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  

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 $90,000 - $100,000.

This position is eligible to participate in an annual incentive program, and information on benefits offered is here.