Pearson is the world’s learning company, operating in nearly 200 countries around the world, with over 20,000 employees. We provide content, assessment and digital services to schools, colleges and universities, as well as professional and vocational education to learners to help increase their skills and lifelong employability prospects. We aim to support learners throughout their lifetime for every moment that matters – whether this is exam preparation and success, graduating from university, getting a new job, studying for a postgraduate degree, changing career, or looking for a new challenge.
From world-class assessment to virtual learning and beyond – we create the products and services that help tens of millions of people reach their goals each year. And we make sure our products fit with our key sustainability targets – to make learning accessible to everyone, to lead responsibly, and to give the next generation the skills they need to shape a better world.
Our vision is to have a direct relationship with millions of lifelong learners and to link education to the way people aspire to live and work every day. To do that, we will collaborate with a wide group of partners to help shape the future of learning. Our purpose is to help people make progress in their lives through learning.
We also believe we are at our best when we harness the unique skills, perspectives, and backgrounds of every employee.
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
Organizational Behavior
Aligns goals with published department goals
Follows existing processes
Working Location and Travel
Willingness to travel as necessary
Applications will be accepted through 9/12/25. This window may be extended depending on business needs.
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 California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York State, New York City, Vermont, Washington State, and Washington DC 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.
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