The Centre for Education Systems (CES) is seeking a highly motivated qualitative data analyst to join our respected policy organisation on a 3 to 6-month contract (with potential for extension).

About CES
CES is led by Sam Freedman, Lucy Crehan, Loic Menzies and Patrick Wall. We provide education policy insight and guidance through international reviews, research, and analysis. Our work has been supported by major funders, including the Nuffield Foundation, and our team brings together expertise across education, research, and policy.

The Role
This role centres on the search, organisation, and analysis of large volumes of written reports using a combination of AI tools and qualitative data software. You will help synthesise more than 40 country reports across 14 jurisdictions into meaningful insights that inform education policy.
Working closely with senior researchers, you will:
• Use AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT, Perplexity) to support rapid searching, summarising, and filtering of text.
• Apply qualitative data analysis software (e.g.MaxQDA, NVivo, Dedoose, Thematic) to code and organise report content.
• From large text datasets, extract and summarise key data, quotations, and evidence into structured tables.
• Identify policy elements, variables, contextual factors and mechanisms of change to develop themes and typologies.
• Contribute to the production of interim reports (Sept–Nov), followed by refinement and augmentation.
• (Desirable) Assist in creating data visualisations to present findings clearly and accessibly.
• (Desirable) Experience in comparative case-study methods

What We’re Looking For
• Postgraduate qualification in education, social sciences, or a related discipline.
• At least 2 years work experience that includes analysing qualitative data and research evidence.
• Strong initiative and ability to manage complex analytical tasks independently.
• Demonstrated ability to work with AI-powered search and analysis tools.
• Familiarity with software for qualitative data analysis.
• Excellent written communication skills and attention to detail.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys working with AI and advanced tools to interrogate large bodies of qualitative data, and who wants to contribute to evidence that shapes the UK’s education policy