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As a member of the Assessment Product team within School Assessment, the Research Scientist works closely across new interim and summative products to conduct psychometric and research activities that support product improvement and student learning outcomes. Pearson research scientists will support the development of innovative techniques and processes and conduct cutting-edge research studies.

The education, experience, and responsibilities associated with this position include:

Education and Work Experience

• Advanced 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 with operational psychometric assessment analysis and research projects

Familiarity with Psychometric Techniques or Techniques Associated with Other Relevant Areas of Expertise

• Demonstrates the ability to effectively apply solutions utilizing innovative psychometric techniques—including classical test theory, item response theory, diagnostic classification modeling, test equating, scaling, linking, and growth analysis —to new and unique operational testing settings

Familiarity with Software Packages and Programming Languages

• Applies packages and programming languages commonly used in psychometric work or measurement research (e.g., SAS, R, WINSTEPS, IRTPro, Python ) to new and unique settings faced in operational testing programs or research projects

Calibration and Equating

• Demonstrates skill with common classification, 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

Research Activities

• Designs efficacy and evaluation studies and research analysis specifications

• Identifies study limitations, study parameters, to complete proposed research

• Coordinates study resources, completes study documentation, and conducts formal reports for written or oral presentation

Test Construction/Field Testing

• Organizes and coordinates with other subject-matter experts, and on all aspects of test form design and construction and field test item preparation and review

• Coordinates with technology teams to create CAT input files, scoring exports and reporting requirements.

Knowledge of Educational Trends

• Proposes research studies that are relevant to key problems students, families, and educators are facing.

• Upholds the principles defined by the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing

• Brings unique perspective on creating psychometric solutions for classroom, formative assessment systems that are aimed at informing personalized classroom instruction and improving student learning outcomes

• Is willing to explore creating flexible psychometric solutions for game-based assessment and other immersive technologies

Communication Skills, Technical Presentations, and Client Contact

• Demonstrates communication skills, (oral, written, and business), necessary to function effectively

• Effectively tailors technical presentations to different audiences

• Makes presentations at national conferences

• Submits manuscripts for publication

• Contributes to writing project narratives Project and Talent Management

• Demonstrates project management skills necessary to execute psychometric tasks and research projects on time and within the allocated budget.

Organizational Behavior

• Ensures that product marketing claims are rooted in evidence.

• Based on research, provides input that informs future product enhancements

• Organized, self-motivated, and innovative in their approach to operational psychometrics and research

Working Location and Travel

• This position is remote

• Travel will not exceed 10%

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, and New York City laws, the pay range for this position is as follows:

The minimum full-time base salary range is between $80,000 - 95,000.

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 ppsmhr@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

Req ID: 10627

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