NFER is the UK’s largest independent provider of research, assessment and information for education; our organisation makes a difference to learners of all ages by helping improve practice and understanding.

We are recruiting three senior posts within our influential and respected Research Department.

Head of Centre for International Comparisons
Salary in the range of £54,267 - £61,078
depending upon qualifications and experience

The Centre for International Comparisons at NFER has a long and successful history of delivering international surveys and benchmarking studies. Our work on international comparative studies such as PISA, TIMSS and PIRLS plays a vital part in measuring young people’s achievements in the UK compared with other parts of the world.

The Head of Centre will provide a strategic overview of the NFER’s international comparison work, including ensuring the quality of all proposals, methodologies and outputs in the area, as well as encouraging innovation and the introduction of new approaches. They will also oversee the development of new products and new business in this area. The Head of Centre will be part of the departmental management team, contributing to the wider development of the department and of NFER. A significant proportion of time will also be spent on directing research projects.

Research Directors
Salary in the range of £45,446 - £51,152
depending upon qualifications and experience

NFER’s Research Directors make a significant contribution to the development of NFER as a leading research organisation, supporting the Heads of Centre in ensuring the quality of proposals, research methodologies and project outcomes. They also build NFER’s understanding of the policy context, develop strong client relationships, and design research and product development initiatives to broaden NFER’s reach and impact. Research Directors also spend a large proportion of their time directing and leading research projects.

Research Director, Centre for International Comparisons
The Research Director within the Centre for International Comparisons will support the Head of Centre in developing strategy for NFER’s international comparison projects and managing the Centre’s staff and projects. A key task will be to build new business in this area.

Research Director, Centre for Assessment
NFER develops assessments to the highest technical and educational standards for test publishers, government bodies and schools. The Centre for Assessment is one of our busiest Centres and currently has a number of assessment development projects at both primary and secondary levels, particularly in English, science and mathematics.

The ideal candidates for all of these posts will have worked in an assessment or research context, will hold a degree and a postgraduate degree in a relevant field, and will have considerable experience of winning work through competitive tenders. It is desirable that the candidates for the roles in the Centre for International Comparisons will have experience of working on this kind of project and for all applicants to have teaching experience in a related subject area. The candidates will also have a track record in successfully leading teams and developing staff.

• Further particulars: Word | PDF
• Job Description for Head of Centre: Word | PDF
• Job Description for Research Directors: Word | PDF
• Application form: Word | PDF
• Equal opportunities summary: Word | PDF
• Equal opportunities Form: Word | PDF

This is a re-advertisement, so previous applicants should not reapply.

Closing date: 15th February 2012.  Interviews will be held week commencing 27th February 2012.

NFER is an equal opportunity employer, welcoming applications from all sections of the community, and a registered Charity (No. 313392)