Research Fellow

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/

As a Research Fellow in our Research & Analysis directorate, you’ll be working alongside experienced and knowledgeable colleagues to support intelligent, evidence-based regulation of exams and qualifications. Our work strengthens regulatory decision-making and supports our position as a credible authority through innovative, critical approaches to research and evaluation.

What the postholder will be doing?

As a Research Fellow, you will:

• Apply your assessment knowledge and research skills to help influence the way exams and qualifications are regulated during a period of qualification reform
• Design and deliver research that helps maintain standards, ensure fairness for students, and safeguard public confidence, while meeting the challenges associated with significant change – including developments in AI and on-screen assessment

You will be:

• An experienced researcher who is keen to apply and further develop your specialist knowledge and expertise
• Able to combine understanding of assessment with an appreciation of the big picture to produce impactful research

A degree (preferably a higher degree) in a subject with an emphasis on a range of quantitative and/or qualitative research methods, or experience in a similar role, demonstrating the ability to apply specialist knowledge and expertise

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths 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 are:

• Experience of research leadership such as designing and managing a programme of research or multiple complex research projects, using a range of qualitative and/or qualitative methods
• The ability to design and deliver creative and innovative research projects to solve complex technical research problems and address complex issues

During the interview process, this vacancy will include a presentation and/or task. You will be assessed on excellent written and oral communication skills, and the ability to communicate complex and technical information with clarity to a range of audiences.

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

Please submit your application by 21 September 2026 at 23:55pm.

Interview dates 7 and 9 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 applied for, we may extend an offer without the need to go through a further selection process, providing the role has comparable behaviours and essential criteria.

Ofqual works flexibly, with a hybrid office/home based working model. Employees will spend a minimum of two days per week working from our office in Coventry. As Coventry will be your base location expenses for travel to the office will not be paid.

Final panel interviews will be held in person. Further details will be provided at invite to interview stage.

One of our resourcing colleagues will be on hand to answer any queries you may have throughout the process.

Please be aware that expenses incurred by candidates during the recruitment process will not be reimbursed.

A reserve list may be held for up to 6 months. Ofqual may use this to fill future suitably similar vacancies for candidates who are considered appointable following interview.

Reasonable adjustments

If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.

If you require assistance or need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should tell us what changes or help you might need further in the recruitment process.

For instance, you may need wheelchair access at an interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional. You should contact us at recruitment@ofqual.gov.uk to discuss your needs.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.