Research Associate (ED13285)

University of Bath; Bath; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious education institution in Bath seeks a motivated Research Associate focused on civic and citizenship education. The role demands a PhD in relevant fields and experience with the ICCS study's data. The candidate will contribute research on vocational education's impact on young people's civic knowledge and ensure high-quality academic outputs. The position offers substantial benefits, including generous leave, counseling services, and development opportunities in a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Free counselling services

Cycle to work scheme

Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme

Staff discount at Team Bath gym

Generous employer contributory pension schemes

Relocation allowance

Qualifications

• PhD in education or related field, focusing on civic education.
• Deep understanding of the ICCS study and vocational education systems in Europe.
• Experience applying methods such as IRT, SEM, or MG-CFA.

Responsibilities

• Contribute studies on vocational education and civic engagement.
• Coordinate expert meetings and collaborate internationally.
• Prepare high-quality academic outputs and support funding applications.

Skills

Advanced quantitative methods

Civic and citizenship education

Research collaboration

Written and presentation skills

Organizational skills

Education

Doctorate in education, social sciences, applied statistics, or policy analysis

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute high‑quality studies with a particular focus on how vocational education across Europe shapes young people's civic knowledge, attitudes, and engagement.
• Apply methods such as IRT, SEM, and MG‑CFA, using R or Mplus.
• Coordinate expert meetings and maintain partnerships with international collaborators, governments, and academic institutions.
• Produce high‑quality academic outputs (e.g. concept briefs, international study reports) and contribute to the development of conceptual frameworks, assessment instruments, and analytical and reporting strategies, supporting funding applications and contributing to ISC's research agenda.

This is an excellent opportunity to make a global impact in civic and citizenship education while advancing your career in a supportive, internationally connected environment.

We seek a motivated Research Associate with expertise in civic and citizenship education and experience with the content and data of the ICCS study. You should be proactive, collaborative, and committed to academic excellence.

Qualifications

• A doctorate in education, social sciences, applied statistics or policy analysis, with expertise in civic and citizenship education.
• Strong conceptual knowledge of civic and citizenship education and of the ICCS study, a solid understanding of vocational education systems (particularly in Europe), and proficiency in advanced quantitative methods.
• Excellent written and presentation skills, along with organisational skills to manage complex tasks.
• Commitment to teamwork, ethical research, and innovation, with potential for building networks and securing funding.

A lower grade offer may be made (Grade 6) with comparable reduction in responsibilities and amendment in job title to Research Assistant, if a suitable applicant cannot be found to fill the Grade 7 position. Applicants will need to be within six months of their course completion date and will be promoted to Research Associate once their PhD has been awarded.

The University of Bath hosts the International Study Centre (ISC) for the International Civic and Citizenship Education Study (ICCS), a major comparative research programme exploring how young people in 27 countries are prepared for citizenship. Funded by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA), ICCS informs educational policy and practice worldwide.

Benefits

• Free counselling services through Health Assured
• Cycle to work scheme
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
• Staff discount at Team Bath gym
• Staff discounts on postgraduate tuition fees
• Staff discount on language courses
• Generous employer contributory pension schemes
• Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
• A wide range of personal and professional development opportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning and more
• Free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
• Local discounts and more
• A family‑friendly workplace
• An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
• Relocation allowance
• Visa reimbursement and Interest‑Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses

Find out more about our benefits and watch the video to hear from our staff about what makes the University of Bath a great place to work as well as following us on X and LinkedIn.