The University of Nottingham invites applications for a KTP Research Associate (Mathematics Learning) to join a unique collaboration with Maths Circle, the team behind Times Tables Rock Stars and NumBots. This is an opportunity to carry out rigorous applied research in a fast-moving EdTech environment, and to see your findings translate directly into product changes that can improve the experience of maths learning for children at scale.

Maths Circle’s ambition is simple: to help every child confidently say, “I am good at maths.”

Supported by academics within the University of Nottingham’s Human Development and Learning Research Group and Loughborough University’s Centre for Mathematical Cognition, you will lead a high-profile Knowledge Transfer Partnership exploring how psychological factors such as maths anxiety, attitudes and self-concept influence engagement and learning.

Why this role is different

What makes this role unusual is the closeness between research and implementation. You will not simply produce findings and hand them over. You will work alongside researchers, product teams, designers and engineers to turn evidence into practical changes, then help evaluate whether those changes improve engagement, confidence and learning outcomes. Based at Maths Circle in Bedford, your research could directly influence how questions are sequenced, how learners are supported when they disengage, the impact of confidence or anxiety, and what insights teachers receive about the children in their class.

You will have the opportunity to work with rich, large-scale learner data alongside newly collected psychological and qualitative data, creating a rare opportunity to connect what children do, how they feel, and how they learn.

You will have:

• A PhD (or close to completion) in Cognitive Development, Mathematical Cognition, Mathematics Education or a closely related discipline.
• Knowledge and experience of a range of research methods and designs.
• Excellent advanced data analysis skills of large data sets.
• Experience carrying out research with child participants.
• Experience working in or with primary schools and understanding of the education sector.
• Ability to manage projects effectively and communicate progress clearly with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Prior industrial experience or commercial awareness are desirable.

This exciting opportunity is funded through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP). KTP is a UK Government scheme promoting mutually beneficial relationships between universities and industry. You will have your own budget (£2,000 pa) for training and CPD, helping you develop your skillset and reach your personal/professional career goals. 

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. We value different working styles and can offer reasonable adjustments during recruitment and in the workplace. 

This is a fixed-term position for 24 months, working full-time at 35 hours per week.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Hannah Prydderch, email address: hannah.prydderch@nottingham.ac.uk. Please note that applications sent to this address will not be accepted.

Travel expenses for interviews cannot be reimbursed for this position.

Closing Date: 09 Oct 2026
Category: Research and Teaching (R&T)

Academic and Professional Tutors contribute to all aspects of the DAEP professional training programme including course management and development; module planning and delivery; tutorials and supervision of practice placements and research projects; and assessment of trainee performance. Induction and mentoring will be provided for each aspect of the role.

The Nottingham programme is part of the School of Psychology with a reputation for high-quality teaching and world leading research and with an established reputation for training educational psychologists. Successful candidates will join a forward thinking, creative and collaborative team, and contribute to the full range of the team’s work. 

About you - Candidates must be fully qualified educational psychologists with a proven track record of effective professional practice, a good knowledge of current issues in EP training and a demonstrable ability to carry out senior management responsibilities. Applicants must also be registered with the HCPC as a Practitioner Educational Psychologist. In addition, it would be desirable for applicants to possess a Doctoral qualification in Educational Psychology.   

The successful candidate will be expected to be working and carrying out duties as an HCPC registered Educational Psychologist alongside their work with the University.

We welcome applications from those of different cultures, ethnicities and beliefs – indeed this very diversity is vital to our success, it is fundamental to our values and enriches life on our programme and campus. The School of Psychology has recently been successful in achieving an Athena Swan Gold Award for its work on promoting equality. Learn more about the university commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here.

It is a condition of this post that satisfactory enhanced disclosure is obtained from the Disclosure & Barring Service.

What next 

This secondment opportunity is available on a part-time basis for two days per week until 30 April 2027, with the possibility of extension subject to ongoing funding for EP training. The post is contracted at 14.5 hours per week; however, applications from candidates seeking a minimum of 7.25 hours per week will also be considered. Please indicate your preferred working hours within your application.

Requests for secondment from internal candidates will be considered on the basis that prior agreement has been sought from both your current line manager and the manager of your substantive post, if you are already undertaking a secondment role. Visa-related costs, including application fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge, will not be reimbursed due to grant funding restrictions.

Further information is available in the role profile. To apply for this vacancy please click ‘Apply Now’ to complete your details. Interview travel expenses will also not be reimbursed.

Please contact Nick Durbin (Nicholas.Durbin@nottingham.ac.uk) if you have further questions about this role. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

Closing Date: 05 Oct 2026
Category: Research and Teaching (R&T)