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About the Role

The primary purpose of the position is to provide research support to the School of Education, Youth, Childhood and Sport, with a particular focus on Initial Teacher Education (ITE) and aligned to the work of the Post-Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) programmes in Wales. 
The role holder will assist the Head of School and Director of the PGCE in Wales to promote research related to Initial Teacher Education in Wales within the Faculty and that of the School of Education, Youth, Childhood and Sport more broadly. The role holder will also support and co-ordinate the research of a team of ITE Curriculum Tutors supporting the PGCE programme in Wales. Mentoring and supporting the postdoc’s personal research programme will be covered in appropriate ways.

Please note: the earliest start date for this role is 1 April 2026

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research in education with a focus on Welsh context and Initial Teacher Education (ITE), ensuring compliance with ethical and legal standards.
• Coordinate and support research for the PGCE programme and the School, working closely with the Director and Curriculum Tutors to develop a strategic approach.
• Review literature and produce summaries; assist with grant submissions and data collection or fieldwork as needed.
• Write and publish scholarly papers, co-author publications, and contribute to books and other outputs.
• Disseminate research findings through academic channels and communicate to wider audiences, including the OU ITE Partnership.
• Support the Director PGCE in enhancing the research profile of Curriculum Tutors, including alignment, bids, and engagement with research communities.
• Provide editorial assistance and organise events relevant to ITE research.
• Collaborate with researchers across the OU ITE Partnership and external academic, public sector, and school organisations.

About You

Essential:

• PhD in a relevant area of education, such as Welsh educational context and reform, teacher education, or initial teacher education.
• Proven ability to conduct literature reviews and collect, analyse, and synthesise qualitative and/or quantitative data using multiple research methods.
• Strong academic skills, including interpreting literature, developing conceptual frameworks, contributing to debates, and communicating effectively.
• Demonstrated capacity for independent and team-based work, with problem-solving skills and adaptability to changing priorities.
• Experience collaborating with external partners such as academic researchers, public sector organisations, and schools.
• Evidence of a research trajectory, including a clear plan for publication over the next three years.
• Expertise in writing, editing, and publishing in English, with knowledge of ethical considerations when researching with children and young people.
• Commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion in line with the University’s ethos, and a record of research or knowledge exchange appropriate to the role.

Desirable:

• Ability to read, write, and speak Welsh to a high standard, including conducting and writing research through the medium of Welsh.
• Good record of research publication for the stage of career.

Support with your application

If you have any questions, or need support or adjustments relating to your application, the recruitment process, or the role, please contact us on 01908 541111 or email careers@open.ac.uk quoting the advert reference number.

What's in it for you?

At The Open University, we offer a range of benefits to recognise and reward great work, alongside policies and flexible working that contribute towards a great work life balance. Get all the details of what benefits we offer by visiting our Staff Benefits page (clicking this link will open a new window).

Flexible working

We are open to discussions about flexible working. Whether it’s a job share, part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement. Please reach out to us to discuss what works best for you. This is a hybrid position and the successful candidate can expect to attend our Cardiff offices no more than 2 times per month. However we do ask for flexibility in response to business needs. 

Next steps in the Recruitment process

Shortlisting is to take place week commencing 25 January 2026

Your application may be submitted in Welsh and English, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated any less favourably than an application submitted in English.

If you are invited to an interview, you are able to use the Welsh language, and a translator will be provided if necessary.

Early closing date notification

We may close this job advert earlier than the published closing date where a satisfactory number of applications are received. We would therefore encourage early applications.

How to apply

To apply for this role please submit the following document(s):

• CV
• Supporting statement of no more than 1000 words outlining how you meet the essential requirements for this role. 

You can view your progress and application communications when you are logged into our recruitment system.  Please check your spam/junk folders if you do not receive associated email updates.

The successful candidate will be required to undertake a DBS check.