Bildungsforscher/Bildungsforscherin

Media related to this profession includes vocational education research, vocational education reports, education statistics, education and research figures, quality assurance in vocational education, the impact of digitalization on education, gender journals, the German Office for International Cooperation in Vocational Education and Training (GOVET), education for Europe, and portals for adult education.

Big Data in science and Learning Analytics are key trends in this field. Big Data enables researchers to analyze large datasets, helping to identify risk factors in medical research or complex protein interactions. This leads to more efficient work and better product development. Learning Analytics measures, collects, analyzes, and evaluates data from learners and their digital learning environments.

Educational researchers typically work in offices, meeting and conference rooms, and lecture halls and seminar rooms at universities. They may also work from home or remotely.

Core competencies required for this profession include educational work, educational consulting, educational management and planning, education policy, research, and committee work. Further important competencies may include digital learning certificates, educational science, pedagogy, preparing academic publications, expert appraisal, forecasting, youth and adult education, customer consulting, university teaching, public relations, project management, qualitative research methods, social sciences, sociology, lecturing, and science policy.

Educational researchers require analytical thinking for their research activities. They interact with various professional groups in areas such as educational management, education policy, or research. These can be politicians or staff at a university institute to whom they give work instructions, requiring leadership qualities. When educational researchers are involved in teaching or public relations, they demonstrate their communication skills. A large part of their work involves desk work in an office at a computer. Working hours vary: In large research institutes, there is a normal daytime operation. If educational researchers work as experts, for example, their working hours are more flexible. When advising politicians or participating in conferences, they travel and sometimes work on weekends.

An exemplary gross basic salary in the public sector (monthly) ranges from 5,367 € to 7,194 €. This information is sourced from the collective agreement for public service of the federal states (TV-L). These figures are for orientation only and no claims can be derived from them.

Educational researchers can work in institutions conducting research and development in legal, economic, social, linguistic, cultural, and art sciences, such as research institutions in educational and pedagogical sciences. They can also be employed in public administration of education, particularly in educational and pedagogical research institutions of public administration, and in educational institutions of political parties, associations, and other interest groups.

Employers often expect an advanced degree (weiterführendes Studium) in pedagogy, educational sciences, or social fields.

Access to this profession typically requires an advanced degree in fields such as vocational pedagogy (postgraduate), educational management (postgraduate), development research and policy (postgraduate), educational sciences (postgraduate), peace and conflict research (postgraduate), gender studies (postgraduate), humanitarian aid (postgraduate), childhood pedagogy (postgraduate), political science (postgraduate), social sciences (postgraduate), or sociology (postgraduate).

Educational researchers can find employment in educational and pedagogical research institutions, in public administration, and in educational institutions of associations.

Educational researcher (m/f)

Educational researchers investigate educational topics and develop innovative learning methods and new educational opportunities.

Job and applicant exchanges: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Soziologie (DGS), duz wissenschaftskarriere, WILA-Arbeitsmarkt.

Associations and organizations: Berufsverband für Soziologie in Deutschland e.V., Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), Gewerkschaft Erziehung und Wissenschaft (GEW), Institut für Arbeitsmarkt- und Berufsforschung der Bundesagentur für Arbeit (IAB), Leibniz-Institut für Bildungsforschung und Bildungsinformation DIPF, Vereinigung für Betriebliche Bildungsforschung e.V., Weizenbaum-Institut e.V.

Working conditions: Customer contact (e.g., advising political decision-making bodies on educational policy issues), screen work (e.g., preparing expert opinions, reviewing data and studies), office work (in educational and pedagogical research institutions of public administration and associations).

Work items and tools: Documents (e.g., specialized literature, statistics, expert opinions, project descriptions, economic feasibility studies), office equipment and presentation tools (e.g., PC, internet access, telephone, projector).

Educational researchers analyze learning methods or the school and education system using statistical investigations and studies. They develop approaches for better or new educational opportunities. They also advise political decision-making bodies and participate in planning relevant measures. In doing so, they consider legal frameworks and costs, such as for personnel, buildings, and equipment. Educational researchers write expert opinions, convey their knowledge through books or lectures, and contribute to the public relations work of their field.

Continuing vocational training helps to keep professional knowledge up-to-date and adapt it to new developments (e.g., in the fields of pedagogy, sociology, statistics, or public relations).

Educational researchers analyze the education and school system, for example, knowledge transfer, the Ausbildung (vocational training) and Weiterbildung (further education) of teachers, and educational opportunities based on social origin. They develop approaches for better or new educational possibilities, advise political decision-making bodies on educational policy issues, and participate in the planning of corresponding measures. They prepare expert reports, publish results in books and specialist articles, and hold lectures or courses. They also contribute to the public relations work of their field (e.g., establishing contacts, writing press releases).