Emerging Researcher: Data Analyst 1

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We work directly with individuals to help them gain the skills, confidence and connections to transform their lives and shape a better world in partnership with the UK. We support them to build networks and explore creative ideas, to learn English, to get a high-quality education and to gain internationally recognised qualifications.

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Assessment Research Group (ARG)

The Assessment Research Group (ARG) sits within the wider English and Exams Strategic Business Unit (E&E SBU). A team of 15+ members, ARG leads on research in key language assessment areas, including innovative language test design and development, educational technology in language assessment, Language Assessment Literacy engagement aimed at teachers, policy makers, and other stakeholders, and research and expert advisory work. ARG collaborates with a wide range of teams in the British Council, including the E&E SBU and English for Education Systems teams, situated in the Cultural Engagement SBU. ARG coordinates and oversees an active thought-leadership agenda, including publishing and presenting, providing editorial direction on specialized publications and research reports, and convening conferences and events that bring together international experts on language assessment, learning and policy.

Role Purpose

The role is designed as an entry level position for a person with suitable qualifications and experience in data management and analysis, with the purpose of supporting projects for language assessment and learning within the Assessment Research Group (ARG). The role will involve:
Contributing to the work of ARG in support of teams across the British Council, including specialised test development teams such as Global Assessments and IELTS.

Contributing to assessment in learning products, and British Council educational reform projects, with a particular focus on data management and analysis in language assessment and learning.

Supporting new and existing British Council test products, and projects in the areas of language assessment development and validation.

Contributing to the ARGs thought-leadership role and agenda by co-authoring technical and research reports and publications, and presenting research carried out by the ARG at specialist conferences and other events.

Main accountabilities but not limited to the following:

Subject/Sector Expertise
Works under the supervision of ARG Senior Researcher-Measurement to create and curate data sets required for research and test development projects.

Works under the supervision of Senior Researcher-Measurement and with ARG Data Scientists and Language Testing Researchers to implement efficient data management and analysis plans through writing code and the use of appropriate software tools.

Plans analysis procedures on test and research data sets under the supervision of ARG researchers where required in order to investigate and validate the use of technology in assessment.
Participates as a co-researcher in data collection and analysis for research projects under the supervision of ARG researchers and, where appropriate, contributes to producing research reports, papers, and presentations on the outcomes of such research projects.

Retrieves and manipulates datasets for specific projects or grant-holder requirements.

Carries out literature reviews for specific topics and projects, identifying relevant published resources, and providing summaries of articles and papers for project members.

Contributes to building a body of work through research, publication and dissemination which enhances the British Councils position of international leadership and authority in language assessment and learning, with a particular focus on the use of quantitative data analysis in language assessment and learning.

Relationship and stakeholder management
Liaises with internal and external project partners, researchers and editors.
Carries out communications with internal and external stakeholders for ARG.

Role specific knowledge and experience:
BSc in Applied Linguistics, Psychology, Psychometrics, or similar with practical experience in data analysis or data science projects, OR BSc in Computer Science / Data Science, Applied Statistics or similar
Experience planning and carrying out data analysis
Experience using statistical or other programming languages to manipulate large datasets (e.g., R or Python)
Experience in data processing and familiarity with different file formats (e.g., CSV, JSON, XML, etc.)

What you will receive in return
32 days annual leave plus statutory public holidays and half day privilege Christmas leave
Non-contractual discretionary annual performance bonus
Extensive and generous family friendly benefits
Extensive range of voluntary benefit options
Outstanding defined benefit career average Civil Service Pension Scheme which includes life cover and pensions for eligible dependants, e.g., Spouse, civil partner, partner, dependent children

Further Information
Pay Band 7 salary -30,839-33,995 plus London weighting 3,300
Contract Type Indefinite Contract (IDC unless local law requires differently)
Location Cardiff, London, Manchester, Edinburgh, or Belfast. (The UK only).
Expectations are for people to attend the office twice a week

Requirements Candidates must have the pre-existing (permanent) right to work in location. Mobility / relocation / visa sponsoring support will not be provided. If you are currently sponsored by the British Council, in a country or regional role, please check with your local/regional HR colleagues if you are able to remain in your current location for this global role.
Closing Date 8th January 2024 23.59 UK time

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Equality , Diversity, and Inclusion(EDI) Statement

The British Council is committed to policies and practices of equality, diversity and inclusion across everything we do. We support all staff to make sure their behaviour is consistent with this commitment. We want to address under representation and encourage applicants from under-represented groups, in particular, but not exclusively, on grounds of ethnicity and disability. All disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria are guaranteed an interview and we have Disability Confident Employer Status. We welcome discussions about specific requirements or adjustments to enable participation and engagement in our work and activities.

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If you have any problems with your application please email [email protected]

Please note: Applications to this role can only be considered when made through the Apply section of our careers website. Our ASK HR email is only to be used in case of a technical issue encountered when applying through the careers website. Emails with supporting statements and CV/Resumes sent to this email address will not be reviewed and will be deleted.