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Purpose:

The Research Associate is responsible for promoting and sustaining a culture of research and inquiry across the school. The role supports teachers in engaging with practitioner-led action research, facilitates the translation of educational research into classroom practice, and ensures that research findings contribute to school improvement priorities.

The postholder coordinates the school's annual action research programme, provides guidance and support to teacher-researchers throughout the research process, and develops partnerships that strengthen the school's engagement with evidence-informed practice. Through these activities, the Research Associate seeks to increase staff confidence in research, foster professional inquiry, and support continuous improvement in teaching and learning.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Research Engagement and Knowledge Mobilisation

• Review, synthesise, and disseminate educational research aligned with school priorities.
• Produce and share research summaries, briefings, resources, and opportunities relevant to staff.
• Maintain a repository of research resources, publications, and practitioner inquiry outputs.
• Promote awareness and understanding of evidence-informed practice across the school.

Practitioner Research and Inquiry

• Coordinate the annual teacher action research cycle.
• Act as the primary point of contact for teachers undertaking practitioner research.
• Support teachers in developing research questions, designing projects, collecting and analysing data, and reporting findings.
• Provide guidance throughout the research process, including proposal development, midpoint reflection, and final reporting.
• Monitor project timelines, milestones, participation, and completion requirements.
• Facilitate opportunities for teachers to share, discuss, and disseminate their research findings.
• Support the publication and presentation of practitioner research where appropriate.

Professional Learning and Capacity Building

• Align and support professional learning opportunities related to research literacy, action research, and evidence-informed practice.
• Support staff in developing the skills and confidence required to engage in practitioner inquiry.
• Encourage participation in research while respecting professional autonomy and voluntary engagement.

Strategic Contribution and School Improvement

• Provide research-informed insights to support school improvement priorities and decision-making.
• Prepare reports and updates for SLT on research activities, participation, outcomes, and emerging themes.
• Support the translation of practitioner research findings into recommendations for classroom practice and school improvement initiatives.

Project Coordination and Partnerships

• Lead and coordinate research-related initiatives within the school and monitor their impact.
• Maintain and develop partnerships with universities, research organisations, and professional networks.
• Facilitate opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and professional learning through external partnerships.
• Support and coordinate externally led research projects conducted within the school where appropriate.

Research Showcase and Dissemination

• Coordinate opportunities for staff to present and celebrate their research findings.
• Plan and organise the research component of school-wide professional events, including the annual teacher research showcase.
• Liaise with external guests, judges, and partners to support the dissemination and recognition of practitioner research.

Expectations

• Maintain high standards of academic integrity and ethical practice.
• Promote critical engagement with evidence and reflective professional dialogue.
• Foster a positive and inclusive culture of inquiry and continuous improvement.
• Adapt responsibilities in response to evolving school priorities and developments in educational research.

Success Indicators

• Increased staff engagement with research and professional inquiry.
• Growth in the number and quality of action research projects completed.
• Evidence of practitioner research informing classroom practice and school improvement initiatives.
• Positive staff attitudes towards research and evidence-informed practice.
• Development of productive external partnerships that enhance research opportunities for staff.

Work Location: In person