.75 FTE basis (or roughly around 3.5 days a week) (A, I)
• Ability to travel to schools across South East England for data collection (A, I)
• Ability to work on-site at the University of Reading’s London Road campus (RG1 5EX) for part of each week, per hybrid working expectations, throughout the contract period (A)
• Strong quantitative research skills, including data collection and management (A, I)
• Familiarity with qualitative research, particularly conducting interviews and thematic analysis (A, I)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills (A, I)
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to work independently and as part of a team (A)
• Good knowledge of England’s education system (A, I)
• Familiarity with conducting school-based research, including recruitment and liaison with schools (A)
• No known barriers to obtaining an enhanced DBS check, as required for working with children (A)

This role offers the flexibility of hybrid working, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to contribute to high-impact, practice-focused research in mathematics education.

DBS Check

• A DBS check is required for this position
• The University’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and make clear that safeguarding checks will be undertaken
• The safeguarding responsibilities of the post as per the job description and personal specification, and whether the post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.

Interviews will be held: In the week beginning Monday 25th August 2025

Contact Name: Dr. Natthapoj Vincent Trakulphadetkrai
Contact Job Title: Associate Professor of Mathematics Education
Contact Email address: n.trakulphadetkrai@reading.ac.uk

Alternative Contact Name: Dr. Ros McLellan
Alternative Contact Job Title: Associate Professor in Teacher Education and Development / Pedagogical Innovation
Alternative Contact Email address: rwm11@cam.ac.uk

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). 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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