Researcher, Science or Computer Science Education

Overview

AIR is seeking a Researcher with expertise in K–12 computer science (CS) or science education and in quantitative and/or mixed methods educational research. This position will support a growing body of work grounded in equity and improving outcomes and opportunities for racially and linguistically diverse learners in CS/science. The researcher will contribute to multiple projects and business development activities with a focus on CS/science teaching and learning; intervention research and development; program implementation and evaluation; research partnerships and field initiatives; and/or evidence use and dissemination. We seek a dynamic professional committed to affecting change and improving equity in CS/science, who will thrive in a fast-paced environment, working as part of a growing team with ambitious aspirations and evolving needs.

Candidates hired for the position may work remotely within the United States (U.S.) or from one of our U.S. office locations.This does not include U.S. territories. 

About AIR:

Established in 1946, with headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, AIR is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit institution that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to solve some of the most urgent challenges in the U.S. and around the world. We advance evidence in the areas of education, health, the workforce, human services, and international development to create a better, more equitable world.

AIR’s commitment to diversity goes beyond legal compliance to its full integration in our strategy, operations, and work environment. At AIR, we define diversity broadly, considering everyone’s unique life and community experiences. We believe that embracing diverse perspectives, abilities/disabilities, racial/ethnic and cultural backgrounds, styles, ages, genders, gender identities and expressions, education backgrounds, and life stories drives innovation and employee engagement. Learn more about AIR’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategy and hear from our staff by clicking here.

Responsibilities

The responsibilities for the position include:

• Lead and contribute to research and evaluation activities in K–12 CS and/or science education
• Serve as research analyst, task or functional lead, and CS/science content expert for education research projects and related activities
• Manage project activities, including associated teams and budgets
• Develop conceptual frameworks, research designs, and protocols to generate rigorous evidence
• Apply quantitative and/or mixed-methods techniques to collect, manage, analyze, and report data
• Write and contribute to proposals for federal, state, foundation, and other clients and funders
• Clearly communicate with clients, colleagues, and other internal and external stakeholders orally and in writing and represent AIR in a professional manner
• Recruit and manage relationships with research participants and sites
• Prepare research products and present findings to clients, funders, education organizations, and the public
• Mentor and supervise the work of research assistants and associates
• Contribute to the implementation and integration of AIR’s diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in all business activities
• Maintain excellent relationships in the field, serve as a client contact, and actively pursue business development through client relationships, partnership development, and by staying abreast of the direction of the field 

Qualifications

Education, Knowledge, and Experience:

• Master’s degree with a minimum of 4 years of relevant work experience in education; computer science education; science education; STEM fields; social sciences; or related fields or a Doctorate degree 
• Expertise in educational, social, or behavioral research methods
• Interest and expertise in K–12 CS and/or science education
• Knowledge of federal or state/local policies, programs, and priorities related to CS and/or science education
• Experience managing and contributing to research and evaluation projects and activities
• Experience writing and contributing to research and evaluation reports, and products
• Experience teaching or working with education stakeholders, such as school districts, educators, or program and professional development providers
• Experience working with or serving racially and linguistically diverse communities or populations historically underrepresented in STEM

 Skills:

• Passion for bringing evidence to bear on education policy, practice, and decision-making in science education 
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy when writing
• Excellent interpersonal skills to ensure effective communication with individuals at all levels and from diverse backgrounds
• Strong attention to technical detail and accuracy
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team and balance multiple concurrent projects
• Ability to maintain a professional and effective working relationship with project teams, partners, and clients

Disclosures:

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis. Employment-based visa sponsorship (including H-1B sponsorship) is not available for this position. Depending on project work, qualified candidates may need to meet certain residency requirements.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.

AIR adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo reference and background checks.

AIR’s Total Rewards Program, is designed to reward our staff competitively and motivate them to achieve our critical mission. This position offers an anticipated annual salary of $85,000 – $115,000. Salary offers are made based on internal equity within the institution and external equity with competitive markets. Please note this is the annual salary range for candidates that are based in the United States.

AIR maintains a drug-free work environment.

Fraudulent Job Scams Warning & Disclaimer:

AIR is aware of individuals falsely presenting themselves as AIR representatives. Fraudulent job scams seek to extract sensitive information or money from victims. To protect yourself, please be aware that AIR recruitment will only email you from an “@air.org” domain. Please take extra caution while examining the email address, for example jdoe@air.org is correct and jdoe@aircareers.org is not a legitimate AIR email address. If you are unsure of the legitimacy of a communication you have received, please reach out to recruitment@air.org.

If you see a job scam, or lose money to one, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also report it to your state attorney general. Find out more about how to avoid scams at ftc.gov/scams.

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$85,000 – $115,000