Research Scientist, Mixed Methods Specialization
Job Description:
• Assist in the design and management of comprehensive, high-quality mixed-methods STEM education evaluations and implementation research that align with SSPI’s mission, strategic goals, and commitment to equitable science learning.
• Co-lead, partner, and/or support the various phases of program evaluation and research, including study design, data collection, analysis, interpretation, reporting, and scaling across diverse educational contexts.
• Provide methodological leadership for the qualitative and mixed-methods components of ongoing and new research projects, including case studies, thematic analysis, and content analysis that deepen understanding of program implementation and impact.
• Support the establishment and management of project timelines, budgets, and resource allocation, ensuring efficient use of resources and long-term sustainability while maximizing learning and impact.
• Co-author evaluation reports and scholarly and practitioner-facing publications on selected projects, translating rigorous research findings into accessible, actionable insights for funders, educators, and policymakers.
• Collaborate with educators, researchers, and industry experts to design and implement evaluations, including developing interview and focus group protocols and conducting interviews, focus groups, and observations with varied stakeholders.
• Contribute to identifying and analyzing emerging trends in STEM education evaluation, assessment, workforce needs, and community interests to inform strategic decision-making and identify opportunities for new initiatives.
• Conduct needs assessments to identify gaps in SSPI’s current offerings and opportunities for new or expanded program evaluations and research efforts.
• Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness using quantitative and qualitative data, applying findings to continuous improvement and future program design.
• Work closely with the program operations and marketing teams to ensure evaluation findings inform program refinement, storytelling, and outreach strategies.
• Prepare and present clear, compelling reports and briefings to management, staff, funders, and other key stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the External Affairs team on aspects of grant proposals and in developing marketing and communication strategies that credibly convey evaluation design, findings, and impact to philanthropic and federal/state audiences.
• Represent the organization at conferences, workshops, media opportunities, and community events as a knowledgeable representative and emerging thought leader in reform-oriented and equity-centered science education and evaluation.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
Requirements:
• Ph.D. in Education, Psychology, Sociology, or a related field (PhD preferred)
• 0–3 years of post-graduate experience in mixed-methods program evaluation or education research, ideally conducted alongside randomized controlled trials and/or quasi-experimental designs
• Demonstrated experience designing and leading qualitative research, including interviews, focus groups, observations, and qualitative analysis in educational settings
• Strong background in building partnerships and engaging with educators, researchers, and community stakeholders
• Strong understanding of current trends in STEM and science education reform, including equity-focused and NGSS-aligned approaches
Benefits:
• Travel required: Approximately 15-20 days per year
Apply Now
Apply Now
• Assist in the design and management of comprehensive, high-quality mixed-methods STEM education evaluations and implementation research that align with SSPI’s mission, strategic goals, and commitment to equitable science learning.
• Co-lead, partner, and/or support the various phases of program evaluation and research, including study design, data collection, analysis, interpretation, reporting, and scaling across diverse educational contexts.
• Provide methodological leadership for the qualitative and mixed-methods components of ongoing and new research projects, including case studies, thematic analysis, and content analysis that deepen understanding of program implementation and impact.
• Support the establishment and management of project timelines, budgets, and resource allocation, ensuring efficient use of resources and long-term sustainability while maximizing learning and impact.
• Co-author evaluation reports and scholarly and practitioner-facing publications on selected projects, translating rigorous research findings into accessible, actionable insights for funders, educators, and policymakers.
• Collaborate with educators, researchers, and industry experts to design and implement evaluations, including developing interview and focus group protocols and conducting interviews, focus groups, and observations with varied stakeholders.
• Contribute to identifying and analyzing emerging trends in STEM education evaluation, assessment, workforce needs, and community interests to inform strategic decision-making and identify opportunities for new initiatives.
• Conduct needs assessments to identify gaps in SSPI’s current offerings and opportunities for new or expanded program evaluations and research efforts.
• Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness using quantitative and qualitative data, applying findings to continuous improvement and future program design.
• Work closely with the program operations and marketing teams to ensure evaluation findings inform program refinement, storytelling, and outreach strategies.
• Prepare and present clear, compelling reports and briefings to management, staff, funders, and other key stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the External Affairs team on aspects of grant proposals and in developing marketing and communication strategies that credibly convey evaluation design, findings, and impact to philanthropic and federal/state audiences.
• Represent the organization at conferences, workshops, media opportunities, and community events as a knowledgeable representative and emerging thought leader in reform-oriented and equity-centered science education and evaluation.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
Requirements:
• Ph.D. in Education, Psychology, Sociology, or a related field (PhD preferred)
• 0–3 years of post-graduate experience in mixed-methods program evaluation or education research, ideally conducted alongside randomized controlled trials and/or quasi-experimental designs
• Demonstrated experience designing and leading qualitative research, including interviews, focus groups, observations, and qualitative analysis in educational settings
• Strong background in building partnerships and engaging with educators, researchers, and community stakeholders
• Strong understanding of current trends in STEM and science education reform, including equity-focused and NGSS-aligned approaches
Benefits:
• Travel required: Approximately 15-20 days per year
Apply Now
Apply Now