Research Director, Cognitive and Learning SciencesJob Descriptions:
The Research Director for Cognitive and Learning Sciences will be responsible for establishing the vision for and overseeing the execution of research in learning and cognition in support of ETS goals and for managing the Cognitive and Learning Sciences group within the Assessment Innovations center of R&D. Part of the Director’s role will be to establish, communicate, and carry out an agenda for cognitive and learning sciences research and development within the broader context of the goals and vision of ETS. This role includes leveraging research within the cognitive and learning sciences to solve difficult educational problems in assessment. Current work includes research on cognition within specific disciplines, including reading, writing, mathematics, science, technology literacy, and engineering to improve formative and summative assessment and teacher professional development. That work uses both information processing and socio-cultural perspectives, as well as the integration of the two. It also includes research on the use of technology enhanced assessment to measure educationally-important cognitive processes. Responsibilities include communication about measurement approaches to cognitively-based constructs and their value to ETS and client programs, collaboration with other ETS research groups (e.g. groups that focus on automated and human scoring, psychometric modeling, etc.), creation of proposals for internal and external funding, and coordination of the work of the center. In the fulfillment of these roles the successful candidate will supervise a team of approximately ten research scientists within the Cognitive and Learning Sciences group.
BASIC FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Conceptualize, plan, develop, coordinate, and obtain funding for integrated programs of research that leverage the cognitive and learning sciences to address long-term challenges in educational measurement. Direct and administer personnel, fiscal, operational, and policy implementation activities for research units. Conduct independent research and consulting.
Plan a long-term substantive research agenda that draws upon the cognitive sciences and new technologies to advance the field of educational assessment. Participate in determining research policies and priorities with broad organizational implications. Serve on policy and planning committees.
Generate or contribute to new or modified theories of educational and psychological processes, research methodology and analytic or interpretative procedures that are relevant to educational assessment. For example, develop and validate cognitive models of competency, learning, and/or development in areas related to education. While application to STEMs-related academic areas (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) is of special interest, it is not required.
Advance the area of educational assessment by applying principles from the cognitive and learning sciences, computer science and education to the research, design, and development of new methods of gathering and scoring evidence of students’ knowledge, skills, and abilities. This may involve the use of new technologies and design approaches such as evidence-centered design, user-centered design, interaction design, video game design, etc.
Coordinate the development of proposals and budgets, both internally and in response to requests for proposals from external clients. Identify potential funding agencies. Maintain liaison and negotiate with funding agencies and clients.
Design and conduct complex scientific studies functioning as an expert in the major facets of the programs; respond as a subject matter expert applying acquired knowledge and experience to questions of broad policy implication. Provide expert consultation and collaboration on problems arising from substantive research and/or testing programs, or corporate management concerns.
Direct the scientific, financial and administrative conduct of major research, development, or large-scale analysis projects, exercising well-developed skills in the management of human and other resources. Oversee the development and application of technical competence of less senior staff.
Implement dissemination activities utilizing various methodologies to reach specific audiences. Disseminate knowledge, particularly the results of activities through the publication of research papers, progress and technical reports, the presentation of seminars or other appropriate communication vehicles.
Initiate, develop, promote and maintain professional relationships as representative, consultant or advisor to external advisory or policy boards and councils, research organizations, educational institutions and educators. Respond to requests initiated by professional colleagues, educators, and as appropriate the press and the public. Maintain appropriate contact with funding agencies for the development of new research programs and projects.
Supervise and mentor more junior staff, including the responsibilities, deliverables and career development of professional staff. Assign or recommend the assignment of staff to research programs and projects and evaluate their performance. Review, approve, and monitor personnel actions, including employee selection, performance appraisal, disciplinary actions, salary administration, and affirmative action plans.
Required Experience:
EDUCATION
A Doctoral degree in a Cognitive or Learning Sciences-related field is required.
EXPERIENCE
Eight years of progressively more independent research experience providing evidence of continuing and substantial contributions to a field of study are necessary, with experience managing research staff and operational programs desirable.
Excellent verbal and written communications skills, including public speaking, interpersonal and public relations skills, and writing and editing skills are also required.
Keyword: Research, Director, Cognitive Sciences, Learning Sciences, Assessment, Reading, Writing, Math, Science
From: Educational Testing Service
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