We stand at a unique juncture in the transformation of education, in which a movement toward a new field of data science education is taking shape. In order for this field to see maximum success, its growth must be guided by theory and its work grounded in evidence. From our earliest years as the pioneering developer of probeware, allowing students to produce data themselves, to recent years promoting data science education research and development through cutting-edge educational research and innovative development of technologies including the transformative Common Online Data Analysis Platform (CODAP), the Concord Consortium has been a consistent leader in data science education. We were one of the earliest advocates for data science education research, advocating for and ushering the field forward from its early years and currently leading nearly a dozen National Science Foundation-funded research projects focused on data and data science education research. We now seek a research scientist with strong experience as a project director or principal investigator to help develop and extend this leading portfolio of data science education research and to play a leading role across the field of data science education.
This position will initiate grant supported research and development that expands on our tradition of data-related learning and technology based innovations in STEM fields. The ideal candidate is an outstanding, dedicated professional who is extremely knowledgeable in data science and STEM educational research and who is familiar with educational technology, school based implementation, and research and project management. This position requires flexibility and willingness to contribute to several projects in different roles such as conducting research on learning, developing curriculum, designing new technology, providing professional development, and developing proposals for new work.
In this position you will:
- Develop proposals for further funding.
- Design and direct research designs for projects.
- Direct the statistical analysis of items, student logs, and other learner and teacher artifacts
- Generate scholarly publications and reviewed talks
- Oversee projects and conduct general project work
- Travel and present at a range of conferences and convocations
- Specialized skills such as educational data mining, innovative online assessment, or visualization and computational modeling
- Over the next few years, the candidate will be expected to create and direct new projects that build on and expand our expertise
To accomplish this, you will need:
- Proven grant writing ability
- An advanced degree in science, mathematics, computer science, or a related research field, preferably with experience in the educational application of technology. The equivalent of an undergraduate major in a STEM field is highly desired
- Experience in designing and administering educational research
- Experience directing and designing research-based curricula and technology involving data science education or data-related teaching and learning of STEM subjects
- Knowledge about a range of qualitative and quantitative educational research designs and statistical techniques
You will be even more successful if you have experience with or interest in:
- Knowledge of K-12 STEM content and standards, expertise in curriculum design, classroom experience, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work with many different people with differing academic backgrounds
- Preference will be given to a candidate who has been a Principal Investigator of a successful project or projects funded by the National Science Foundation or other federal agency.
- Contributions to research in educational technology through peerreviewed talks and publications
- Successful experience writing, receiving, and managing federal grant funding
- Excellent communication skills in both written and spoken form. Contributions to research in educational technology through peer-reviewed talks and publications.
- Experience in educational technology and its applications and assessment in science, math, and engineering.
- The successful candidate is authorized to work in the U.S., ideally near our headquarters in Concord, MA or our office in Emeryville, CA. However, remote or hybrid roles are also welcome for consideration.
- The organization particularly seeks candidates with experience in educational applications of visualizations, educational data mining and analytics, and technologybased performance assessment or formative assessment.
The Concord Consortium offers a rich variety of benefits, including up to four weeks’ vacation, medical and dental insurance, tuition reimbursement, a generous TIAA-CREF retirement plan, and life and short- and long-term disability insurance.
Our work environment is casual and stimulating. Join us to be part of a creative community of geeks and science, math, and engineering fanatics. We have frequent technical and research discussions, sometimes including invited guests from local and distant nonprofits, tech groups, and more. We’re a creative, intelligent, happy bunch — check out our profiles.
To apply
If you are authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis for any employer, and you have the required qualifications please send your cover letter, curriculum vitae, and a writing sample to: hrjr+SRDS@concord.org.
The Concord Consortium is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person’s race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or any characteristic protected under applicable law.