Associate Research Scientist

From world-class assessment to virtual learning and beyond – we create the products and services that help tens of millions of people reach their goals each year. And we make sure our products fit with our key sustainability targets – to make learning accessible to everyone, to lead responsibly, and to give the next generation the skills they need to shape a better world.

Our vision is to have a direct relationship with millions of lifelong learners and to link education to the way people aspire to live and work every day. To do that, we will collaborate with a wide group of partners to help shape the future of learning. Our purpose is to help people make progress in their lives through learning. We also believe we are at our best when we harness the unique skills, perspectives, and backgrounds of every employee.

The Associate 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.

The education, experience, and responsibilities associated with this position include:

Education and Work Experience

• Doctoral degree in educational measurement or a related field from a nationally recognized institution of higher education

Familiarity with Psychometric Techniques or Techniques Associated with Other Relevant Areas of Expertise

• Familiarity with applied psychometric techniques—including classical test theory, item response theory, test equating, scaling, linking, and standard setting

• OR familiarity with applied techniques associated with the scientist's specific area of expertise

Familiarity with Software Packages and Programming Languages

• Has experience with software packages and programming languages commonly used in psychometric work or measurement research (e.g., SAS, R, SPSS, WINSTEPS, IRTPro, PARSCALE, C , MPLUS, Java, Javascript, Python)

• OR experience with software (Matlab, IDL, PERL, XML) associated with the scientist's specific area of expertise

Scaling and Equating

• Conducts analyses for item calibration, linking, and equating under the guidance of more senior research scientists

Grants, Research, and External Funding

• Understands grant and research proposal application/writing process

• Designs scope of analysis work and anticipated limits for proposed research studies under the guidance of more senior research scientists

Test Construction/Field Testing

• Works under guidance from more senior research scientists in the construction of test forms and the preparation of items for various testing purposes

Proposal Development

• Contributes to assessment sections of proposals under guidance from more senior research scientists

Knowledge of Educational Trends

• Gathers information about national and state trends in education and considers this information when conducting analysis work

• 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 with internal project teams and external clients

• May present technical information to different audiences, (e.g., client groups or technical advisory committees), with guidance from more senior research scientists

• Makes presentations at national conferences

• Serves as an internal Psychometric and Research Services (PRS) contact (e.g., represents PRS in meetings and other communications) for a testing program or research project

Project and Talent Management

• Demonstrates project management skills necessary to complete assigned PRS tasks in a timely manner

• Supports hiring process through applicant interviewing

• Provides career plan information

Organizational Behavior

• Aligns goals with published department goals

• Follows existing processes

Working Location and Travel

• Willingness to travel as necessary

Learning is the most powerful force for change in the world. More than 20,000 Pearson employees deliver our products and services in nearly 200 countries, all working towards a common purpose – to help everyone achieve their potential through learning. We do that by providing high quality, digital content and learning experiences, as well as assessments and qualifications that help people build their skills and grow with the world around them. We are the world’s leading learning company. Learn more at pearsonplc.com.

Pearson believes that wherever learning flourishes, so do people. We are committed to being an anti-racist company in everything we do. We value the power of an inclusive culture and a strong sense of belonging. We promote a culture where differences are embraced, opportunities are accessible, consideration and respect are the norm, and all individuals are supported in reaching their full potential. Through our talent, we believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion make us a more innovative and vibrant place to work. People are at the center, and we are committed to a sustainable environment and workplace where talent can learn, grow, and thrive.

To learn more about Pearson’s commitment to a diverse and inclusive workforce, please click here:

http://www.pearson.com/careers/diversity-and-inclusion.html

Pearson is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. All employment is decided 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.

Job: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Organization: Assessments School

Schedule: FULL_TIME

Req ID: 1701