Research Fellow

About UCL Institute of Education

Founded in 1902, UCL Institute of Education has been shaping policy and helping government, organisations and individuals navigate a changing society for the last 120 years. We embrace collaboration and excellence to create a future that is inclusive and just and have been ranked number one for education every year since 2014 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject.

About CLOSER

CLOSER, the home of longitudinal research, is the interdisciplinary partnership of leading social and biomedical longitudinal population studies. Our mission is to increase the visibility, use and impact of longitudinal population studies, data and research to ensure that longitudinal evidence is used to address the health, social, economic and environmental challenges facing the UK, now and in the future.

Guided by the CLOSER Strategic Plan 2024-28, our work is underpinned by a set of organisational values that shape everything we do:

• Collaboration
• Respect
• Excellence
• Sustainability
• Trust

CLOSER is funded by the UKRI Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) through to September 2028 and is housed in the Social Research Institute (SRI) at the UCL Institute of Education (IOE). Discover more about our work at www.closer.ac.uk.

About the role

This post offers an exciting opportunity to lead the research and coordination of activities for the UK LPS Training Resources Coordination, part of Population Research UK (PRUK) (2026-28). The project aims to transform the training landscape for UK Longitudinal Population Studies (LPS) by mapping existing provision, identifying sector-wide skills needs and developing high-quality, targeted training resources.

The Research Fellow will play a central role in delivering activities working closely with the PI (CLOSER Head of Education & Training), the Project Manager, and key national partners. The post-holder will lead scoping, consultation, analysis and resource development, contributing directly to the strengthening of UK LPS capacity and supporting skills development across research, infrastructure and training communities.

This is a highly collaborative, outward-facing role involving systematic research, data analysis, training development, stakeholder engagement and project coordination. It is ideal for candidates with expertise in longitudinal or population data, data science pedagogy, training design, or quantitative social science and who are motivated to shape sector-wide infrastructure.

This is a fixed-term post with contract end date of 30 December 2028.

About you

You will lead the delivery of project activities, including a scoping review of UK LPS training provision, development of the training catalogue and sector-wide training needs consultation. Conduct quantitative and qualitative research (survey design, data analysis, focus groups/interviews) to map skills needs and identify gaps in existing training. Develop high-quality training resources and guidance for the CLOSER Learning Hub, and support and develop new training materials.

Your application form should address all person specification points and clearly demonstrate how your skills and experience meet each of the criteria. It is important that the criteria are clearly numbered and that you provide a response to each one.

Customer advert reference: B16-02036

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