Pearson Education - Boise, ID
posted 3 months ago
The Senior Research Scientist position is a critical role within the Pearson Psychometric and Research Services group, which operates under the US School Assessment group and the larger Assessment and Qualifications team. This position is designed for individuals who are passionate about educational measurement and psychometrics, providing a comprehensive range of psychometric support to state and national customers. The role involves developing innovative techniques and processes, as well as conducting cutting-edge research studies that contribute to the field of educational assessment. Candidates for this position are expected to hold a doctoral degree in educational measurement or a related field from a nationally recognized institution, along with a minimum of three years of relevant job experience. This experience should ideally encompass a broad spectrum of psychometric issues encountered in operational assessment programs or significant grant-funded research projects. The successful candidate will demonstrate proficiency in applying, designing, and training others in psychometric techniques, including classical test theory, item response theory, test equating, scaling and linking, and standard setting, tailored to unique operational testing settings. In addition to technical expertise, the Senior Research Scientist will be responsible for managing various aspects of research projects, including budgeting, resource coordination, and training. Familiarity with software packages and programming languages commonly used in psychometric work, such as SAS, R, SPSS, and others, is essential. The role also requires skills in scaling and equating, where the candidate will conduct analyses for item calibration, linking, and equating, and create technical documentation. The position involves designing research studies, identifying study limitations, and coordinating resources for successful project completion. The Senior Research Scientist will also play a key role in test construction and field testing, collaborating with other research scientists and subject-matter experts to ensure the quality and effectiveness of assessment tools. Furthermore, the candidate will be involved in proposal development, technical design coordination, and will need to stay informed about educational trends to provide relevant advice to clients. Strong communication skills are vital for this role, as the Senior Research Scientist will be expected to present findings at national conferences, submit manuscripts for publication, and serve as a primary contact for various testing programs. Project management skills are also crucial, as the candidate will lead multiple assessment programs or research projects, ensuring alignment with departmental goals and effective resource management. The position requires a willingness to travel as necessary, reflecting the collaborative nature of the work.