Educational Research Scientist

Job Summary

Harvard’s Math Department is working to improve mathematics curricula by building experiences that embrace mathematical modeling, empower students with quantitative tools to better understand the complexity of the world, leverage active learning, and promote problem-solving skills. The department is hiring an Educational Research Scientist to develop methods to assess the efforts underway and to contribute to strategic planning for the future. The research will have an equity focus, to make sure that the department is building mathematical experiences that foster a sense of belonging and an intellectual community for students who ordinarily are marginalized in the mathematical sciences.

Reporting to the Director of Introductory Math, the Educational Research Scientist will drive efforts to leverage data and systems-thinking to help ensure that the math department is developing students’ quantitative toolkit to take on challenges in their field of study. This role will work closely with faculty teaching introductory courses to design research studies documenting the success of introductory courses, find areas for improvements, and support the dissemination of effective innovations to help catalyze change in mathematics education at a national level. The Educational Research Scientist will also provide mentorship for members of the department interested in educational research.

For applicants with a background in mathematics instruction, occasional teaching in the introductory math sequence may be possible for additional compensation.

Auto req ID

60706BR

Job Code

RS0157 Researcher III Natural Science

Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Business Title

Educational Research Scientist

Sub-Unit

------------

Salary Grade

057

Time Status

Full-time

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Basic Qualifications

• Masters' Degree in education, statistics, or a related field is required.
• 5 years of relevant experience in assessment and evaluation. Work completed as a student will count toward the experience
• Practical experience with reporting, analysis, and data visualization tools (e.g., R, STATA, Power BI, Excel, Tableau, etc.)

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Ph.D. in Math Education, Educational Metrics, or Learning Assessment preferred.
• Excellent analytical and research skills; ability to gather, evaluate, and develop well-reasoned conclusions and recommendations.
• Ability to effectively communicate information in a clear and understandable manner, both verbally and in writing.
• Excellent judgment, analytical and problem-solving skills with a consultative and collaborative approach to addressing issues and opportunities.
• Strong attention to detail, ability to consistently demonstrate diplomacy, sound judgment, and flexibility as well as strong problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills; proven ability to independently plan, organize, and implement team-based projects with minimal oversight.
• Ability to initiate, establish, and foster communication and teamwork by maintaining a positive, cooperative, productive work atmosphere with internal and external stakeholders.
• Familiarity with the research pipeline and the process of conducting research.
• A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusivity, and belonging.

Additional Information

This is a 3-year term appointment from the date of hire.

This position will be based on the Harvard campus, in Cambridge, MA

Department

Mathematics

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Schedule

35 Hours per week

Job Function

Research

Position Description

This role will conduct evaluations in the department and support efforts of continuous improvement. In addition, the Educational Research Scientist will:

• Determine a plan of action for the assessment of key initiatives and establish timelines for major projects.
• Gather, clean, analyze, synthesize, and interpret both quantitative and qualitative data to help the department evaluate course offerings for quality and learning impact.
• Conduct literature reviews and support the department in making strategic recommendations for innovations by communicating findings to stakeholders.
• Conduct program evaluation and applied educational research for distribution to internal and external stakeholders.
• Prepare and/or collaborate on articles for submission to scientific journals and publications.
• Present results with members of the department at meetings and conferences nationally.
• Provide mentorship to preceptors and lecturers in the department interested in developing educational research experience.
• Create evaluation plans for grant projects, including developing logic models and identifying education research outputs

School/Unit

Faculty of Arts and Sciences

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Working Conditions

The University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated (primary series) against COVID, as detailed in Harvard’s Vaccine & Booster Information . Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/ .

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.