Learning Sciences Researcher

Link to application: https://digitalpromise.org/about/careers/

About Digital Promise Global
Digital Promise is a global nonprofit working to expand opportunity for every learner. We work with educators, researchers, technology leaders, and communities to design, investigate, and scale innovations that support learners, especially those historically and systematically excluded. Our vision is that every person engages in powerful learning experiences that lead to a life of well-being, fulfillment, and economic mobility.

About the Position
Digital Promise’s Learning Sciences Research (LSR) team focuses on the why, what, and how of learning in and out of school. The LSR team has developed a portfolio of research projects that focus on K-12 science and its intersections with mathematics, engineering, and computing. The LSR group works with staff from other parts of Digital Promise on projects to advance learning research that promotes ethical, effective, and equitable outcomes at scale.

Digital Promise is seeking a Learning Sciences Researcher to join the LSR team. Current projects are related to 1) supporting teachers to enact storyline-based curriculum materials, 2) implementing K-12 science performance assessments at scale, and 3) promoting the integration of science, engineering, and computing across PK-12. The researcher’s work will involve conducting scholarly research and dissemination to a research audience as well as a translation of research to practice. In particular, research could inform the development of materials to help coaches, teachers, students, or families of K-12 students.

Candidates must have a strong commitment to equity and have expertise and experience addressing both the strengths and needs of historically and systematically excluded communities and learners. Interest in equity should be matched with experience that demonstrates empathy, effective communication and ability form partnerships with a range of communities.

This position will allow for opportunities to deepen and strengthen research expertise and to co- develop research proposals. We value working in partnership with educators, centering equity in our work, taking an improvement orientation, using technology to add meaning and value to learning experiences, emphasizing the potential for deep and lasting impacts from research, and communicating research effectively.

Responsibilities

Key research responsibilities include working with a team to establish and maintain a scholarly research, publication, and grant writing record.

• Demonstrate independent ability to address a research question.
  Conduct literature reviews and syntheses.
• Choose and specify methods that advance research inquiries, with careful consideration to issues of equity.
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative data analysis.
• Apply knowledge of social science research methods and STEM education to develop findings, conclusions, and recommendations based on research data.
• Co-author well-structured, clear and concise research manuscripts, reports, proposals, and presentations for diverse audiences.

Other responsibilities include engaging external, non-research audiences such as practitioners, policy-makers, and designers to

• gather and synthesize diverse community perspectives
• support professional learning and implementation
• communicate research-based insights

Minimum Qualifications

• A doctorate in learning sciences, STEM education, or related field earned by the start date.
• An active record of scholarship and productivity commensurate with experience and showing a focus on K-12 STEM education.
• Experience working with teachers and historically excluded learners.
• Strong writing skills, evidenced by submitting up to two writing samples (one for a research audience, another for a practitioner audience)
• Strong oral communication skills, evidenced by submitting one set of presentation slides (or a video of a past presentation, if available).
• Ability to travel to research sites as needed.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with design and implementation of K-12 instruction, learning technologies, AI, assessment, learning analytics, and/or teacher professional learning in STEM or a related discipline.
• Deep knowledge of and experience with national STEM education standards and frameworks, such as the Framework for K-12 Science Education, Next Generation Science Standards, Common Core State Standards in Mathematics, and the K-12 Computer Science Framework
• Three or more years of experience teaching in K-12 settings working with diverse student populations.

At Digital Promise, we also seek candidates with:

• A strong commitment to improving equity and accessibility in education
• A commitment to anti-racist approaches to our work
• Diverse life experiences
• An interest in redesigning learning systems
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional team members to ensure information is shared, projects are completed on time, and goals are reached.

Working Conditions:
Digital Promise Global is a hybrid organization. Employees are expected to travel at least 4 times a year for in person meetings and the annual staff retreat. Additional travel may be required based on role and responsibilities.
(a) Travel up to 15%
(b) Physical/Sensory Demands Fast-paced working environment. Extensive computer usage and online engagement & communication. Must be willing to build inclusive relationships and collaborate with employees at all levels within the organization and external partners.

Compensation

We consider candidate experience and location when determining where a candidate may fall within that range. Digital Promise offers a competitive total rewards package including coverage of 85% of health insurance premiums for employee coverage and 75% of health insurance premiums for dependent and family coverage, 15 vacation days, 12 sick days, 3% 401k employer contribution, 3% employer 401k match, and a flexible work environment.

The full-time salary range for the Learning Science Researcher position based on geographical regions is listed below, with an exact salary depending on relevant experience.

California: $100,980 – $109,890

DC Metro Area & NYC: $91,800 – $99,900

National: $82,620 – $89,910

To Apply
Please apply and submit your resume, cover letter, and salary requirements. Applicants are encouraged to submit their materials as soon as possible. Submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis until the search is successful.

Digital Promise is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applications without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.