Research Assistant - Educational Research CentreApplication guidelines and form – June 2021

GuidelinesPlease submit three separate documents by email to vacancies@erc.ie no later than 5pm (Irish time) on Monday July 5th 2021:

1: A short cover letter (250 words max) explaining why you are applying for this position.

2: A completed copy of this form (please pay attention to the word count limits).

3: An up-to-date CV of no more than four pages in length which includes the names and contact details (phone number and email) of two referees.

Referees will not be contacted without candidates’ prior agreement.

Important:

It will not be possible to process incomplete applications – all three documents listed above should be submitted.

All documents must be submitted in Word or PDF format. Files sent by email as links to documents in shared cloud-based servers will not be accepted

for security reasons. If the cover letter or relevant sections of the application form exceed the word count limits,

any text exceeding those limits will be disregarded in the evaluation of that application.

If you have any queries in relation to this form or the above guidelines, please contact vacancies@erc.ie citing ‘Research Assistant Panel’ in the subject.

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Research Assistant Panel - Educational Research Centre

Application form

Q1: Please indicate which position(s) you wish to apply for:

Two types of positions are being recruited for. Each has the same essential and desirable requirements. You can apply for one or both.

I would like to apply for ...

Mark X for one option

Large scale national or international assessments or evaluations position

Test development and standardisation position

Both

Q2: Please indicate your level of knowledge of the Irish language:

Some of our projects require advanced or fluent Irish (e.g. Irish language test development).

My working knowledge of Irish is ...

Mark X for one option

Little to none

Basic

Intermediate

Advanced

Fluent/Native Irish speaker

Candidates will be shortlisted for interview on the basis of responses on this application form, cover letter and CV.

Shortlisted candidates with advanced or fluent levels of Irish may be invited to take an assessment of Irish following initial interview.

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Q3: Essential Requirements

Please indicate ‘yes’ or ‘no’ for each of the following by marking an X in the appropriate box. Your responses must apply on the date on which your application is submitted.

Eligible candidates should be able to respond yes to all of:Yes No

Eligible to work full-time in Ireland (i.e. fulfilling the Citizenship Requirements in the Candidate Information Booklet)

An honours primary degree (1 or 2:1) in a relevant discipline (e.g., psychology, statistics, data analytics, education, social science)

High level of competency in using Microsoft applications (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Knowledge and understanding of statistical concepts associated with surveys and assessments

Evidence of excellent writing ability, both formal and informal

Evidence of excellent interpersonal and communication skills, especially the ability to liaise with schools and other educational institutions and/or bodies

Proven strong planning and organisational skills

Demonstrated knowledge of the Irish education system

Evidence of strong personal effectiveness, flexibility and problem solving

The ability to work both on own initiative and collaboratively

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Q4a: Desirable Experience, Skills and Characteristics

Please indicate ‘yes’ or ‘no’ for each of the following by marking an X in the appropriate box. Your responses must apply on the date on which your application is submitted.

Yes No

A post-graduate degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., psychology, statistics, data analytics, education, social science)

Experience in using and managing database applications (such as Access)

Experience in managing or overseeing research projects or aspects of research projects

Experience in statistical analysis skills (i.e. using SPSS or similar software)

Experience working on a large-scale national or international assessment or survey (here, large-scale should be interpreted as involving nationally representative samples and which involve the application of sampling weights)

Experience in bivariate and preferably multivariate analysis of large-scale national assessments or surveys

Knowledge of psychometrics (e.g. classical test theory, item response theory)

Familiarity with basic principles of sampling and weighting

Experience in construction and standardisation of psychometric tests

Experience in survey questionnaire development and design

A current full clean driver’s license

Access to a car for occasional work-related travel

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Q4b: If you responded ‘yes’ for any of the items in Q4a, please provide a sentence or two providing evidence or examples to support your response. Please do not exceed 50 words for each individual response.

Provide evidence/examples if ‘yes’ for Q4a:

Experience in using and managing database applications (such as Access)

Experience in managing or overseeing research projects or aspects of research projects

Experience in statistical analysis skills (i.e. using SPSS or similar software)

Experience working on a large-scale national or international assessment or survey (here, large-scale should be interpreted as involving nationally representative samples and which involve the application of sampling weights)

Experience in bivariate and preferably multivariate analysis of large-scale national assessments or surveys

Knowledge of psychometrics (e.g. classical test theory, item response theory)

Familiarity with basic principles of sampling and weighting

Experience in construction and standardisation of psychometric tests

Experience in survey questionnaire development and design

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Q5: Key competencies: Relevant and Specialist Knowledge and Self Development

Under this competency set, a Research Assistant: Displays good levels of skills/knowledge in own area and provides support to colleagues Keeps up to date with research, policies and research trends in their area(s) of interest and

specialisation Maintains a strong focus on self-development, seeking feedback and opportunities for

growth.

Please also explain how your specialist knowledge and skills are relevant to the ERC.

Please describe one or more achievements and experience to date relevant to this role under the Specialist Knowledge competency set. Do not exceed 250 words. Text in excess of this limit will be disregarded.

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Q6: Key competencies: Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Under this competency set, a Research Assistant: Modifies communication approach to suit the needs of a situation/ audience Actively listens to the views of others Liaises with other groups to gain co-operation Maintains a focus on dealing with others in an effective, efficient and respectful manner Is assertive and professional when dealing with challenging issues Expresses self in a clear and articulate manner when speaking and in writing.

Please describe one or more achievements and experience to date relevant to this role under the Interpersonal & Communication Skills competency set. Do not exceed 250 words. Text in excess of this limit will be disregarded.

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Q7: Key competencies: Analysis and Decision Making

Under this competency set, a Research Assistant: Effectively deals with a wide range of information sources for a variety of research and

information purposes Understands the practical implication of information in relation to the broader context in

which they work Identifies and understands key issues and trends Correctly extracts and interprets numerical and statistical information, conducting accurate

numerical and statistical calculations Draws accurate conclusions Can make balanced and fair recommendations backed up with evidence.

Please describe one or more achievements and experience to date relevant to this role under the Analysis and Decision Making competency set. Do not exceed 250 words. Text in excess of this limit will be disregarded.

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Q8: Key competencies: Delivery of Results

Under this competency set, a Research Assistant: Works effectively as part of a collaborative team Takes direction and guidance to work both independently and collaboratively on specific

tasks Takes ownership of tasks and is determined to see them through to a satisfactory conclusion Is logical and pragmatic in approach, setting objectives and delivering the best possible

results with the resources available through effective prioritisation Reviews existing approaches to improve efficient delivery Demonstrates effective planning and time management skills Minimises errors, reviewing learning and ensuring remedies are in place Identifies obstacles or delays promptly, working collaboratively to overcome them.

Please describe one or more achievements and experience to date relevant to this role under the Delivery of Results competency set. Do not exceed 250 words. Text in excess of this limit will be disregarded.

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Q9: Additional relevant information:

Please provide any additional information that is relevant specifically to the role of Research Assistant in the Educational Research Centre in support of your application. Do not exceed 250 words. Text in excess of this limit will be disregarded.

You may want to comment on some or all of the desirable Experience, Skills and Characteristics associated with the role:

Experience in using and managing database applications (such as Access) Experience in managing or overseeing research projects or aspects of research projects Experience in statistical analysis skills (i.e. using SPSS or similar software) Experience working on a large-scale national or international assessment or survey Experience in bivariate and preferably multivariate analysis of large-scale national

assessments or surveys Knowledge of psychometrics (e.g. classical test theory, item response theory) Familiarity with basic principles of sampling and weighting Experience in construction and standardisation of psychometric tests Experience in survey questionnaire development and design.

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Q10: Declaration:

I hereby declare that the information given in this form is true and correct.

Name of Applicant: ____________________________________________

Date: ____________________________________________

Please ensure that you have provided all of the information for which you have been asked. A candidate found to have given false information or to have wilfully suppressed any material fact will be liable to disqualification or, if appointed, to dismissal.

Please note that all personal data shall be treated as confidential in accordance with the data protection legislation.

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