Research Associate

Job summary

Ofqual is the independent qualifications regulator for England. We currently regulate 200+ awarding organisations, and approx. 11,600 certified qualifications.

These include GCSEs, AS and A levels, and a broad range of vocational and technical qualifications.

For more information about the work we do please visit our website and our Careers Pages https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofqual and
https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/ofqual-hub/

We are looking to recruit a high calibre Research Associate to our Standards Unit. The Standards Unit contributes to Ofqual’s statutory objective to secure qualification standards by conducting research and analysis on the design, development and delivery of qualifications In England.

Research and data underpin everything we do. Using innovative and critical approaches to analysis, we address complex questions that inform regulatory decision-making and reinforce our reputation as a credible authority. Our work has a direct impact on education, helping to ensure standards are appropriately assessed and maintained across national academic and vocational qualifications.

Job description

The postholder will use their strong mathematical skills, experience of working with large data sets, and interest in the innovative use of data, to solve complex problems related to the design, development and delivery of assessments. They will generate insights that will inform national policy and support public confidence in qualifications.

The role offers the opportunity to tackle complex statistical challenges, collaborate with leading assessment experts, and contribute to research with real societal impact. Although a background in assessment is desirable, it is not needed, because training and opportunities for developing expertise in assessment will be provided.

Person specification

Please refer to the job description attached for a full list of essential criteria to support your application.

Qualifications

A degree (preferably a higher degree) in a subject with an emphasis on a range of quantitative and/or qualitative research methods, or experience demonstrating the capabilities associated with a qualification at that level.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £42,983, Ofqual (Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) contributes £12,452 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

As a Civil Servant, you will benefit from a leading, modern employment offer which includes flexible working arrangements that support people at different stages in their lives, and pensions among the best available in the UK, as well as generous annual leave entitlements.

Other benefits you can enjoy include:

• Organisational performance related bonus
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Regular professional development
• Health and wellbeing initiatives such as mini-medicals, flu vaccinations
• Employee assistance programme and occupational health
• Free eye tests and contribution towards lenses/spectacles for VDU users, if appropriate
• Family friendly policies
• Interest free rail season ticket loan
• Access to exclusive discounts
• Free car parking

We are committed to promoting Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing throughout the organisation. We are proud of the action we are taking to support this. We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds to support our ethos of creating a diverse culture that is reflective of both our employees and the learners we support.

Due to our continued commitment and focus in relation to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, our inclusion and fair treatment score based on the Civil Service 2024 annual people survey ranks us joint 5th out of 104 participating departments.

Ofqual is a rewarding, dynamic place to work. We offer employees the opportunity to develop within their role and progress through the organisation via a number of Learning and Development opportunities and activities.

Ofqual has a highly engaged workforce. Our 2024 Civil Service People Survey score on engagement was 71%, against 64% for the whole Civil Service, and was the joint 12th highest of the 104 participating CS departments.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

Please note that Ofqual does not offer Visa sponsorship.

You will be assessed on the Behaviours shown above at interview stage.

Ofqual has adopted anonymised recruitment. This means that your name, date of birth and other personal details will not be seen by the sift panel. You’ll be asked to remove all personal details from your CV when you apply.

When you press the ‘apply now’ button, you will be asked to complete personal details (not seen by the shortlisting panel), your career history and qualifications.

You will then be asked to provide a personal statement evidencing how you meet the essential criteria shown on the job description attached to this advert. Once this job has closed, the job description will no longer be available. You may wish to save a copy for your records.

Please ensure you demonstrate clearly, within your personal statement, how you meet these requirements as this will form a key part of your evidence when the panel is scoring your application, against the requirements of the role.

Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift will be undertaken using the work history and personal statement against the lead essential criteria, which is experience of analysing data using analytical or statistical software (such as R, Python, SAS or NVivo) and interpreting complex statistical and technical information.

During the interview process, this vacancy will include a presentation and/or task. You will be assessed on interpreting technical assessment data and information.

We reserve the right to offer a second interview, if required.

Please submit your application by 7 October 2026 at 23:55pm.

Interview dates 28 and 30 October 2026 – (subject to change).

We often have similar roles available at different grades. If a candidate is suitable for a similar role or at a lower grade than they