JOBS for STATISTICIANS

Statistical Research Officer, Innovation and Programme Design Centre (IPDC)

Base in Holborn, London,  Monday - Friday, 37.5 hours per week

Direct report line - Dr Philip Roberts, Director of Research

This is an ideal role for a statistical researcher with 1-2 years post doctorate experience and a willingness to join a new team where they can demonstrate their initiative, creativity and communication skills in a challenging, exciting environment.

The successful applicant will provide research and statistical analysis services to BPP University College as whole. The role will sit within the Research Unit which is part of the newly created Innovation and Programme Design Centre (IPDC). The postholder will design, implement and report on research using a wide range of data from across the College, particularly related to student feedback and learning behaviour. The research will contribute to the ongoing improvement of programme design and delivery at BPP. They will also assist in analysing external data on any issues relevant to BPP, particularly in relation to the student learning experience.

PRINCIPAL JOB ELEMENTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities 

• Gathering, analysing and interpreting data relating to programmes offered by BPP.
• Designing surveys and conducting focus groups for programme development and validation.
• Working with the Research Director and the Dean of Learning and Teaching in designing research projects that explore learning behaviour of students, the impact of various course design elements on student progression, the impact of tutor behaviour on the learning experience of students, and other studies exploring effective education at BPP.
• Assisting and training other members of staff in research methodology and statistical design and interpretation.
• Producing statistical information to enable BPP to comply with UK higher education regulatory requirements.
• Assisting with the development and implementation of BPP's business plan.
• Identifying trends and opportunities in the provision of professional and higher education.
• Advising BPP management and presenting information to senior levels of the organisation.
• Effectively undertaking any other duties as required

 Knowledge, experience and qualifications required 

• A Higher Degree, preferably a Masters or a PhD, in a relevant area (eg education, the social sciences, quantitative methods, statistics, research methods).
• High-level experience in the use of statistics and quantitative data, both from a research design and data interpretation perspective.
• Experience in designing and implementing research projects that use both qualitative and quantitative data.
• Experience in designing and implementing surveys and focus groups.
• Experience of working in an educational organisation or on education based research and analysis.
• Experience of research software, particularly statistical analysis packages (Stata, SPSS, etc) and some experience of qualitative packages (NVIVO, ATLAS, etc).
• A real interest in education and the student learning experience.
• Experience of working with a Virtual Learning Environment such as Blackboard would be an advantage.
• Pro-active and capable of proposing and implementing research projects aligned with the College's needs
• Excellent computer and IT skills
• High level communication skills, with excellent written and oral presentation skills and an ability to work with people at all levels within the organisation
• An ability to work independently as well as within a team
• An ability to adapt within a rapidly changing environment

About BPP

 In 2007 BPP College of Professional Studies became the first private enterprise institution in the UK to be granted Degree Awarding Powers by the Privy Council.  In July of this year it was granted University College status and is now known as BPP University College of Professional Studies.  As a private provider within the UK Higher Education landscape it occupies an exciting and innovative position, and the next few years should prove a fascinating time to be working at BPP. 

Prior to obtaining Degree Awarding Powers, BPP had already established an excellent reputation in providing professional vocational qualifications and training in Law, Finance and Accounting.  It remains one of the largest providers of professional training in Europe with over 100,000 students worldwide. Its Law School is particularly well known, considered as one of the leading vocational law schools in the country, training over a third of the UK's solicitors, and with exclusive training arrangements with a large number of highly regarded UK and global law firms.

BPP plans to build on its experience with and understanding of the professions, links with employers, high student satisfaction rates, reputation for high quality teaching and materials, and links with professional bodies and programmes to build degree programmes that are well suited to the needs of the modern student.  We believe we are entering a period of significant expansion and that this is an excellent time to join BPP and help shape its future, and that of Higher Education in the UK.

About IPDC:

The Innovation and Programme Design Centre (IPDC) is a new department recently set up at BPP to provide a central resource for the strategic development, design and creation of BPP degrees, diplomas, certificates and courses.  It comprises a number of units including the Instructional Design Unit, the Research Unit, BPP College Library, the Learning Technology Team, the Deanery of Learning and Teaching and the Innovation Network.  These units will work together and in close collaboration with the Schools (at present the Business School and the Law School) to shape the student learning experience and materials at BPP.

How to apply: Please send your full CV with a covering letter stating why you feel you would be suitable for this role to: vacancies@bpp.com. 

Please enter the title of the role for which you are applying in the Subject field of your email.

Closing date: Tuesday 31^st August