Associate research scientist

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.

Who We Are

At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realize the life they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. We are the world's lifelong learning company. For us, learning isn't just what we do. It's who we are. To learn more: We are Pearson.

Pearson is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit and business need. 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 actively seek qualified candidates who are protected veterans and individuals with disabilities as defined under VEVRAA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act.

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 [email protected].

Job: Research, Efficacy, and Psychometrics

Job Family: LEARNING & CONTENT_DEVELOPMENT

Organization: Assessment & Qualifications

Schedule: FULL_TIME

Workplace Type

Req ID: 20946

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