Associate Research Scientist

As the world's learning company, Pearson helps people make more of their lives through learning. We use our knowledge, passion, and reach to tackle the big problems in education and inspire a love of learning that lasts a lifetime. That is why we need smart people like you. Together, we can transform education and provide boundless opportunities for billions of learners worldwide.

The Automated Scoring team develops machine learning-based models that analyze tens of millions of learner exam responses each year. Our technology is unique and meaningful, providing results quickly on student performance on standardized tests. The Associate Research Scientist will join Pearson’s Automated Scoring Team to provide customer-facing support for the administration of Pearson’s automated scoring programs and support the execution of initiatives to innovate and improve the delivery of Pearson's automated scoring technologies. This role will report to and work closely with the Director of Automated Scoring, but it will also support program managers, machine learning engineers, and various internal stakeholders to ensure the quality and reliability of our automated scoring systems.

Duties & responsibilities

Listed below are the typical duties and responsibilities expected of an individual for the job title. The items specified below are a guideline of the minimum expectations for the job title; changes will be made on a case-by-case basis for individuals who show potential to take on more opportunities.

• Provide customer-facing support and communications for automated scoring programs, addressing queries, and assisting with the administration of these programs.

• Support the planning and execution of initiatives aimed at innovating and constantly improving Pearson's automated scoring technologies.

• Conduct statistical and psychometric analyses associated with automated and human scoring under the Director of Automated Scoring.

• Collaborate with internal teams and external clients to present technical information and research findings.

• Engage in original research focusing on automated and human scoring, and present/publish in peer reviewed conferences/journals.

• Contribute to the development and documentation of technical and operational procedures.

• Stay informed about national and state trends in education and consider this information when conducting analysis work.

• Uphold the principles defined by the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing.

Qualifications

Qualified individuals will be required to work with dynamic teams driven by project delivery goals. You should possess the drive to learn and continuously improve on work performance. You must also be detail-oriented and eager to work with peers in producing quality output. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Doctoral degree in educational measurement, psychometrics, statistics, or a related field. Candidates who are ABD (All But Dissertation) with a strong background and relevant experience will also be considered.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Familiarity with and ability to utilize applied psychometric techniques, including classical test theory, item response theory, test equating, scaling, linking, and standard setting.

• Experience with software packages and programming languages commonly used in psychometric work (e.g., SAS, R, SPSS, Python, WINSTEPS, IRTPro, PARSCALE, MPLUS).

• Curious and always learning habits of mind.

• Strong team-oriented approach to work, with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written.

• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team in a collaborative environment.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.

Experiences that will set you apart

• Experience with design, development, and delivery of operational testing programs (summative & formative)

• Experience with the design, development, and analysis of automated scoring applications.

• Understanding of machine learning or natural language processing techniques and their integration with traditional psychometrics.

Working location and travel

• This position is remote.

• Willingness to travel as necessary.

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 $85,000 - $92,000.

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 also 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 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 creating a workplace where talent can learn, grow and thrive.

Pearson is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify. All employment is decided 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.

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 work@tuhustle.com.

To learn more about Pearson’s commitment to a diverse and inclusive workforce, navigate to: http://www.pearson.com/careers/diversity-and-inclusion.html.

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