NZCER is a bicultural, independent educational research organisation based in Wellington.
We have multiple education research, evaluation, and advisory projects on the go at any time. We also provide and support a suite of educational assessments, tools, and services, and have a publishing arm, NZCER Press.
Are you interested in working in the area of literacy and assessment? We are looking for an education kairangahau | researcher with literacy expertise to join our team. You will be part of an organisation which delivers high-quality education research, evaluation, and assessment. Our researchers work in project teams across a wide range of areas from curriculum development and assessment, and Māori and Pacific learner success, to policy and programme evaluation, and data insights. A collaborative approach together with the ability to lead and/or work in a range of project teams is essential.
For this position, we are looking for a person with literacy expertise to work primarily on the Curriculum Insights and Progress Study. This is an internationally recognised study, providing insights into student progress and achievement in Aotearoa New Zealand. You will contribute to, and may lead, reading and/or writing test development and analysis. Ideally, you will have an interest in assessment, test design, item writing and marking. You may have a primary or secondary teaching background with expertise in reading and/or writing.
We welcome applications from people with:
- literacy knowledge and expertise, particularly in reading and/or writing
- research, assessment design or evaluation experience
- a strong interest in growing your expertise in assessment and test design
- a current knowledge and understanding of education in Aotearoa New Zealand
- experience working with Māori, Māori data, and/or in Māori-centred projects
- critical thinking, analytical and project management skills
- experience as a kaiako or teacher would be an advantage
- a commitment for making a difference for all ākonga | learners.
We are actively committed to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi to help us uphold mana Māori in our work, relationships, and ways of working. We value Māori language, culture and identity in all our practices.
NZCER is a vibrant, independent educational research organisation based in Wellington. At any time, we have a range of education research, evaluation, and assessment projects on the go. Climate change, Curriculum implementation, te reo Māori revitalisation, Wellbeing, and the ongoing development of our PAT assessments are the focus of some of our current projects.
You may be early in your career or looking for a change. Appointment may be as a Kairangahau | Researcher, or Kairangahau Matua | Senior Researcher depending on experience.
To view the position descriptions, see here for Kairangahau | Researcher, and here for Kairangahau Matua | Senior Researcher. If you’d like more detail, please contact Charles Darr, Chief Researcher: charles.darr@nzcer.org.nz
To apply, please forward a covering letter and detailed curriculum vitae (in PDF format) to HR Advisor: hr@nzcer.org.nz
Applications close Friday 9 October 2026