The Senior Research Scientist position described here is part of the Pearson Psychometric and Research Services group, which is part of the US School Assessment group and larger Assessment and Qualifications team. Pearson research scientists provide the full range of psychometric support to state and national customers, develop innovative techniques and processes, and conduct cutting-edge research studies.
Education and Work Experience
- Doctoral degree in educational measurement or a related field from a nationally recognized institution of higher education
- AND at least three years of relevant job experience, preferably with the complete range of psychometric issues that are faced with operational assessment programs or significant grant-funded research projects
Familiarity with Psychometric Techniques or Techniques Associated with Other Relevant Areas of Expertise
- Demonstrates the ability to effectively apply, design, and train others in solutions utilizing psychometric techniques—including classical test theory, item response theory, test equating, scaling and linking, and standard setting—to new and unique operational testing settings
- OR has experience applying and designing techniques utilizing the scientist's specific area of expertise to new and unique settings
- Assists in budgeting, coordinating of resources, and training
Familiarity with Software Packages and Programming Languages
- Applies packages and programming languages commonly used in psychometric work or measurement research (e.g., SAS, R, SPSS, WINSTEPS, IRTPro, PARSCALE, C++, MPLUS) to new and unique settings faced in operational testing programs or research projects
- OR experience with software (Matlab, IDL, PERL, Java, Javascript, XML) associated with the scientist's specific area of expertise and ability to apply these packages to new and unique settings faced in operational testing programs or significant research projects
Scaling and Equating
- Demonstrates skill with common scaling and equating designs to review and create technical documentation (including technical specifications)
- Conducts, guides, and designs analyses for item calibration, linking, and equating
- Designs, documents (including technical specifications), conducts AND/OR coordinates the efforts of others (including external verifiers), in item calibration, linking, and equating analyses
Grants, Research, and External Funding
- Designs research studies and research analysis specifications
- Identifies study limitations, study parameters, and funding requirements to complete proposed research
- Coordinates study resources, completes study documentation, and conducts formal reports for written or oral presentation as contractually obligated
Test Construction/Field Testing
- Organizes and coordinates with other research scientists, data analysts, subject-matter experts, and/or the client all aspects of test form design and construction and field test item preparation and review
Proposal Development
- Coordinates technical designs for proposals and writes associated text
- Serves on proposal review teams as necessary
- Demonstrates familiarity with costing process
Knowledge of Educational Trends
- Identifies implications of relevant national and state trends in education for operational assessment programs or research projects and clients
- Proposes measurement plans and provides client advice based on these implications as appropriate
- Upholds the principles defined by the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing
Communication Skills, Technical Presentations, and Client Contact
- Demonstrates communication skills, (oral, written, and business), necessary to function effectively in a leadership role with internal and external clients
- Communicates about and provides guidance on state and national educational issues
- Effectively tailors technical presentations to different audiences (e.g., client groups or technical advisory committees)
- Provides guidance for similar presentations made by other research scientists
- Makes presentations at national conferences
- Submits manuscripts for publication
- May serve as the primary contact for Psychometric and Research Services (PRS), (e.g., represents PRS in meetings and other communications), for internal and external clients for multiple testing programs or research projects, or for a single large and complex testing program or research project
Project and Talent Management
- Demonstrates project management skills necessary to lead and direct all PRS-related aspects of multiple assessment programs or research projects, or a single large and complex assessment program or research project
- Understands roles of different departments and how these impact PRS deliverables, schedules, costing, and scope
- Exhibits management skills necessary to provide costs, staffing input, and strategic plan information for specific projects to upper management
- Supports hiring process through applicant interviewing
- Provides career plan information
Organizational Behavior
- Aligns goals with department goals
- Provides advice for, creates, and documents new and existing processes
Working Location and Travel
- Willingness to travel as necessary
Compensation
The minimum full-time salary range is between $135,000 - $160,000. This position is eligible to participate in an annual incentive program, and information on benefits offered is here.
What to expect from Pearson
At Pearson, we add life to a lifetime of learning so everyone can realize the life they imagine. We do this by creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact.
Pearson is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify. We want a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit and business need. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or any other group protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career site as a result of your disability, you may request reasonable accommodations by emailing TalentExperienceGlobalTeam@grp.pearson.com.
Job: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Organization: Assessment & Qualifications
Schedule: FULL_TIME
Workplace Type: Remote
Req ID: 16451
