English Learner Researcher, Learning Supports

at  American Institutes for Research

Overview:

Join AIR as an English Learner (EL) Researcher with our Learning Supports program area, where we provide research and technical assistance to federal, state, and local clients, primarily focusing on the supports children need to be ready to learn in the K-12 education system. Our Learning Supports program area uses a proactive and preventative framework to support these content areas:

• Early childhood
• English learners
• Multi-tiered system of support
• Special education

Our Learning Supports team is driven by our mission to make the world a better, more equitable place through education.
This Researcher will work within The Center for ELs at AIR, conducting rigorous research and connecting research to policy and practice. We are seeking a Researcher to work on research and evaluation projects, with a specific emphasis on projects focused on EL-related policies and practices. This may include both developing and testing interventions to support EL students and their teachers. The Researcher will also contribute to business development activities. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of and experience studying the effects of programs or interventions that support English learners, and a commitment to improving equity and outcomes in education. We seek a creative and curious colleague who will thrive in a fast-paced yet collaborative environment, working as part of a growing team with ambitious aspirations and evolving needs.
This position has the flexibility to work remote within the United States (U.S.) or from one of our U.S. office locations. This does not include U.S. territories.

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, AND EXPERIENCE:

• PhD with 0-3 years of experience or Masters degree with 4-6 years of experience in a social science field such as education, psychology, public policy, human development, economics, sociology, or other related fields.
• Subject matter expertise and prior research focused on ELs.
• Strong methodological expertise, whether in quantitative, mixed methods, or qualitative research.
• Prior experience collecting, managing, analyzing, and reporting complex data.

Skills:

• Capacity to support multiple projects simultaneously and change focus through use of strong organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to problem-solve and ensure high-quality work through strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• 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.
• Passion for bringing rigorous evidence to bear on education policy, practice, and decision-making.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate efficiently in a virtual work environment

• Design studies focusing on English learners, including development of research protocols and instruments that examine impact and implementation.
• Lead and conduct the management and analyses of student, teacher, and school data across projects.
• Collaborate on and conduct rigorous and equitable research and program evaluations using quantitative, mixed-methods, and/or qualitative methods.
• Participate in and lead, as appropriate, data collection activities.
• Recruit and manage relationships with research participants and sites such as districts and schools and work with education stakeholders and partners.
• Interpret results from quantitative and/or qualitative analyses so that they are accessible to non-researcher audiences and actionable for policy and practice.
• Contribute expertise to the development of research and evaluation proposals in response to competitive Request for Proposals or grant funding opportunities issued by the federal government, state education agencies, private foundations, and other clients and funders.
• Work on collaborative project teams, including managing and mentoring junior analysts.
• Clearly communicate results of analyses through written reports, presentations, briefings, and other mediums for dissemination with clients, colleagues, and other internal and external stakeholders and represent AIR in a professional manner.
• Demonstrate cultural competence and sensitivity in interactions with colleagues, stakeholders, and study participants, and promote AIR’s diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in all research and business activities.
• Maintain excellent relationships in the field, serve as a client contact, and actively contribute to business development through client relationships, partnership development, and by staying abreast of the direction of the field