Emerging Researcher: Future of English

British Council English Language Research (BCELR) work is based on building meaningful, enduring and respectful relationships across different cultures, and proactively supporting educational reform as well as language teaching, learning and assessment thought leadership through a strong evidence-based research programme. The Researcher will be a critical member of British Council English Language Research (ELR), based in the Future of English (FoE) hub providing knowledgeable and research-based advice and product as well as project support in areas related to FoE within English & Exams (E&E).

The main purpose of the role is to strengthen the British Council's research and development potential by adding to our existing and emerging high-level expertise in English language teaching, learning and assessment (TLA) research and development, specifically through the Future of English programme.

The role holder will contribute to the British Council's thought leadership agenda in TLA by participating in various research, dissemination and engagement activities to support the Future of English programme and the overall strategy of British Council English Language Research (ELR). The role will support on implementing and operationalising projects and research undertaken and commissioned by the Future of English core team. The role will regularly interact with stakeholders internally and externally to help support and develop the Future of English programme strategy.,

• Contributes to building a body of work through supporting research, publication and dissemination that builds and enhances the British Council's position of international leadership and authority in TLA.


• Supports the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) of FoE projects through collating, cleaning, and managing research data sets under the supervision of FoE researchers.


• Constructs data collection instruments, such as questionnaires, and relevant monitoring tools under the supervision of FoE and ELR researchers.


• Where required, runs routine analysis procedures commensurate with area of research interest and expertise on research data sets under the supervision of FoE and ELR researchers in order to acquire the necessary skills to use specialist software required for such purposes.


• Participates as a co-researcher in data collection and analysis for research projects under the supervision of FoE researchers and, where appropriate, contributes to producing research reports, papers, and presentations on the outcomes of such research projects.


• Carries out literature reviews for specific topics and projects, identifying relevant published resources, and providing summaries of articles and papers for project members.


• Develops an up-to-date knowledge of TLA theory and practice to enable FoE research and projects to be forward-looking and innovative.


• With support, represents the British Council externally to enhance its reputation as a leading authority in TLA research, learning and educational reform, promoting and supporting new collaborative opportunities in the area.


Relationship and stakeholder management

• Builds networks and collaborates with TLA practitioners, content developers, educators, and trainers in order to support FoE strategy.


• Supports the production of research reports and publications by FoE, including carrying out proofreading, reference checking, and document editing, as well as liaising with internal and external project partners, editors, and publishers to ensure publications are produced on schedule.


• Carries out communications as required on a project-by-project basis with internal and external stakeholders for FoE.


Product or programme/management or development

• Under strategic leadership guidance, supports the development of knowledge-sharing activities to raise awareness of FoE research and programme practice across the British Council and with external stakeholders (e.g., educators and researchers).


• With support, contributes to the regional capability to deliver high quality digital and face-to-face engagement activities around FoE themes including workshops, webinars and presentations.


• As required, participates in internal working group/peer networks to maintain a detailed understanding of both current and prospective products/programmes/services and uses these insights to support effective delivery of FoE activities.


• Supports the delivery of major international conferences and events that bring together policy makers, researchers and educators to exchange state-of-the-art information on language assessment, learning and educational reform.


• Supports the integration and application of M&E systems and processes into FoE work and follows mandated ELR processes.


• Supports the administration of FoE programme activities as required.


Additional job requirements

• International and domestic travel for projects, conferences, meetings as required.


• Participating in meetings across time-zones for projects as required.


• Working both with dispersed teams or face-to-face as required
  
  This role is well suited to an emerging applied linguistics researcher with practical experience in areas of English language teaching (ELT) who is actively seeking an opportunity to build their professional portfolio and significantly contribute to vibrant research in the area of English language., Some prior participation in (joint or individual) research and research publication(s).


• Experience running routine data analysis, either QUAN or QUAL.


• Experience of communicating research and/or theory to external audiences in both written and spoken modes.


Desirable

• Experience collaborating on the collection and analysis of applied linguistics data for research purposes.



• Experience of participation in live online dissemination activities.


• Experience of developing and/or delivering workshops/training for teachers and other stakeholders, + Ability to work collaboratively on the collection and analysis of applied linguistics data for research purposes.


• Ability to run routine data analysis, whether QUAL or QUAN, using analytical tools or methods.


• Ability to develop and deliver workshops/training to stakeholders on a variety of topic areas, as required.
  
  We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide.


We work directly with individuals to help them gain the skills, confidence and connections to transform their lives and shape a better world in partnership with the UK. We support them to build networks and explore creative ideas, to learn English, to get a high-quality education and to gain internationally recognised qualifications.

Working with people in over 200 countries and territories, we are on the ground in more than 100 countries. In 2021-22 we reached 650 million people.

Emerging Researcher: Future of English, This role is intended to add significantly to the British Council's 'World Authority' status in English language teaching, learning and assessment, including contributing to projects under the remit of wider BCELR. A core aspect of the role is to actively support the dissemination of Future of English research, as well as the products and projects of the wider organisation, to different audiences and through different channels. The role will also support projects and programmes across BCELR in their area of expertise and to widen their professional experience, e.g. supporting conferences and research programmes where necessary., The British Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults who we work with.

We believe that all children and adults everywhere in the world deserve to live in safe environments and have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, maltreatment and exploitation as set out in article 19, UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) 1989.

Appointment to positions where there is direct involvement with vulnerable groups will be dependent on thorough checks being completed; these will include qualification checks, reference checks, identity & criminal record checks in line with legal requirements and with the British Council's Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children.


• 32 days annual leave, in addition to public holidays


• 3 days volunteering leave


• Career average defined benefit pension scheme


• An unrivalled opportunity for you to get to use all the experience you've built up working in and / or leading global organisations to support us in building trust across the world