Educational Research Scientist Jobs

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.

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

Education Research Facilitation:

• Promote Scholarly Publications: Collaborate on writing and submitting articles to esteemed scientific journals and publications. By sharing research findings, we contribute to the advancement of the education field.
• Pursue Grant Opportunities: Identify potential grants that align with our research objectives and take the lead in preparing and submitting grant applications.
• Develop and Implement Assessment Strategies: Devise a comprehensive plan for evaluating key initiatives and establish clear timelines for major projects. This will ensure efficient monitoring and progress tracking.

Departmental Data Curation:

• Create Progress Monitoring Dashboards: Design data-driven dashboards that enable the department to monitor ongoing progress, allowing for more informed planning and decision-making.
• Collect and Analyze Data: Gather, clean, and analyze both quantitative and qualitative data related to course offerings, thereby helping the department assess the outcomes of various initiatives.

Education Research Mentorship:

• Organize Training and Workshops: Conduct training sessions and workshops to familiarize department members with the latest education research, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Offer Mentorship and Research Opportunities: Provide mentorship to preceptors and lecturers interested in developing their expertise in educational research. Offer them opportunities to engage in meaningful research projects.
• Provide Strategic Recommendations: Conduct thorough literature reviews to support the department in identifying innovative approaches to enhance educational practices. Communicate these recommendations effectively to relevant stakeholders.

• 5 years experience in assessment, evaluation, or education research including work completed as a student.
• Masters Degree in education, statistics, or related field required.

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

Technical Abilities

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

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

Recent PhDs should consider this as a potential postdoctoral position that could set them up for a wide range of positions including tenure track positions, but should realize that the research focus will be aligned with the department’s priorities.

For consideration please submit

• A resume or CV detailing relevant professional experiences
• A cover letter describing why you are interested in the position.
• Contact information for 3 references with knowledge of your work in the past 3-5 years will be solicited from finalists.
• A relevant evaluation report or writing sample (with a brief description of the project or topic) produced in the last 2-3 years.

We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

We invite you to visit Harvard’s Total Rewards website to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.

Research

USA - MA - Cambridge

RS0157 Researcher III Natural Science

On-Site

Mathematics

-

Full-time

057

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Education, Identity

35 Hours per week

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.

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.