National Foundation for Educational Research

JOB DESCRIPTION

Senior Statistician

Job Title: Senior Statistician, Grade 7 Department: Research Responsible to: Head of Statistics Purpose: To contribute to the development of NFER as a leading statistical organisation, strengthening the quality of proactive and contract proposals, statistical methodologies and project outcomes.

To work closely with the Head of Statistics to build on NFER’s understanding of the policy context, developing strong client relationships, and designing research and product development initiatives to broaden NFER’s reach and impact.

To contribute to research and development projects at a strategic level, to input into creative thinking and innovation.

To further develop an understanding of statistical methods by investigating alternative techniques used by academics and other research organisations.

To assist the Head of Statistics and the Research Director- Statistics in leading a group of statisticians, psychometricians and trial managers in developing NFERs statistical and quantitative capabilities in relation to assessing and measuring the impact of policy and/or programme delivery across education in the UK and internationally.

To work on internally and externally funded statistical projects and analyses as directed by the Head of Statistics Main Responsibilities:

Charged-for project work, 72% Project responsibilities include:

 Carrying out and presenting complex statistical/quantitative analyses for projects.  Managing the allocated statistical/quantitative elements of projects assigned to the centre, ensuring analysis is accurate, appropriate, on time and within budget.  Assisting the project leader in determining the most efficient use of the project team in completing all required analysis.  Devising and contributing to the statistical/quantitative elements of proposals and project design, including estimating associated costs.  Providing statistical/quantitative advice, instruction and training to research staff.  Developing a wider understanding of other quantitative methods used within educational research.  Ensuring quality assurance procedures are in place, fit for purpose and being used across the department.  Building strong client relationships and attending and reporting on regular client meetings;  Designing and delivering projects to ensure that they have an impact on learners, practitioners or policy makers.  General administration, including maintaining records of analyses carried out, time spent on projects and archiving.  Contributing to research reports and papers, attending conferences and otherwise taking part in the dissemination of the Foundation's activities.

Non-project time, 28% Responsibilities include:

 Developing client and partner relationships and to contribute to the developing of new clients  To take a lead on reviewing our current statistical processes to determine whether they are fit for purpose  To review and develop alternative techniques  To lead on the development of training/induction resources for statisticians and quantitative researchers  Working with line manager and direct reports to discuss performance, targets and development needs  Attending training courses, seminars or conferences as required by the role and agreed with the line manager  Participation in NFER working groups as agreed with line manager  Attending departmental or NFER-wide meetings  Representing the Foundation at external meetings as required.  Leading on dissemination activities, creating opportunities to enable NFER’s research to have an impact  Conducting other professional duties from time to time, as directed by the Head of Statistics.

Line management skills:  Identifies the future direction for the Research Department and Foundation by recognising and responding to the internal /external environment and the bigger picture  Creates a climate for personal and team development  Contributes to the development and communication of a clear and motivating vision  Builds and maintains strong working relationships with individuals at all levels  Ensures NFER is a collaborative organisation  Initiates innovative and successful change.

Staff Supervised (if any): As Required

Person Specification:

Essential qualities:  Well qualified in statistics, or economics, with a degree with a high statistical content  Proven experience of working in a statistical/econometric experience  Knowledgeable about survey research and secondary analysis of data  Experienced user of statistical software, particularly STATA and SPSS but including other statistical packages such as R, MPlus and MLWin  Able to lead projects, from formation of idea to final report and to lead other statisticians and researchers within project teams  Able to lead on income generating proposals and to draft their statistical components  Able to contribute to income generating activities  A practical and well-organised approach to the analysis of data  Able to ensure the quality of all statistical outputs  Able to work quickly and accurately to meet deadlines  Able to communicate effectively, both with researchers and with other statisticians and to communicate analysis findings to a variety of audiences  Able to work flexibly as a member of a team with an interest in education or general social science research  Able to contribute to Foundation-wide strategic activities.

Desirable:  Higher degree beneficial.