Associate Research Scientist

Job Description

Associate Research Scientist

Description

At Pearson, we’re committed to a world that’s always learning and to our talented team who makes it all possible. From bringing lectures vividly to life to turning textbooks into laptop lessons, we are always re-examining the way people learn best, whether it’s one child in our own backyard or an education community across the globe. We are bold thinkers and standout innovators who motivate each other to explore new frontiers in an environment that supports and inspires us to always be better. By pushing the boundaries of technology - and each other to surpass these boundaries - we create seeds of learning that become the catalyst for the world’s innovations, personal and global, large and small.

Our School Assessment Psychometric Services department has one or more job openings for Associate Research Scientist positions. Pearson research scientists provide the full range of psychometric support to large scale custom assessment programs, as well as develop innovative techniques and processes. We are looking for candidates with drive and ambition who are seeking to make an impact as a psychometric practitioner, serving state departments of education and large school districts.

General Duties and Responsibilities:

• Fulfills psychometric analyses including scaling, equating, item and test analyses, test construction (including CAT item pool assembly, configuration, and maintenance).
• Produces technical reports that exceed target audience requirements for clarity and defensibility.
• Facilitates public review meetings such as item data reviews and standard settings.
• Collaborates with other measurement professionals in the delivery of large scale high-stakes assessment programs.
• Advises clients on sound measurement practice – is able to understand the impacts of public policy on assessment, and vice versa.
• Manages schedules and interacts with subject matter experts, technology staff, and program management staff to fulfill psychometric deliverables.
• Travels, as required, to fulfill these responsibilities. Travel is approximately 25%.
• Is self-driven, self-monitoring, and able to work independently following established procedures.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in educational measurement or a related field from a nationally recognized institution of higher education.
• Doctoral candidates may be considered if evidence is provided that the candidate will graduate within a semester of hiring.

Familiarity with Psychometric Techniques:

• Familiarity with applied psychometric techniques - including classical test theory, item response theory, test equating, scaling, linking, and standard setting.
• Familiarity with modern assessment designs and practices such as computer adaptive testing, Bayesian inference networks, and multidimensional IRT a plus.

Familiarity with Software Packages and Programming Languages:

• Familiarity with software packages and programming languages commonly used in psychometric work or measurement research (e.g., SAS, R, WINSTEPS, IRTPRO). Note that Pearson uses SAS in a server environment as our primary analysis platform.

Familiarity with Educational Trends:

• Familiarity with national and state trends in education.

Communication Skills:

• Able to demonstrate communication skills (oral, written, and business) necessary to function effectively with internal project teams and external clients.
• Must be able to effectively write and communicate orally to both technical and non-technical audiences.

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Pearson is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and a member of E-Verify. All qualified applicants, including minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Primary Location: United States

Other Locations US-TX-San Antonio

Work Locations: US-TX-San Antonio-19500 Bulverde 19500 Bulverde Road San Antonio 78259

Job: Professional Development

Organization: Assessments School

Employee Status: Regular Employee

Job Type: Standard

Shift: Day Job

Job Posting: Aug 9, 2019

Job Unposting: Ongoing

Schedule: Full-time Regular

Req ID: 1910529

Pearson is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and a member of E-Verify. All qualified applicants, including minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.