KTP Research Associate in Mathematics Learning

The University of Nottingham invites applications for a KTP Research Associate (Mathematics Learning) to join a unique collaboration with Maths Circle, the team behind Times Tables Rock Stars and NumBots. This is an opportunity to carry out rigorous applied research in a fast-moving EdTech environment, and to see your findings translate directly into product changes that can improve the experience of maths learning for children at scale.

Maths Circle’s ambition is simple: to help every child confidently say, “I am good at maths.”

Supported by academics within the University of Nottingham’s Human Development and Learning Research Group and Loughborough University’s Centre for Mathematical Cognition, you will lead a high-profile Knowledge Transfer Partnership exploring how psychological factors such as maths anxiety, attitudes and self-concept influence engagement and learning.

Why this role is different

What makes this role unusual is the closeness between research and implementation. You will not simply produce findings and hand them over. You will work alongside researchers, product teams, designers and engineers to turn evidence into practical changes, then help evaluate whether those changes improve engagement, confidence and learning outcomes. Based at Maths Circle in Bedford, your research could directly influence how questions are sequenced, how learners are supported when they disengage, the impact of confidence or anxiety, and what insights teachers receive about the children in their class.

You will have the opportunity to work with rich, large-scale learner data alongside newly collected psychological and qualitative data, creating a rare opportunity to connect what children do, how they feel, and how they learn.

You will have:

• A PhD (or close to completion) in Cognitive Development, Mathematical Cognition, Mathematics Education or a closely related discipline.
• Knowledge and experience of a range of research methods and designs.
• Excellent advanced data analysis skills of large data sets.
• Experience carrying out research with child participants.
• Experience working in or with primary schools and understanding of the education sector.
• Ability to manage projects effectively and communicate progress clearly with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Prior industrial experience or commercial awareness are desirable.

This exciting opportunity is funded through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP). KTP is a UK Government scheme promoting mutually beneficial relationships between universities and industry. You will have your own budget (£2,000 pa) for training and CPD, helping you develop your skillset and reach your personal/professional career goals. 

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. We value different working styles and can offer reasonable adjustments during recruitment and in the workplace. 

This is a fixed-term position for 24 months, working full-time at 35 hours per week.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Hannah Prydderch, email address: hannah.prydderch@nottingham.ac.uk. Please note that applications sent to this address will not be accepted.

Travel expenses for interviews cannot be reimbursed for this position.

It is a condition of this post that satisfactory enhanced disclosure is obtained from the 'Disclosure and Barring Service'.