Researcher

at  Exploratorium

SUMMARY

The Researcher performs in-house evaluation and research for various exhibit development projects and museum programs. Responsibilities include designing and implementing in-house research and evaluation projects, coordinating activities directly with project teams and with outside evaluators and consultants, training and supervising staff and volunteer evaluators, and generating written reports. The Researcher is expected to periodically present project findings at conferences and professional meetings. The Researcher will also contribute to the development and writing of new research and evaluation projects and grant proposals. The position reports to the Manager of Visitor Research and Evaluation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Doctoral degree or equivalent experience in science education, learning sciences or related field
• Two years’ experience in evaluation and research, preferably in museum or other informal education environments
• Excellent communications skills
• Excellent analytical abilities
• Demonstrated writing skills, preferably in published form as first author
• Experience working collaboratively with project teams

PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with design-based research
• Experience working with advanced technologies as applied to learning
• Experience analyzing and manipulating large, complex datasets
• Fluent in R, Python or other data analysis language
• Fluent in Spanish, Cantonese and/or Mandarin

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Work with project leadership to develop project research and evaluation goals; represent research and evaluation results in discussions of project direction.
• Design and implement the in-house research and evaluation plans for designated projects and programs, including front-end, formative and remedial evaluation.
• Act as liaison between the Exploratorium and outside project evaluation consultants as needed.
• Train and supervise volunteers and staff who perform evaluations.
• Contribute significantly to the documentation of project processes and results, including the creation of written reports.
• Represent the Exploratorium and present research and evaluation findings at conferences and other professional meetings.
• Contribute significantly to the proposal development and writing process for new research and evaluation projects.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to move from place to place; utilize a computer and general office equipment; stretch, grasp, kneel, twist, reach and bend.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays, and the ability to work on site, in shared indoor spaces with staff and museum visitors while masked