Researcher/Senior Researcher, Educational Assessment (Remote Eligible)

Position Description

Mathematica applies expertise at the intersection of data, methods, policy, and practice to address complex social challenges and improve well-being around the world. We create and use evidence to help our public and private sector partners improve programs, refine strategies, and advance knowledge. Over the past two decades, we have developed a large portfolio of international development work that spans more than 60 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe. Our work provides actionable learning to guide decision-making and improve outcomes in a range of policy areas, including education and workforce development; agriculture and food systems; health and nutrition; water, sanitation, and hygiene; and energy.

Mathematica Global seeks a Researcher/Senior Researcher with experience developing and evaluating student assessments for low- and middle-income country contexts. The Researcher/Senior Researcher will lead and support teams of Mathematica staff, international consultants, and in-country partners to generate and distill evidence to guide our clients’ strategy, program improvement, and policy efforts. This may involve leading evaluations and research; developing new and improved approaches to using big data, evidence, and learning to inform decision-making; and serving as a trusted learning partner and advisor to our clients and partners.

Education

The Researcher/Senior Researcher will have a strong track record of research excellence and expertise in educational assessment and deep experience using measurement, evaluation, and learning to drive strategy and decision-making for a range of partners. We are looking for individuals who can support current and emerging work with educational assessments in low- and middle-income countries, with demonstrated ability in the following areas:

• Applying a deep understanding of student assessments, assessment development, item response theory, item bank design, developing learning standards for curricula, and applying standards to assessments
• Analyzing student assessment data and translating findings in an accurate, approachable way for policymakers and lay audiences
• Applying qualitative and quantitative research methods and use of assessments, including knowledge of psychometric indicators, soft skills measurement, and classroom observations
• Facilitating meetings with partners from the federal government, foundations, international partners, international government authorities, consultants, and teaming partners
• Providing the energy, direction, organization, and quality control needed to keep projects on time and on budget and to facilitate communications across and between internal and external contributors
• Contributing to business development by preparing technical proposals and budgets
  
  

Responsibilities Of The Researcher/Senior Researcher Include

• Direct multidisciplinary teams on fast-paced complex projects such as evaluations, monitoring, and technical assistance activities
• Engage with clients and partners to understand the challenges they face and work collaboratively with them to develop innovative solutions
• Apply rigorous design and analytic thinking to the development and analysis of student assessment data
• Engage in business development efforts and lead proposals for new projects
• Author project reports, memos, issue briefs, and webinar presentations and represent Mathematica to policy and professional audiences and oversee the work of others
• Contribute to the growth, expertise, and institutional knowledge of staff, including active mentorship
• Support dissemination of Mathematica’s research and work through articles in peer-reviewed journals, gray literature publications, conference presentations, blog posts, social media, and other dissemination channels
  
  

Position Requirements

• Master’s or doctoral degree in psychology, education, or a related field
• At least 5 years of experience conducting work related to educational assessment in low- and middle-income country contexts. Candidates with more experience may be considered for a Senior Researcher position
• Expertise in quantitative methods and a deep understanding of technical aspects of educational assessments and policies related to international assessment
• Understanding of education systems, reading curriculum standards, proficiency frameworks, and global reading benchmarks
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including an ability to explain observations and findings to diverse stakeholder audiences including program administrators and policymakers
• Demonstrated ability to effectively lead complex tasks, including major evaluations, coordinating the work of multidisciplinary teams, and proactively solving problems
• Strong cross-cultural communication and facilitation skills to effectively engage with stakeholders from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds
• Demonstrated experience building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials, curriculum specialists, educational institutions, academics, and consultants
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; flexibility to lead and manage multiple priorities under deadline
• Experience in sub-Saharan Africa is preferred
• Familiarity with education models used in low- and middle-income countries, including accelerated learning programs is preferred
• Experience with implementation of large-scale student assessments and use of benchmarks is preferred
• Ability to travel
• Fluency in at least one language in addition to English preferred; fluency in French, Arabic, Portuguese, and/or Spanish is highly desirable
  
  

A cover letter, CV, and writing sample must be submitted at the time of application via our online application system. If desired, letters of recommendation may be submitted directly by your references to HumanResources@mathematica-mpr.com.

The Researcher level position offers an anticipated base salary range of $100,000-$135,000.

The Senior Researcher level position offers an anticipated base salary range of $110,000-$160,000.

Both positions are eligible for a discretionary bonus based on individual and company performance.

Available locations: Princeton, NJ; Washington, DC; Cambridge, MA; Chicago, IL; Remote.

#remote-usa

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

At Mathematica, we understand the importance of building relationships with colleagues. If you’re not located near one of our offices but would like opportunities to meet up with co-workers, we offer coworking spaces where available. Ask your Talent Acquisition partner for more information about this opportunity and whether it’s an option in your area.

Any offer of employment will be contingent upon passing a background check. Various federal agencies with whom we contract require that staff successfully undergo security clearance as a condition of working on the project. If you are assigned to such a project, you will be required to obtain the requisite security clearance. Additionally, if you participate in/complete the application process and are denied, Mathematica may choose to terminate your employment.

Although Mathematica does not require vaccination from COVID-19 as a condition of employment, various projects or agencies may require documentation of vaccination (or an approved exception/accommodation).

We take pride in our employees and in their commitment to excellence. We encourage staff to collaborate in developing creative solutions to difficult problems and to share the responsibility and enjoyment of carrying out complex projects. This collegial spirit has helped us earn our reputation for innovative and high quality work.

One of Mathematica’s core values is a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our work is more robust because it is informed by a variety of diverse perspectives, and our mission to improve societal well-being is strengthened by a greater understanding of issues and challenges facing the populations we serve. Mathematica’s ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion is woven into our everyday actions, policies, and practices—including decisions regarding recruitment, training, compensation, and promotion. We are dedicated to maintaining a work environment in which everyone is treated with respect and dignity.