The Post
The project aims to intervene in the steep decline in Anglophone language-learning by identifying the elements underpinning successful cultures of language-learning through a comparative analysis of Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Ireland. The successful applicant will normally be based in Scotland and will have responsibility for project-managing the four Work Packages, working with the Work Package leads and Post-Doctoral Research Assistants to develop partnerships with schools, project partners and other groups, support data collection and analysis, manage the project finances and other relevant tasks.
The four Work Packages focus on 1) existing data and creates new datasets to explore the differences in language uptake across Celtic education systems; 2) the use of digital language-learning tools, including the development of new innovative tools; 3) the attitudes and experiences of students and newly qualified teachers; and 4) public stakeholder groups.
Description of Duties
1. Co-design and implement a management plan (goals, timelines and budgets) for the project
2. Build positive relationships and work closely with Work Package leads, project team members and external partners to coordinate and manage resources efficiently to meet project objectives
3. Support the Principal Investigator in planning and managing activity
4. Identify and mitigate risks to keep project on track
5. Track project spend and manage payments and records in a timely manner
6. Liaise with project partners to ensure they are fully informed and able to deliver their roles
7. Manage relationships with schools, including all data protection and consent records
8. Support PDRAs in producing research outputs
9. Support and contribute to public engagement and dissemination events
10. Ensure all deliverables meet quality standards and stakeholder expectations
11. Participate in project team meetings, both in person and online
Essential Criteria
Qualifications
12. Educated to degree level in a relevant subject area
Experience
13. Proven experience of planning and managing a large and complex project, including finance management
Other Skills/Knowledge
14. Experience in using project management software
Personal Qualities
15. Willing to undertake additional training as required
16. Evidence of strong organisational and inter-personal skills
17. Able to communicate complex information clearly
18. Evidence of excellent academic English and report-writing skills
19. Evidence of being able to work flexibly and to meet deadlines
20. Able to deliver both independently and collaboratively as part of a distributed team
Desirable Criteria
Qualifications
21. A qualification in project management
22. Have obtained a Masters or PhD or have submitted a PhD, or equivalent, in education, applied linguistics, social science or a cognate discipline
Experience
23. Working knowledge of university structures and processes e.g., finance, ethics
24. Experience in policy-related research or engagement with policymakers
25. Experience in public-facing communication, such as podcasts, blogs, workshops and social media
Other Skills/Knowledge
26. Demonstrable knowledge of research on language learning motivation and language attitudes/ideologies
27. Familiarity with language and education policy frameworks in Ireland and the UK
Additional Information
Part time (40%FTE)
Fixed term for 28 months
Grade 7: £38,784 - £46,049 p.a. pro-rata
The closing date for applications is midnight on Tuesday 24 March 2026.
There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.
This role is not eligible for sponsorship. Applicants require to have existing right to work in the UK.
The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.
Behaviours and Competencies
The role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.
28. Managing self and personal skills
Being aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.
29. Delivering excellent service
Providing the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.
30. Finding solutions
Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.
31. Embracing change
Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.
32. Using resources effectively
Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.
33. Engaging with the wider context
Enhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values.
34. Developing self and others
Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential.
35. Working together
Working collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.
36. Achieving Results
Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.
The University
The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe. Driven by our mission to be the difference, we are addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society.
The University has more than 17,500 students globally and employs 1,800 staff, with more than 140 nationalities represented within our community. Our campus environment is ranked first in the UK and top 10 in the world, and our sports facilities rank first in the UK and second in the world (International Student Barometer 2024, wave two), reflecting our long-standing designation as Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence.
We were shortlisted for University of the Year 2024 at the Times Higher Education Awards and are proud holders of a Silver institutional award from the Athena Swan Charter, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality. We have an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings and are ranked top 30 in the UK for postgraduate teaching and learning (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2024). In recognition of our excellence in business education, we are accredited by AACSB International.
Eighty-seven per cent of our research has an outstanding or very considerable impact on society, with more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021), and we are ranked among the top 100 institutions in the world for our contribution to meeting 10 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. We have twice been recognised with a Queen's Anniversary Prize; for our Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and our Institute of Aquaculture (2019).
Alongside partners, the University spearheads the £214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal – which will deliver three major University-led projects: the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub, Scotland’s International Environment Centre, and the Intergenerational Living Innovation Hub. We are also a central partner in the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership.