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.

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

• 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 at Pearson is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, and specific location. As required by the Colorado, California, Washington State, New York State and New York City laws, the pay range for this position is as follows:

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

Did you know Pearson is one of the 10 most innovative education companies of 2022?

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. We are on a journey to be 100 percent digital to meet the changing needs of the global population by developing a new strategy with ambitious targets. To deliver on our strategic vision, we have five business divisions that are the foundation for the long-term growth of the company: Assessment & Qualifications, Virtual Learning, English Language Learning, Workforce Skills and Higher Education. Alongside these, we have our corporate divisions: Digital & Technology, Finance, Global Corporate Marketing & Communications, Human Resources, Legal, Strategy and Direct to Consumer. Learn more at We are Pearson.

We value the power of an inclusive culture and also 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 building a workplace where talent can learn, grow and thrive.

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. We strive for a workforce that reflects the diversity of our communities.

To learn more about Pearson’s commitment to a diverse and inclusive workforce, navigate to: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Pearson.

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.

Note that the information you provide will stay confidential and will be stored securely. It will not be seen by those involved in making decisions as part of the recruitment process.

Job: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Organization: Assessment & Qualifications

Schedule: FULL_TIME

Workplace Type: Remote

Req ID: 16451

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