Job Description

Specialist, Researcher (English Language Assessment)

This role aligns to industry-level titles such as Assessment Researcher.

About the Role

We are looking for a motivated researcher to join our English Language Learning division, supporting the delivery, validation, and continuous improvement of high-stakes English language assessments used globally.

In this role, you will provide research, project management, and operational support across a wide range of research and validation activities. You will contribute to maintaining the quality, validity, and fairness of Pearson’s English language assessments while developing your own expertise in language assessment research.

Alongside supporting larger research programmes, you will have opportunities to design and conduct your own research studies, contributing to the evidence base supporting products such as PTE Academic and PTE Core.

Our Team

You will be part of the Assessment Research and Validity team, responsible for ensuring Pearson’s assessments are psychometrically sound, fit for purpose, and supported by robust validation evidence.

The team works across a broad range of activities including test performance monitoring, standards maintenance, field-testing research, stakeholder engagement, score concordance studies, technical advisory activities, externally funded research programmes, and validity research supporting both existing and new assessment products.

Location & Work Setup

• UK-based role with remote and hybrid working supported
• 37.5 hours per week, with flexibility to support global collaboration
• Occasional international travel may be required

Your Key Responsibilities

Research Project Support

• Support the planning, coordination, and delivery of research and validation projects across the English language assessment portfolio.
• Assist with project tracking, timelines, risk management, and stakeholder communication.
• Support participant recruitment, data collection, data management, and research administration activities.

• Contribute to the preparation of research reports, presentations, and supporting documentation.

Assessment Research & Analysis

• Conduct quantitative and qualitative analyses under the guidance of senior researchers.
• Support investigations into test performance, validity, reliability, fairness, and user experience.
• Assist with standards maintenance activities and evaluation of assessment outcomes.
• Contribute to the development of research evidence for existing and emerging assessment products.

• Design and conduct independent research projects aligned to team priorities and professional development goals.

External Research & Stakeholder Activities

• Support the administration and coordination of externally funded research projects.

• Support the organisation of Technical Advisory Group (TAG) meetings, workshops, and research events.

Communication & Knowledge Sharing

• Prepare summaries, reports, presentations, and briefing materials for internal and external audiences.
• Communicate research findings clearly and accurately to a range of stakeholders.
• Support conference submissions, publications, webinars, blogs, and other dissemination activities.
• Contribute to maintaining research documentation, team resources, and knowledge repositories.

What We're Looking For

Essential Skills & Experience

• Degree in education, applied linguistics, language testing, psychology, statistics, social science, or a related discipline.
• Experience supporting research, evaluation, or data analysis projects.
• Knowledge of research methods, validity theory, and psychometric concepts.
• Strong organisational and project management skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively across several projects simultaneously.
• Experience analysing and interpreting quantitative and/or qualitative data.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other standard research tools.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Collaborative approach and willingness to learn new research methods and technologies.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Familiarity with statistical analysis software such as R, SPSS, Wintsteps or similar tools.
• Experience working in language testing research environments.
• Experience supporting conferences, stakeholder events, or research dissemination activities.
• Experience working with large datasets or survey platforms.
• Interest in English language assessment, educational measurement, or assessment innovation.

Development Opportunities

This role provides opportunities to:

• Develop expertise in high-stakes language assessment and validation research.
• Build quantitative and qualitative research skills.
• Lead small-scale research studies and contribute to larger international research programmes.
• Present findings internally and externally.