KTP Research Associate in Mathematics Learning (Fixed Term)

Nottingham; Bedford; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training budget £2,000 p.a.

Job summary

The University of Nottingham invites applications for a KTP Research Associate (Mathematics Learning) based at Maths Circle in Bedford. You will conduct rigorous applied research in an EdTech setting, translating findings into product changes that improve maths learning at scale.

You will work with researchers, product teams, designers and engineers to turn evidence into practical changes, and evaluate impact on engagement and learning outcomes. This is a 24-month fixed-term, full-time post.

Qualifications

• PhD (or close to completion) in Cognitive Development, Mathematical Cognition, Mathematics Education or related field.
• Knowledge of a range of research designs and methods.
• Excellent data analysis skills for large datasets.
• Experience conducting research with child participants.
• Experience with primary schools and the education sector.
• Ability to manage projects and communicate progress clearly.
• Industrial experience or commercial awareness is desirable.

Skills

PhD

Research methods

Data analysis

Child participants

Primary schools

Project management

Communication

Industrial experience

Education

PhD in Cognitive Development / Mathematical Cognition / Mathematics Education

Tools

Statistical software

Job description

KTP Research Associate in Mathematics Learning (Fixed Term)

Location
UK Other

Salary
£35,000 to £48,000per annum, depending on skills and experience.

Closing Date
Friday 09 October 2026

Reference
SCI1664626

The University of Nottingham invites applications for a KTP Research Associate (Mathematics Learning) to join a unique collaboration with Maths Circle, the team behind Times Tables Rock Stars and NumBots. This is an opportunity to carry out rigorous applied research in a fast-moving EdTech environment, and to see your findings translate directly into product changes that can improve the experience of maths learning for children at scale.

Maths Circle’s ambition is simple: to help every child confidently say, “I am good at maths.”

Supported by academics within the University of Nottingham’s Human Development and Learning Research Group and Loughborough University’s Centre for Mathematical Cognition, you will lead a high-profile Knowledge Transfer Partnership exploring how psychological factors such as maths anxiety, attitudes and self-concept influence engagement and learning.

Why this role is different

What makes this role unusual is the closeness between research and implementation. You will not simply produce findings and hand them over. You will work alongside researchers, product teams,designersand engineers to turn evidence into practical changes, then help evaluate whether those changes improve engagement,confidenceand learning outcomes. Based at Maths Circle in Bedford, your research could directly influence how questions are sequenced, how learners are supported when they disengage, the impact of confidence or anxiety, and what insights teachers receive about the children in their class.

You will have the opportunity to work with rich, large-scale learner data alongside newly collected psychological and qualitative data, creating a rare opportunity to connect what children do, how they feel, and how they learn.

You will have:

• A PhD (or close to completion) in Cognitive Development, Mathematical Cognition, Mathematics Education or a closely related discipline.
• Knowledge and experience of a range of research methods and designs.
• Excellent advanced data analysis skills of large data sets.
• Experience carrying out research with child participants.
• Experience working in or with primary schools and understanding of the education sector.
• Ability to manage projects effectively and communicate progress clearly with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Prior industrial experience or commercial awareness are desirable.

This exciting opportunity is funded through aKnowledge Transfer Partnership(KTP). KTP is a UK Government scheme promoting mutually beneficial relationships between universitiesand industry. You will have your own budget (£2,000pa) for training and CPD, helping you develop your skillset and reach your personal/professional career goals.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. We value different working styles and can offer reasonable adjustments during recruitment and in the workplace.

This is a fixed-term position for 24 months, working full-time at 35 hours per week.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Lucy Cragg, email address: [e-mail].

Travel expenses for interviews cannot be reimbursed for this position.

It is a condition of this post that satisfactory enhanced disclosure is obtained from the 'Disclosure and Barring Service'.

Our university is a supportive, inclusive, caring and positive community. We welcome those of different cultures, ethnicities and beliefs – indeed this very diversity is vital to our success, it is fundamental to our values and enriches life on campus. Visit Equality, Diversity and Inclusion website.

To help you succeed, we published Candidate Guidance to provide support on the application and interview process.

We welcome applications from UK, Europe and worldwide and aim to make your move to the UK as smooth as possible. Visit Moving to Nottingham page for details.

Your application will be considered on an equal basis, subject to the relevant permission to work in the UK as set out by UK Visas & Immigration .