Research Officer

1. This position is a temporary part time (80%FTE) Maternity cover post working in the Department of Psychology.
2. You will be responsible for planning and coordinating aspects of the project as directed by the project leads.
3. The ability to speak and write Welsh fluently in a wide variety of situations is essential for this post.

Research Officer - CAL:ON (80%FTE)

This position is a temporary part time (80%FTE) Maternity cover post working in the Department of Psychology.

Duties will include overall oversight of the Welsh language activity on the CAL:ON project primarily focusing on work packages 2 and 3.

The post holder should be educated to PhD standard or be near completion (or equivalent) or have suitable experience working in education in a teaching capacity and they will have previous experience of working on projects of this kind.

Good organisational skills and working to strict deadlines is essential.

The successful candidate will be expected to commence September 2026 and the post is available until 31/03/2027. 

The ability to communicate in Welsh is essential for this post.

This post is subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check.

This role will be located on campus at Bangor.

This role will be located on campus at Bangor. Through our Dynamic Working framework, there will also be the option to spend some time working remotely (although remaining in the UK) to support work life balance, which will be discussed further with candidates at interview.

Closing date for applications: 15 May 2026

Committed To Equal Opportunities

The Project

CAL:ON Cymru is a national centre of excellence for literacy at Bangor University, designed to transform children’s literacy outcomes across Wales. CAL:ON presents a coherent, bilingual, and evidence-based pan-Wales strategy, delivered in partnership with all 22 local authorities.

Three interlinked work packages will create lasting impact.

Work Package 1 develops new bilingual professional learning modules (blended asynchronous and synchronous formats) aligned with Curriculum for Wales for primary and secondary schools. Embedded in Initial Teacher Education (ITE), co-developed with educators, these resources and guidance permeate the Welsh education system for a transformative, evidence-based approach to literacy tuition.

Work Package 2 develops and trials effective, bilingual whole class literacy programmes and interventions for ages 4 – 16 years —including adapted versions of the successful NELI and RILL programmes—across the national school network. Robust evaluation via Randomised Controlled Trials (RCT) informs national guidance and rollout.

Work Package 3 responds to the urgent need to identify learners at risk of falling behind by providing new bilingual, co-designed assessment tools at key transition points. Tools support timely intervention while reducing teacher workload and aligning with the Curriculum for Wales ethos.

Purpose of the Job

The post is part of a new team working in the area of children’s literacy The project involves transforming literacy outcomes across Wales.

The post holder will be responsible for planning and coordinating aspects of the project as directed by the project leads. They will also act as research officer on occasion assisting with all aspects of the research process.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• This role is primarily to devise and develop Welsh-medium materials and programmes for the CAL:ON project, specifically but exclusive to the NELI programme and the Read to Learn programme.
• Reporting: draft progress updates for project leads or funders on areas of work.
• Cross-team coordination: work with other members of the team – particularly Welsh medium staff, to plan and progress Welsh materials and trials.
• Draft academic reports and output e.g., ethics proposals, academic papers, government reports etc., where required.
• Gathering and analysis of data if required.
• Delivering research outcomes.
• Administration of the research project (if required on occasion).
• Other duties and responsibilities specific to the role include: advise and collaborate with Masters and PhD students within the research programme / contribute to the undergraduate programme / actively participate in specific College activities / establish collaborative groups (internal or external) / gain external funding / project management.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• The post holder may be expected to participate in performance review and developmental activities.
• The post holder will be expected to comply with the University’s equality policies and statements, Dignity at Work and Study Policy and the University’s Welsh Language Scheme.
• The post holder has a general and legal duty of care in relation to health, safety and wellbeing and must take all reasonable steps to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for themselves self and for other members of staff, students and visitors affected by their actions or inactions.
• The post holder is also required to comply with all applicable health and safety policies, procedures and risk assessments.
• The post holder must comply with relevant legal and financial policies and procedures and be aware of their responsibilities in terms of the legal requirements of their post.

Person Specification

Qualifications/Training

Essential

• PhD Psychology, or be close to the completion of or have suitable experience working in education in a teaching capacity.
• Experience of working in similar projects.

Experience / Knowledge

Essential

• The ability to undertake quantitative analysis /strong research method and skill analysis.
• Proven track record of publications in quality journals.
• Proven track record of conference presentations.

Skills / Abilities

Essential

• Excellent organisational skills.
• Demonstrate good verbal and written skills.
• Demonstrate good analytical skills, ability to analyse numerical data and present results appropriately.
• Demonstrate the ability to prioritise work load and work to deadlines.

Desirable

• Demonstrate proven project management skills.
• Demonstrate good computer skills, including MS Office, Powerpoint, Excel.
• Demonstrate ability to work as part of a team.
• Any other skills / abilities relevant to the duties and responsibilities.
• Demonstrate interpersonal skills.

Other

Essential

• Driving license.
• The ability to speak and write Welsh fluently in a wide variety of situations is essential for this post.