Psychometrician

14 hours per week  (0.4FTE)

We are seeking a Psychometrician for two days per week to lead psychometric analyses and interpret the examination results of the Royal College of Pathologists.

The College is responsible for the delivery of pathology examinations for doctors, scientists, oral pathologists (dentists) and veterinary pathologists in 17 specialties – the Fellowship examinations of the Royal College of Pathologists (FRCPath). The FRCPath Part 1 is held online and is a test of knowledge while FRCPath Part 2 is held in person around the UK as well as in the Republic of Ireland and, for histopathology, in international centres such as Dubai and Egypt. The College is regulated by the General Medical Council for the medical examinations and the General Dental Council for the Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology examinations, but the examinations are open to all appropriately qualified candidates.

The FRCPath examinations are held twice a year in Spring and Autumn and attracts approximately 1,200 candidates per session across the specialties. While some examinations attract up to 200 candidates, some examinations consistently attract very small numbers of candidates, with a number of examination cohorts sitting somewhere in between. The Psychometrician will advise on the appropriate data collection methods for the examinations and undertake psychometric analyses of appropriate examination data for each examination session and will, in time, be asked to provide analysis of longitudinal data.

As the College continues to develop its examinations, the Psychometrician will possess sufficient expertise to provide advice on the appropriate psychometric tests to undertake for the specialty examinations as different formats or methods of delivery are considered.

The examinations are delivered by an examinations team in the College which sits within the Learning Directorate. Each specialty examination is supported by an appropriately qualified panel, led by a Panel Chair, all of whom are overseen by the Clinical Director of Examinations (a pathologist). The Psychometrician will be expected to communicate with a wide range of individuals regarding the College examinations, with varying levels of knowledge about psychometrics, and will provide training for examiners and staff on a regular basis.

The College is a professional membership organisation dedicated to the advancement of the science and practice of pathology. There are currently approximately 12,000 members, all of whom are pathologists based in hospitals, universities and laboratories in the UK and overseas. The College’s main tasks are to set and maintain training standards for doctors and scientists, to advice on the appointment of consultant pathologists, to ensure the membership is kept up to date with current practice through the continuing professional development scheme, and to promote the latest developments in pathology by holding scientific meetings.

The College’s mission is to promote excellence in the practice of pathology and to be responsible for maintaining standards through training, assessments, examinations and professional development.

We offer attractive staff benefits including 25 days annual leave (pro rata) rising with length of service, an employee discount scheme, and season tickets, as well as a cycle to work scheme. The College values diversity, welcoming applications from all members of society. We offer a mix of remote (home) and office working, with hybrid working arrangements currently in place.

Closing date: 9am, 3 June 2024.

Interviews: 18 June 2024.