Research and Innovation Associate

University-of-Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Oxford's Department of Education invites applications for a part-time (0.6FTE) Research and Innovation Associate to work on an ESRC-funded project led by Dr Sara Ratner.

The post starts on 1 November 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter) and involves collaboration with the UK Department for Education, Ofqual and Oak National Academy to advance publicly funded pupil data as a strategic asset.

Qualifications

• A relevant PhD/DPhil, together with relevant experience
• Possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline
• Ability to manage own academic research and associated activities
• Previous experience of contributing to publications/presentations
• Ability to contribute ideas for new research projects and research income generation
• Excellent communication skills, including writing for publication, presenting proposals and results, and representing the research group at meetings

Responsibilities

• Work with the PI to undertake research for the ESRC-funded project
• Collaborate with partners including the UK Department for Education, Ofqual and Oak National Academy
• Contribute to publications and presentations
• Develop ideas for new research projects and income generation

Skills

PhD/DPhil

Research management

Publications & presentations

Proposal development

Communication skills

AI/Learning analytics (desirable)

Education

PhD / DPhil

Job description

Department of Education, 15 Norham Gardens, Oxford, OX2 6PY.

The Department of Education is seeking to appoint a part-time (0.6FTE)Research and Innovation Associate to work on an ESRC-funded project with Dr Sara Ratner (PI).

The post will be available from 1 November 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The successful candidate will work with PI to undertake research for the ESRC-funded project, Publicly Funded Pupil Data as a Strategic Asset, in collaboration with the UK Department for Education, Ofqual, and Oak National Academy.

Candidates should have:

• A relevant PhD/Dphil, together with relevant experience
• Possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline
• Ability to manage own academic research and associated activities
• Previous experience of contributing to publications/presentations
• Ability to contribute ideas for new research projects and research income generation
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write for publication, present research proposals and results, and represent the research group at meetings

A research focus on AI or learning analytics, expertise in research methodologies and analytical strategies common in education, and an interest in multi-disciplinary collaboration would be desirable.

The University of Oxford is committed to equal opportunity and to being a place where everyone belongs and is supported to succeed. We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds, including those under-represented within higher education.