Research Associate

About the role

The University of Bath hosts the International Study Centre (ISC) for the International Civic and Citizenship Education Study (ICCS), a major comparative research programme exploring how young people in 27 countries are prepared for citizenship. Funded by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA), ICCS informs educational policy and practice worldwide.

We are seeking a Research Associate to join this internationally recognised centre and contribute to research shaping global education systems.

This role focuses on developing and implementing the Grade 11 module of ICCS, examining civic learning among older adolescents, particularly in vocational education pathways. You will engage in international comparative research, applying advanced quantitative methods to analyse large-scale datasets and generate insights that influence policy globally.

Key responsibilities include:

• Contribute high-quality studies with a particular focus on how vocational education across Europe shapes young people’s civic knowledge, attitudes, and engagement.
• Applying methods such as IRT, SEM, and MG-CFA, using R, or Mplus.
• Coordinating expert meetings and maintaining partnerships with international collaborators, governments, and academic institutions.
• Producing high-quality academic outputs (e.g. concept briefs, international study reports) and contributing to the development of conceptual frameworks, assessment instruments, and analytical and reporting strategies, supporting funding applications, and contributing to ISC’s research agenda.

This is an excellent opportunity to make a global impact in civic and citizenship education while advancing your career in a supportive, internationally connected environment.

About you

We seek a motivated Research Associate with expertise in civic and citizenship education and experience with the content and data of the ICCS study. You should be proactive, collaborative, and committed to academic excellence.

You will have:

• Qualifications: A doctorate in education, social sciences, applied statistics or policy analysis, with expertise in civic and citizenship education.
• Research experience: Strong conceptual knowledge of civic and citizenship education and of the ICCS study, a solid understanding of vocational education systems (particularly in Europe), and proficiency in advanced quantitative methods.
• Communication and leadership: Excellent written and presentation skills, along with organisational skills to manage complex tasks.
• Collaborative and innovative mindset: Commitment to teamwork, ethical research, and innovation, with potential for building networks and securing funding.

Additional information

A lower grade offer may be made (Grade 6) with comparable reduction in responsibilities and amendment in job title to Research Assistant, if a suitable applicant cannot be found to fill the Grade 7 position. Applicants will need to be within six months of their course completion date and will be promoted to Research Associate once their PhD has been awarded.

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