1. science
2. medicine
3. medical research

Role and person profile
Post title:
Senior Researcher (Technical
and Vocational Assessment)
Location:
Manchester
Division:
Centre for Education Research
and Practice
Department:
CERP
Responsible
for:
Researcher, Assistant Researcher,
Research Administrator as
necessary
Responsible Principal Research Manager
to:
Scale:
7
Post no:
3319
Cornerstone behaviours level:
Manager of performers
Purpose
Undertaking specific research projects under the direction of a Principal Research Manager and the
Head of Research in order to maintain and enhance AQA’s reputation in technical and vocational
assessment and its influence in the development of technical and vocational qualifications policy and
practice.
Key accountabilities
1.
Plan and direct research projects in the technical and vocational assessment strand(s) of CERP’s
work and to take responsibility for ensuring the completion of research projects.
2.
Contribute to the development of research strategy, within AQA’s overall Strategic Plan, by
identifying matters requiring research and suggesting ways of achieving the necessary outcomes,
including multi-method and/or collaborative ways of working.
3.
Contribute to the dissemination of AQA’s research work both internally and externally by identifying
opportunities for CERP’s impact and influence to be extended, and by the preparation of reports for
publication, the presentation of research reports at conferences and seminars, and otherwise as
appropriate.
4.
Enhance CERP’s impact and influence by engaging in joint research projects with researchers both
inside and outside AQA; if the latter, in particular, but not exclusively, researchers in universities and
in other Awarding Organisations in the UK and elsewhere.
5.
Represent CERP at internal and external meetings, providing expertise and guidance to the
organisation and wider stakeholders on technical and vocational assessment and qualifications. As
appropriate, this will include representing AQA at inter-awarding organisation research meetings and
specialist or research-focussed meetings with other bodies, including the regulatory authorities.
6.
Give specialist advice and assistance in support of AQA’s operational activities (especially, but not
exclusively, in respect of awarding, and/or development of qualification specifications and
assessments, and/or in other areas where CERP research and processes impact on AQA’s
operational delivery) and to have significant involvement in the documentation of procedures or
AQA Education (AQA) is a registered charity (number 1073334) and a company limited by guarantee registered in
England and Wales (number 3644723). Our registered address is AQA, Devas Street, Manchester M15 6EX.
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guidance with a high specialist content.
7.
Manage, train, coach and encourage the development of Researchers, Assistant Researchers
and/or Research Administrators as necessary and foster high levels of performance and contribution
through the creation of an engaging working environment.
8.
As appropriate, lead specialist and research-based contributions to AQA training programmes in
order to contribute to the continuous improvement of AQA products and services.
9.
Contribute to the organisation and preparation of tenders for externally funded research work where
these will support CERP’s research strategy and enhance AQA’s reputation.
General accountabilities
1.
To model leadership behaviours with confidence and to get the very best from direct reports and
teams by providing clarity, feedback, coaching and development, while continuously seeking to
enhance performance in line with business objectives.
2.
To comply with all AQA’s policies and other legislative requirements, including but not limited to
HSE, Equal Opportunities and ISMS.
3.
Where business needs change, to undertake other responsibilities which are of a commensurate
level outside the terms of this role profile.
Additional Information
In order to undertake this role you may be required to interact directly with students in a supervised
environment. Due to this interaction, this role has been identified as requiring a Disclosure Barring
Service (DBS) check in accordance with AQA’s Child Safeguarding Policy.
As post holders will or may be visiting customers and centres, there is a requirement for them to
complete a Child Safeguarding Declaration in line with the AQA Child Protection Policy.
Person profile
Knowledge
Assessment
A sound knowledge of a range of quantitative and/or qualitative research methods, preferably
including some knowledge of multivariate statistics.
A/I
Experience and understanding of technical and vocational qualifications and assessment
design
A/I/T
Qualification
A degree, preferably a higher degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field
A
Skills
The ability to think analytically and make reasoned arguments
I/T/P
The ability to analyse and interpret statistics and other research data in an informed way
I/T
The ability to write well for different audiences
A/P
Excellent communication and presentation skills
I/P
The ability to work independently, as part of a team, and in a leadership role
P
The ability to manage own and others’ workload, ensuring the production of accurate and
high quality work under time pressure and meeting deadlines
A/I/P
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The ability to consult and negotiate with a variety of people, internally and externally
A/I/P
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively
A/I/P
Good influencing skills and the ability to manage key stakeholders
I/P
Good general IT skills and the aptitude to learn new packages and processes, including
specialist packages.
A
Leadership skills
Set challenging targets and support staff to achieve them
I/P
Manage performance of staff effectively
I/P
Work flexibly and adapt management style to get the best performance from staff
I/P
Experience
Experience of developing or researching in the field of technical or vocational qualifications
and assessment
A/I
Experience of research and its successful communication in a relevant area of study at postgraduate level, or equivalent relevant experience
A/I
Publication through appropriate channels, including academic journals, is desirable
A
AQA’s Behaviour Framework which is assessed through the selection/probation process
Assessment key (criteria to be assessed at the selection stage)
A – application (it is essential to provide evidence on application for shortlisting purposes)
I - interview
T – test (or work sample)
P – probation
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