Fondazione per la Scuola is one of the operating bodies of Compagnia di San Paolo Foundation. It coordinates, implements and funds research and interventions to improve schools’ level of inclusiveness and innovation. Its main goal is to increase the school system's ability to support the development of students' cognitive and socio-emotional skills, regardless of their economic, social and cultural background. This objective is pursued by working with different partners, including universities and research institutions. Fondazione per la Scuola acts within the strategy defined by Compagnia di San Paolo, in direct collaboration with the other entities of the Group.

Fondazione per la Scuola is looking for a Junior Researcher who will contribute to the design, implementation, and supervision of educational research and evaluation projects. The Junior Researcher will support the drafting of technical reports and studies of both quantitative and qualitative nature on topics and issues of relevance for the Italian school system in the broader European context. The Junior Researcher will support the analysis and synthesis of evidence, also to draft grant applications.

Among the activities, the Junior Researcher will be involved in the implementation of a three-year research project funded by Horizon Europe - Cluster 2: Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society (HORIZON-CL2-2023-TRANSFORMATIONS-01-06). The project, called 'LINEup - Longitudinal data for INequalities in Education', aims to map and analyse Europe’s longitudinal data on students’ basic skills. Its objective is to assess how inequalities develop over time and better understand what kind of interventions can be implemented to improve students’ learning outcomes and reduce school’s dropout. The project is based on a mixed-methods approach, involves 12 partners from 6 countries (EL, ES, FR, IT, PT, DE), and it is coordinated by Fondazione per la Scuola, which is also responsible for the qualitative research in Italy.

The junior researcher will be part of the Research Unit of Fondazione per la Scuola. The ideal candidate has experience in educational research, is skilled in experimental and quantitative research methods, and thrives in a dynamic environment.

Responsabilities:

· Provide support for the design and implementation of educational research and evaluation studies, also carried out in collaboration with universities and research institutions at local, national and European level

· Contribute to the drafting, improvement and validation of technical reports and studies on a wide range of topics related to the school education system

· Gather and analyse statistical data and other information, from a wide variety of sources

· Analyse research results in order to identify new project activities and develop evidence-based policy recommendations

· Take part in national and international meetings and conferences organized by Compagnia di San Paolo, Fondazione per la Scuola, or other institutions to present the results of research funded or implemented by Fondazione per la Scuola

· Carry out other tasks related to the activities of the Research Unit and, in particular, to ongoing and future research projects.

· Master in a sector relevant for this job offer

· Minimum 3 years of professional experience as a junior researcher in governmental or non-governmental organisations, preferably with international exposure

· Knowledge of the main methods of both qualitative and quantitative research in the education field (e.g. mixed methods research design)

· Mastering interdisciplinary research methodologies

· Proven track record in the education sector

· Excellent spoken and written English (minimum level C1)

Advantageous

· Ph.D.

· Experience in performing experimental and quantitative research and studies

· Experience in collecting and analysing quantitative data, also through the use of programs such as SPSS, STATA, Minitab or MATLAB

· Advanced Microsoft Excel skills

· Strong analytical and data visualization skills

Personal characteristics

· Autonomy, flexibility, team working

· Results oriented and problem solving

· Ability to prioritize tasks, time management, organisational skills

· Excellent communication and writing skills for both scientific and dissemination purposes

How to apply

· Curriculum Vitae

· Motivation Letter (2 pages max)

Please notice that the interview will be held in Italian and English.

Deadline 10/13/2023.

Job Offer

3 year full-time research contract, with possibility of indefinite contract following.

Salary and level commensurate to the experience.