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 and configuration). 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 

Education and Work Experience

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 a SAS in a server environment as our primary analysis platform.

Knowledge of Educational Trends

Familiarity with national and state trends in education

Communication Skills

Is 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.  Candidates selected for interview will be required to provide writing samples and to give a job talk.

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 $100,000 - $108,000.

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