Research Assistant in Language Trends

To assist in planning, conducting and delivering the research project ‘Language Trends England, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Scotland and Wales’, funded by the British Council. Language Trends consists of annual surveys of primary and secondary schools, designed to gather information about the situation for language teaching and learning, together with podcasts to lead the five nations conversation on language learning. Its aims are: (i) to assess the impact of policy measures in relation to languages; and, (ii) to analyse strengths and weaknesses based both on quantitative evidence and on views expressed by teachers and sometimes pupils too. There is also a qualitative dimension involving interviewing of key stakeholders.

Occasional travel across the UK and Ireland is a requirement of this post. This role presents an excellent opportunity to play a significant role in Modern Languages Education scholarship commissioned by British Council within a research-intensive University.

About the person:

The successful candidate must:

• Hold an upper second class honours degree (or equivalent) or a Master’s degree in Languages and/or Statistics together with;
• Demonstrable experience of engaging with research using both quantitative and qualitative research methods, and demonstrable understanding of descriptive statistical analysis.
• It is also essential that the person has a publication record (which may be in non-academic outputs) commensurate with experience and be comfortable with public speaking.
• The person appointed will be required to manage multiple competing deadlines, present academic research in both written and oral forms to non-academic audiences, and develop relationships with external stakeholders.

To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information on our wesbite.

This post is available to 31 October 2027. Fixed term contract posts are available for the stated period in the first instance but in particular circumstances may be renewed or made permanent subject to availability of funding.

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