About EPI
The Education Policy Institute is an independent, impartial and evidence-based research institute that aims to promote high quality education outcomes for all children and young people, regardless of social background. We’re known for producing research that both informs and influences public debate and policy-making.
We believe that public services should be designed using the best available evidence. Our research aims to improve outcomes throughout the education system, in the early years, in schools and colleges and through technical, vocational and academic pathways. Because we believe that young people’s wellbeing is crucial to their achievement and outcomes, we also conduct research into mental health and inclusion.
We employ a team of dedicated statisticians, economists and communication experts who produce high quality research and ensure that it reaches a wide range of audiences, including the top level of government and the national media.
The position
The Education Policy Institute is now looking for a Senior Researcher to develop our higher education research programme and to develop our position on key emerging issues.
Higher education is rarely far from the centre of the education policy debate. With current inflation levels and the associated impacts on cost of living, higher education fees and funding have become live issues yet again. And though significant time and funding is devoted to widening participation, disadvantaged groups remain much less likely to access university. The impact of the pandemic on access, learning, and progression also appears to be far from over. Moreover, with higher education policy becoming increasingly politically charged, the need for impartial evidence-based policy is greater than ever.
Research priorities might include:
- Widening participation into higher education – are we investing in the most effective way?
- The sustainability of the higher education funding model, for students, institutions and the exchequer given the current economy.
- The impact of the pandemic on higher education outcomes for students.
You will lead high quality projects to shed further light on these and other priorities. This will typically involve:
- Undertaking quantitative analysis, using large administrative datasets.
- Developing, testing and collaborating to identify policy solutions.
- Communicating findings to policy-makers and the sector and mainstream media.
- Developing research proposals, and securing funding.
- Leading the project management of the research.
You will also develop expertise with matched education and employment outcome data (Longitudinal Education Outcomes), to inform research looking at the longer-term outcomes associated with different higher and further education pathways.
You will report to David Robinson, Director for Post 16 and Skills.
Requirements
- A researcher with at least two to three years’ experience in higher education research, plus a strong, largely numerate, degree.
- The ability to lead on research projects that result in clear policy recommendations.
- Strong quantitative analytical skills that can be exploited across a range of statistical and/or econometric techniques, and preferably experience of using large administrative datasets.
- An enthusiastic team player who is keen to help build a growing research institute.
- A confident communicator who wants to get out and explain research to educators, policy-makers, and journalists.
Benefits
- A salary of £35,000 – £44,999 depending on experience, plus 8 per cent employer pension contributions.
- 30 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays. EPI also shuts between Christmas and New Year.
- Season ticket loans and a cycle to work scheme.
- We are a Time to Change employer and we provide an employee mental health assistance programme.
- We welcome part-time applicants and applications on secondment or in addition to academic roles within universities.
Location
EPI’s offices are based in central London, on Buckingham Palace Road and are very well connected – situated just 5 minutes away from Victoria Station.
We currently operate a hybrid office-homeworking policy, with staff in the office at least two days a week. This is subject to business requirements, and this policy may change in future.
How to apply
The application also asks for specific examples under three of the competences that make up EPI’s core competences. For each answer you may find the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) approach to structuring your response helpful.
The position closes on the 7th October at 5pm.
If you have any questions about the post, the application process or require any reasonable adjustments, please do contact info@epi.org.uk before applying and we’ll be happy to discuss it.
Please note that we are only able to consider applicants who have a right to work in the UK as we are unfortunately unable to sponsor applicants at this time. For more guidance on the right to work in the UK please visit: https://www.gov.uk/prove-right-to-work
EPI’s commitment to having a diverse workforce
EPI is committed to having a diverse workforce and eliminating discrimination. Our aim is that each employee within the organisation feels respected and able to give of their best. This commitment is in keeping with EPI’s mission and purpose to improve the outcomes for all children and young people regardless of background.
We need your support, so we especially welcome applications from candidates from Black, Asian, Mixed or Multiple and Other Minority Ethnic backgrounds. We especially welcome these candidates to discuss the role and any questions they have with the hiring panel prior to application.
We also ask all candidates fill out an optional and anonymous diversity monitoring form alongside their application form to help us understand how we can improve the fairness of our recruitment process. Staff involved in sifting and interviewing candidates will not have access to this data. The form is entirely voluntary so if you would rather not disclosure this information please click through to the end of the form.