Research Associate
Overview
Empirical Education Inc. (https://www.empiricaleducation.com/) conducts research and develops research capacity in state and local education agencies around the U.S. Our mission is to help K-12 school systems make evidence-based decisions about the effectiveness of their programs, policies, and personnel. We seek candidates who want to contribute to leading edge research on K-12 schools to join our research team.
Responsibilities
Under the guidance of—and in collaboration with—the company’s senior researchers, research associates (who will have the title Research Scientist or Research Manager, depending on their experience and qualifications) are responsible for the life cycle of a research project. In this role, you will perform the following tasks.
- Write research proposals and prepare/track project budgets
- Design research studies
- Communicate with representatives from education agencies
- Manage relationships with external clients and colleagues
- Design data collection instruments (e.g., surveys, interview protocols)
- Review data from education agencies
- Prepare literature reviews
- Conduct interviews, classroom observations, and focus groups
- Analyze qualitative and quantitative data
- Communicate findings to educators and other stakeholders, including writing formal research reports and presenting at conferences and workshops
- Perform essential project task management and documentation
Research Scientists also serve as Principal Investigators on research projects and create and provide professional development on research methods. Some travel is required.
Qualifications
Our ideal candidate will have the following general qualifications and capabilities.
- PhD or Masters in education or a field relevant to the organization of instruction, administration of schools, or teaching methods
- Understanding of research design, statistical analysis, data collection methods, and the evidence standards of the What Works Clearinghouse
- Insight into U.S. K-12 schools, preferably through a teaching or research role
- Experience managing multiple projects, tasks, and priorities as part of a team
- Familiarity with working with a variety of professionals in different roles
- Demonstrated ability to write in a clear and concise manner, and use direct and clear verbal communication
- Analytic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Interest in quantitative information, qualitative evidence, and data analysis
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel
- Organization skills, comfort working against deadlines, and careful attention to detail
- Commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming work environment
Candidates should understand the fundamentals of rigorous evaluations (e.g., RCTs and QEs) in education and have experience thinking through the nuances of implementing programs in complex real-world settings and their implications for the design of the study and the analysis of results.
F
or this specific position, we seek a candidate who will assist with the external evaluation of an antiracist teacher residency program; and thus, has some knowledge of the following.
- Antiracist literature and equitable evaluation frameworks
- Research methods / data collection instruments used to evaluate professional learning that supports equitable and culturally relevant practices in schools
- Experience fostering authentic partnerships with researchers and local stakeholders (e.g., educators and school/district leaders)
- Co-constructing research / evaluation plans with research partners and participants
Additionally, we seek a candidate with an interest in how large-scale digital learning platforms can be utilized to support equity-relevant research that is responsive to student needs.
Email cover letter and resume to: rmjobs@empiricaleducation.com