UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM
RECRUITMENT ROLE PROFILE FORM

Job Title: Senior Research Fellow (fixed-term)

School: School of Education

Salary: £37,394 to £40,847 per annum, depending on skills and experience.

Job family & level: Research & Teaching Level 5

Contract Status: Fixed term 1 September 2015 to 28 February 2017

Hours of Work: Full-time

Location: The School of Education, Jubilee Campus

Reporting to: Professor Jeremy Hodgen

Background

This post is to work on theICCAMS2:Increasing mathematical competence and confidence at Key Stage 3project.ICCAMS2 is a joint project between the Centre for Research in Mathematics Education (CRME) at the University of Nottingham and the Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring (CEM) at Durham University.The study will be directed by Professor Jeremy Hodgen, and is funded by the Educational Endowment Foundation. This is an exciting opportunity to investigate the use of research to improve mathematics teaching and learning.

ICCAMS2 follows on from the 4.5 year ESRC-funded ICCAMS project, which focused on ways of improving the teaching and learning of mathematics using formative assessment and feedback. In the original project, the research team developed an intervention aimed at supporting teachers to use classroom assessment to tailor their teaching to the learning needs of their students. ICCAMS2 will conduct a large-scale trial of the intervention following further development and piloting of lessons and professional development materials.The research at Nottingham will involve working as part of a team to conduct mixed methods research, design and pilot research-based professional development materials to support the ICCAMS intervention at scale, and adapt the intervention to include a specific focus on low attaining students. The subsequent randomised controlled trial of the intervention will led by Victoria Menzies at Durham University.

The successful candidate will have a successful track record of leading professional development and/or research in mathematics education and have a good knowledge of 11-16 school mathematics. S/he will be able to demonstrate the ability to design innovativeresearch-basedmaterials and to conduct qualitative research.

Mathematics Education at the University of Nottingham

The Centre for Research in Mathematics Education is a world-leading research centre with a large and vibrant group of researchers. The Centre continues to build upon the work of the Shell Centre for Mathematical Education and has particular strengths in the design and analysis of processes, products and experiences with and for teachers and learners. The Centre currently has more than 10 funded research projects focused on a wide range of themes including lesson study and problem-solving, the value of mathematics qualifications, mathematical modelling, setting and mixed-ability teaching and low attainment in mathematics.

Main duties and responsibilities

The appointee will undertake a range of activities including:

·  Playing a lead role in the organisation, development and delivery of the ICCAMS2 professional development intervention;

·  Designing, trialling, evaluating and refining professional development materials and teaching materials in mathematics;

·  Reviewing relevant research literature;

·  Being responsible for organisation of, setting up and undertaking qualitative and quantitative fieldwork with teachers and students;

·  Developing measures and instruments for use in the main trial of ICCAMS;

·  Organising, and contributing to the planning and production of, high-quality videos for use in professional development;

·  Undertaking analysis of findings, including writing research papers for publication;

·  Organising project publicity, dissemination and ‘impact’ work, including writing newsletters and policy briefings;

·  Contributing to research administration and support as required by the project team;

·  Contributing to the recruitment of professional development leads and schools for the trial;

·  In conjunction with the ICCAMS2 project director, liaising with project partners (including Durham University, the Education Endowment Foundation, Manchester University and the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics);

·  Participate in external networks, including liaison with senior figures;

·  Participate in the life of the School of Education and the Centre for Research in Mathematics Education.

Regular national travel, including some occasional overnight stays will be part of the role.

Person Specification

Essential / Desirable
Qualifications/
Education / ·  A higher degree in a relevant social science subject or equivalent
·  QTS / Initial Teacher Education qualification
·  Some prior training in quantitative, qualitative and/or design research methods / ·  A PhD in a relevant social science subject.
·  Holds excellent or advanced skills teacher status.
·  Active member of professional teaching associations.
·  A publications record.
Skills/Training / ·  Expertise in creative and innovative design of professional development and/or teaching resources for secondary school mathematics teachers.
·  Ability to apply research findings to the design of innovative professional development materials for schools.
·  Ability to write high-quality papers, reports and articles for a variety of audiences.
·  Ability to present clearly to multiple audiences
·  IT skills necessary to produce high-quality materials for schools and for the analysis of research data.
·  Ability to devise, pursue and sustain a personal research plan.
·  Knowledge of educational policy and practice in mathematics education. / ·  Knowledge of research literature on formative assessment and professional development.
Experience / ·  An experienced qualified teacher of Mathematics.
·  Extensive experience of leading & designing professional development of practising teachers and/or student teachers of Mathematics.
·  Designing high quality innovative materials for schools.
·  Has managed or co-ordinated research team members and/or research activities.
·  Experienced in implementing formative assessment effectively. / ·  Expertise in middle leadership in an educational setting.
·  Experience of mixed-methods research, including qualitative and quantitative analysis.
·  Experience of multi-partner projects.
Personal Attributes / ·  Strong analytic skills.
·  Strong communication skills, oral and written.
·  Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
·  Able to work under own initiative, under supervision from the project director and other senior team members.
·  Ability to multi-task and to meet deadlines.
·  Shows enthusiasm and commitment to the improvement of Mathematics Education in schools.

The School of Education is committed to reviewing its work and practices to ensure organisational effectiveness. Applicants should be aware that roles and responsibilities will inevitably evolve over time and be prepared to adapt as necessary.