As a research scientist, you will play an essential role in advancing EA’s mission by maintaining the organization's commitment to rigorous, collaborative, and practitioner-informed research.
Our Research Scientists have a pivotal role in research design and analysis, playing different roles dependent on the project team, including leading the design, development, and execution of projects and evidence-based interventions and/or tools in their portfolio. Projects assigned to research scientists vary in scope, ranging from secondary analysis of existing data to multi-year, multi-site original research projects. Research Scientists simultaneously hold the big picture for research goals and execute on the day-to-day implementation of plans, ensuring that research projects are scoped with fidelity, executed in accordance with best practices, and remain aligned with EA’s mission, values, and strategic plans. Research scientists may also apply their research and analysis skills to EA projects not in their portfolio, as needed. In these capacities, research scientists play a key role in continuing to build the evidence-base used by EA to advance equity in educational and workplace settings.
Research Scientist
NOW HIRING
Remote
Full-Time Position
Please note: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time.
- This position may have one to two direct reports.
management of direct reports
- Ensure data quality and compliance in cooperation with data analyst(s)
- Ensure compliance with human subjects research regulations and that all appropriate team members are up to date on required trainings (e.g. CITI), as applicable
- Oversee and ensure compliance with Equity Accelerator Data Security protocols
- Oversee the execution and enforcement of Internal Review Board policies, as applicable
compliance
- Ensure that research integrity is integrated into project team’s process, including translating research terminology and process to other team members where needed
- Contribute writing, particularly with a scientific lens, for presentations and reports, including slide decks, project reports, academic publications, and grant applications
- Serve as content area expert in external presentations, workshops, talks, etc.
- Use methods and processes that ensure reproducibility of all research findings
communication
- Responsible for the design, development and implementation of research activities, including identifying feasible research questions, grant preparation, observational and intervention study methodologies, qualitative and quantitative analyses, the development of research materials and analytical plans
- Develop analytical plans to achieve project goals, using appropriate statistical techniques to make inferences about target populations
- Write scripts to implement planned analyses, generating reports documenting results via charts, tables and text that articulate findings for technical and lay audiences
- Provide input and perspective to rest of project team on the development of an overall vision for project/initiative design, milestones and deliverables, ensuring that plans are aligned with end goals for learning (e.g., advancing EA/field knowledge), impact (e.g., change in outcomes), and equity (e.g., narrowing outcome and opportunity gaps among structurally and historically well-served and underserved groups), incorporating academic subject matter experts (contractors) where applicable
- Lead project team (EA staff and/or consulting scholars) in the conceptual design and development of tools and/or interventions as related to areas of subject matter expertise or research findings (e.g., identifying and defining key ingredients for effective implementation, outlining optimal delivery timing/approaches, etc.), incorporating considerations of project scope as it relates to research/intervention/tool impact and efficacy.
- Ensure that research design, data collection, and analyses meet established goals and deliverables for projects in your portfolio, including that data and analytical methods are sufficient to make anticipated inference. Verify the validity of findings, identify the source of unexpected results, and if necessary, correct the research design
- Lead the design, development and implementation of research activities, including developing research materials, analytical plans and scripts; review plans throughout for alignment with relevant evidence-base and research best-practices
- Understanding of and ability to apply social psychological concepts and theories in applied research, including growth mindset, social belonging, and identity safety
- Contribute to data analysis and interpretation for projects not in one’s portfolio as requested
- Contribute research content/review to proposals for new projects
- Contribute to the professional development of other EA staff, particularly around equitable evaluation practices
research theory, design, & conduct
duties & responsibilities
Research Scientists report to EA's Director of Research.
Attention to detail: Notices and fixes errors that others might overlook. Acknowledges mistakes, addresses them quickly, and turns them into learning opportunities. Has a track record of leaving things better than they found them.
Interpersonal relationships: Finds (and creates) opportunities to deepen connections and build authentic, mutual relationships with team members and project partners across lines of difference, ethnicity, sexual orientation, class, ability, gender identity, citizenship status, or other identities. Welcomes viewpoints that differ from one’s own, and is able to “sit with” discomfort when people express themselves in ways that are unfamiliar. Transparent and genuine. Follows through on commitments. Seeks and engages well with feedback.
Organizational and Strategic Planning: Stays on top of multiple projects, plans backwards, anticipates obstacles, identifies and involves stakeholders appropriately, uses resources wisely. Demonstrates strong time management skills and is able to juggle competing demands and prioritize without sacrificing quality.
Adaptability and Problem Solving: Proactively asks for help, anticipates problems, and course-corrects where needed. Ready to take advantage of unexpected opportunities and address obstacles. Looks for the root of both simple and complex problems. Approaches work with a spirit of “yes” and readiness to adapt as things change, which they often do.
key competencies
At EA, we welcome and encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds who can bring unique perspectives to the table. If you feel this position would be a good fit for you, please apply even if you don’t meet all of the listed criteria exactly.
As part of employment, you will be asked to complete the US govt’s Form I-9 after hire, which involves presenting certain documents proving identity and employment eligibility.
authorization to work in the us
- This role requires CITI training and certification for human subjects research (this can be acquired on the job)
- This position may require occasional travel for in-person meetings or events
- Staff will be required to take an equity-focused project management training
- Some partners with whom we contract may require that staff successfully undergo a background investigation or security clearance as a condition of working on certain projects. If you are assigned to such a project, you will be required to obtain the requisite security clearance
Other requirements
- Direct experience in equitable evaluation and/or culturally responsive approaches to creating and using evidence
- PhD in a disciplinary field with significant data science background, or equivalent experience/training
- Experience using R for data management, data visualization, and complex analyses
- Familiar with version control systems (e.g., Git)
- Prior experience leading and supporting teams and demonstrated professionalism interacting with key stakeholders
- Emerging supervisory skills
preferred qualifications
- Five or more years of experience working in the areas of social science or behavioral science research, evaluation, strategy, learning, training, capacity building, and/or performance measurement, whether from leading academic or professional projects
- Master’s degree in social psychology, psychology, educational psychology, sociology, or a relevant field. We will consider candidates without an advanced degree who demonstrate substantial relevant experience.
- Strong knowledge of quantitative research design and methodology, data extraction, and statistical analysis (e.g., test statistics, power analysis, effect sizes, multivariate analysis, multilevel models)
- At least one year of experience using R statistical software
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, including ability to write for and speak to academic, popular, and policy audiences
- Ability to work effectively both independently and within a collaborative, interdisciplinary team environment
minimum qualifications
qualifications & REQUIREMENTS
- Fully Remote work - work from anywhere in the US
- Flexible schedules that balance autonomy and collaboration
- 42 days of paid time off (vacation, PTO, and paid holidays) annually
- 15 days of sick leave, earned at 1.25 days month
- $70/month internet stipend
- Collaborative, genuinely awesome colleagues from a wide range of professional and personal backgrounds
- Medical benefits for employees and family members
- Dental insurance and vision discount plan
- Healthcare flexible spending account
- Dependent care assistance spending account
- 401k with 10% employer match at 5% employee contribution, beginning after 6 months of employment
- Employer provided life insurance
This position offers an anticipated annual base salary range of $80,000-$90,000.
Salary & BENEFITS
To Apply
Interested? Please fill out the form here.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. This position will remain open until filled, and we are looking to fill the position immediately.
Note: you will not be able to save your draft so please plan to have a document link for your resume and cover letter ready before starting this application.
