Researcher – Vulnerable Learners and Post-16

Job description

As a Researcher at EPI, you’ll contribute to meaningful, evidence-based work that addresses some of the biggest challenges in education. In this role, you will:

• Conduct impactful research on schools and colleges in England, with a focus on students who face greater barriers in education such as those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, or those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
• Develop your skills in quantitative and statistical analysis using large education datasets.
• Contribute to high-profile reports that are read by senior decision-makers across government, media, and the education profession.
• Support the communication of our findings through blogs, events, roundtables, and conferences.
• Progress towards leading research projects as part of your development.
• Play an active role in shaping and supporting a growing organisation.

You will support on delivering the team’s work programme by processing data from a range of sources, analysing it, drafting reports, and monitoring impact. This work will include developing and implementing mathematical models and algorithms for analysing complex datasets. There may also be opportunities to contribute to other research projects across the organisation.

For this role we are offering an annual salary of £32,000-£38,000, depending on their experience and skills. We also offer:

• 30 days annual leave (with additional leave for bank holidays and the period of closure between Christmas and New Year).
• 8-10% employer pension contributions.
• The opportunity to work flexibly, including part-time, or on secondment.
• Cycle-to-work and season travel ticket schemes.

Why Should You Apply? 

• The opportunity to work in one of the most influential education research institutes in the UK.
• Contribute to work that supports fairer education outcomes for vulnerable groups of young people
• Competitive pay, with generous holidays and benefits.
• Flexible working hours.
• Opportunities for professional development and working within a highly motivated team.

What we are looking for

• Excellent quantitative skills with knowledge, or potential to develop knowledge, across a range of statistical and/or econometric techniques. You will have either completed a strong numerate degree or be able to demonstrate equivalent relevant experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, as well as being an enthusiastic team player who is keen to help build a small but growing research institute.
• Strong motivation for learning and self-development, particularly for mastering new software, programming languages and other technical skills.
• Experience using data analysis software and platforms, such as R and Github, is highly desirable.
• Confident and professional communication skills, both for drafting reports and for getting out and explaining the research to educators, policy-makers, and journalists.
• Knowledge of the education system in England is desirable but not essential.
• The position is suitable to a graduate or entry-level candidate, or to a candidate with relevant skills who is looking to develop a new career in quantitative research.

We welcome applications from all under-represented communities and groups. As part of our commitment to increasing diversity within both our own workforce and the policy-making sector in general, we offer pre-application discussions to all candidates, including Minority Ethnic candidates and all candidates with disabilities, who would like to speak to someone about the role in advance. Please contact info@epi.org.uk for more details.

Accepted degree subjects

Any

Additional job details

How to apply

Applications close at 17:00pm on closing date.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in a two-stage interview process.

The Education Policy Institute recognises and wants to meet fully the aims and commitments set out in its equality policy. This includes not discriminating under the Equality Act 2010, and building an accurate picture of the make-up of the workforce in encouraging equality and diversity. We need your help and co-operation to do this, by filling out a short questionnaire at the end of the job application form. This questionnaire is entirely voluntary. Any information you do provide will stay confidential and will be stored securely. Only those monitoring job advertising and staff movement will have access to the data. Staff involved in sifting and interviewing for the post will not see your questionnaire. If you do not wish to complete the questionnaire, please click through the pages without submitting answers to reach the end of the application form.

Click Apply to start your application now. This job will be available on Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ until 28 August 2025

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Closing date:  28 August 2025