educational researcher
Key facts
Are you passionate about improving education and shaping the future of learning? As an educational researcher, you'll investigate how education works, identify areas for improvement, and contribute to impactful policy decisions.
Educational researchers delve into the complexities of education, from classroom practices to entire educational systems. Your work involves designing and conducting research studies, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions that inform best practices. You’ll collaborate with educators, policymakers, and other stakeholders to translate research findings into actionable strategies for enhancing learning outcomes for both teachers and students. This role requires a blend of analytical skills, strong communication abilities, and a commitment to evidence-based decision-making.
- • Designing and implementing research studies using various methodologies (quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods).
- • Analyzing data and interpreting findings to identify trends and patterns in educational processes.
- • Developing recommendations for improving educational policies, programs, and practices.
Where this occupation is in demand
Reported labour shortages and surpluses, by year. Published for occupation groups, not for individual job titles.
Deeper colour: reported the same way in more consecutive years.
Figures cover Teaching professionals — 131 jobs including this one.
In shortage: Italy, Latvia, Sweden.
Longest-running shortage: Belgium, 3 years.
Select a place on the map to see its figures.
About this source›
Source: ELA/EURES labour shortages and surpluses. Readings are published at occupation-group level, and cover Europe. Editions differ in annex layout and country coverage, so a change between years does not always mean the labour market changed. Countries in grey were not reported, which is not the same as being in balance.
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Find your career path and explore the science behind our recommendations.
Could educational researcher fit you?
Answer three quick questions. This is not a full assessment — it is a teaser to help you decide whether to compare your profile.
Do you enjoy tasks that require Initiative?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Achievement/Effort?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Integrity?
Future Outlook for educational researcher
The outlook for educational researcher reflects a balanced mix of automation exposure and durable, human-led work.
How are these scores calculated?
The Resilience Score (0–100) estimates how structurally protected this occupation is from automation and AI disruption, based on task-level analysis. Higher scores mean more human-judgment-intensive tasks. AI Exposure shows the estimated percentage of task hours that current AI capabilities could affect. These are model-derived structural indicators, not predictions about individual job security.
How could educational researcher change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How could educational researcher change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How AI may change this role
Deterministic, model-based interpretation of current role signals — not a guarantee of replacement.
What still depends on people
- interact professionally in research and professional environments
- evaluate research activities
- cooperate with education professionals
Where AI may become a co-pilot
- evaluate education programmes
- analyse education system
- manage open publications
Tasks most exposed to automation
- consult information sources
- synthesise information
- apply for research funding
Vital Signs & AI Vectors
AI Exposure Vectors
0-100%Exposure to AI-assisted analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling tasks
Exposure to content generation, creative augmentation, and large language model tools
Exposure to workflow automation, decision-support software, and process digitisation
Exposure to physical automation, robotics, and sensor-driven task displacement
Technical Details
NexFuture v3.0 estimates automation exposure natively from ESCO essential-skill groups, weighted by skill mass and calibrated against expert anchors. Scores are probabilistic estimates, not guarantees. See the NexFuture Methodology White Paper for full details.
Measures automation exposure. It does not measure pay, demand, or how many jobs exist near you.
What people in this role usually do
Education
A typical day as a educational researcher
09 09:00 · Morning apply for research funding
10 10:30 · Mid-morning apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activities
12 12:00 · Midday manage intellectual property rights
14 14:00 · Afternoon operate open source software
15 15:30 · Late afternoon advise on curriculum development
17 17:00 · Wrap-up analyse education system
Task order is illustrative. Individual days vary.
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learning technologies
The technologies and channels, including digital, to enhance learning.
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project management
The discipline of project management, the activities which comprise this area and the variables implied in it, such as time, resources, requirements, deadlines, and responding to unexpected events.
- action research
- curriculum objectives
- curriculum standards
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manage findable accessible interoperable and reusable data
Produce, describe, store, preserve and (re) use scientific data based on FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles, making data as open as possible, and as closed as necessary.
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perform scientific research
Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
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apply scientific methods
Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.
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apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activities
Apply fundamental ethical principles and legislation to scientific research, including issues of research integrity. Perform, review, or report research avoiding misconducts such as fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism.
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promote open innovation in research
Apply techniques, models, methods and strategies which contribute to the promotion of steps towards innovation through collaboration with people and organizations outside the organisation.
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integrate gender dimension in research
Take into account in the whole research process the biological characteristics and the evolving social and cultural features of women and men (gender).
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draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentation
Draft and edit scientific, academic or technical texts on different subjects.
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disseminate results to the scientific community
Publicly disclose scientific results by any appropriate means, including conferences, workshops, colloquia and scientific publications.
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write work-related reports
Compose work-related reports that support effective relationship management and a high standard of documentation and record keeping. Write and present results and conclusions in a clear and intelligible way so they are comprehensible to a non-expert audience.
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publish academic research
Conduct academic research, in universities and research institutions, or on a personal account, publish it in books or academic journals with the aim of contributing to a field of expertise and achieving personal academic accreditation.
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write scientific publications
Present the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.
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cooperate with education professionals
Communicate with teachers or other professionals working in education in order to identify needs and areas of improvement in education systems, and to establish a collaborative relationship.
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develop professional network with researchers and scientists
Develop alliances, contacts or partnerships, and exchange information with others. Foster integrated and open collaborations where different stakeholders co-create shared value research and innovations. Develop your personal profile or brand and make yourself visible and available in face-to-face and online networking environments.
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evaluate education programmes
Evaluate ongoing training programmes and advise on potential optimisation.
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analyse education system
Analyse various aspects of the school and education system, such as the relation between the cultural origin of the students and their educational opportunities, the apprenticeship programmes or the objectives of adult education, in order to make recommendations to education professionals and decision makers.
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increase the impact of science on policy and society
Influence evidence-informed policy and decision making by providing scientific input to and maintaining professional relationships with policymakers and other stakeholders.
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present reports
Display results, statistics and conclusions to an audience in a transparent and straightforward way.
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consult information sources
Consult relevant information sources to find inspiration, to educate yourself on certain topics and to acquire background information.
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synthesise information
Critically read, interpret, and summarise new and complex information from diverse sources.
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manage personal professional development
Take responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional development based on reflection about own practice and through contact with peers and stakeholders. Pursue a cycle of self-improvement and develop credible career plans.
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develop a pedagogical concept
Develop a specific concept that describes the educational principles on which the organisation is based, and the values and behaviour patterns it advocates.
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manage research data
Produce and analyse scientific data originating from qualitative and quantitative research methods. Store and maintain the data in research databases. Support the re-use of scientific data and be familiar with open data management principles.
Skill DNA
Work personality traits and values that define this role
See whether this role fits your Career DNA
Take the free Career DNA assessment to see how educational researcher aligns with your interests, work style, and future path. In less than 10 minutes, you will get a personalized fit signal and a roadmap for what to do next.
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Where does educational researcher fit?
Similarity scores based on skill overlap from ESCO data.
Frequently asked questions
- What kind of educational settings might an educational researcher work in?
- Educational researchers are employed in a variety of settings, including universities, research institutions, government agencies, and educational consulting firms. You might also find opportunities within school districts or non-profit organizations focused on education reform.
- How does this role contribute to policy changes?
- By providing rigorous, data-driven insights, educational researchers inform the development and evaluation of educational policies. Your research can highlight the effectiveness of different interventions, identify systemic challenges, and ultimately contribute to more equitable and impactful educational systems.
- What skills are particularly important for success as an educational researcher?
- Strong analytical skills, proficiency in statistical software, excellent written and verbal communication, and the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders are essential. A deep understanding of research methodologies and a commitment to ethical research practices are also crucial.
- Educational Researcher — is there a shortage in Europe?
- Both, depending where. Of the 6 European countries that assessed this occupation group in 2025, 3 reported a shortage and 3 a surplus. These assessments are published per occupation group rather than per job title.
- Educational Researcher — what does it pay in the United States?
- $74,720 a year at the median, as of 2025-05. State medians run from $35,250 to $105,990. Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a United States figure and not a projection for Europe.