Evaluation Fellow

Hours: Fixed term (maternity cover) to May 2027, full-time, 37 hours per week (1 FTE)

Salary: Band 6 (non-negotiable) - £43,482 to £48,823 per annum (pay award pending)

About the Post

We are seeking an enthusiastic and knowledgeable Evaluation Fellow to join the Directorate of Learning and Teaching on a fixed-term maternity cover basis.

You will lead and deliver high-quality research and evaluation activity that supports the University’s Access and Participation agenda. Working closely with academic and professional services colleagues, you will design, implement, and assess interventions that enhance access, success, and progression for widening participation students.

A key focus of the role is leading mixed-methods research and evaluation projects aligned with the University’s Access and Participation Plan, including initiatives such as enrolment communications, personalised applicant letters and pre-entry support. Alongside this, you will contribute to broader education-focused research, dissemination of findings, and the development of evidence-informed practice across the institution.

The role also involves project management oversight, supporting colleagues in developing research and evaluation capability, and line management responsibilities within the research and evaluation function.

About the Team

The Directorate of Learning and Teaching brings together expertise from across Access and Participation, Quality Enhancement, Student Experience, Learning Design, and academic research. The team works collaboratively to support a high-quality, inclusive academic experience underpinned by evidence-based practice and continuous improvement.

You will join a research-informed and forward-thinking environment, where evaluation and insight play a central role in shaping institutional strategy and improving outcomes for students. The team places strong emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and the practical application of research to enhance learning, teaching, and student success.

About You

You will bring strong experience in research and evaluation, with the ability to design and deliver impactful projects that inform practice and policy. You will be confident working with both quantitative and qualitative data and able to communicate findings effectively to a range of audiences.

You will be able to demonstrate:

• An appropriate postgraduate qualification with significant training in research methods
• Experience of leading or contributing to independent research and evaluation projects
• Strong knowledge of research methodologies, data analysis and ethical considerations
• Experience of working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders
• The ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including dissemination of findings
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusive practice

Experience in higher education, widening participation, or working with diverse or underrepresented groups would be advantageous.

Are you passionate about using research and evidence to drive meaningful change?
Are you ready to support innovative approaches that enhance student access, success, and progression?

Benefits

• Generous annual leave entitlement of 25 days for Bands 1-4 and 30 days for Bands 5 and above, plus 8 bank holidays and any university closure days.
• Enjoy an extra day of paid leave on your birthday, subject to qualifying/service conditions.
• Flexible working, including family friendly policies.
• Competitive workplace pension scheme (USS) – with an employer contribution rate of 14.5%, tax relief on contributions and life cover.
• Staff discounts at a number of local amenities in Ipswich.
• Discounted membership at Adastral Park Leisure and Sports.
• Access to a range of high-quality learning and development opportunities
• Discounted rates for staff approved to study a UoS undergraduate or postgraduate course, subject to a set of criteria and conditions.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Staff recognition annual awards.

Closing Date: Monday 31 August 2026

Interview Date: Monday 14 September 2026

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact: Robert Ellis, Director of Learning and Teaching: [email protected]

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Please note:

We recommend that you apply as soon as possible, even if the closing date is in the future.

Applications received may be reviewed before the closing date and should we receive a high number of applications for this post, or high-quality applications which demonstrate suitability, we reserve the right to close the vacancy early. We may hold interviews as and when applications are received, and we reserve the right to offer to a candidate prior to the closing date.

Internal candidates with ‘At Risk’ status will be considered for suitability ahead of all other applications.

We are a values driven organisation, committed to ensuring we remain a beacon for aspiration and achievement, while providing a great environment to work and study. We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community and we encourage applications from under-represented groups.