Data Scientist - Inspire Global Assessments

B.C. College of Nurses and Midwives; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 108,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare regulatory body in Vancouver is seeking a Data Scientist to revolutionize high-stakes assessments through virtual reality technology. This role requires a strong background in psychometric theory and experience with VR platforms. The candidate should possess excellent communication skills and a commitment to diverse perspectives. The starting salary is between $108,000 and $120,000 annually.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience with VR platforms or interest in immersive technologies.
• Strong foundation in psychometric theory and test validation.
• Experience with biometric or motion tracking data is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and validate psychometric models for assessments in VR.
• Analyze user interaction data within VR environments.
• Collaborate with instructional designers and VR developers.

Skills

Psychometric theory

Test validation

Proficiency in Python

Machine learning techniques

Communication skills

Education

Master’s or PhD in Psychometrics or related field

Tools

VR platforms (Unity, Unreal Engine)

Statistical software

Job description

Job Description

Term: Temporary, Full-time; January 2028

Work Location: Vancouver, BC, Hybrid (a minimum of 2 days in office)

Who we are

Inspire Global Assessments (Inspire), formally known as the Nursing Community Assessment Services (NCAS), is a branded service of the BC College of Nurses and Midwives. We’re working with nursing regulators and governments across the country to address the acute nursing shortage. Inspire is a unique assessment service that supports the transition of internationally educated health care professionals into the global workforce.

The British Columbia College of Nurses & Midwives ("BCCNM") is the college empowered under the Health Professions Act to regulate the practice of all licensed practical nurses, nurse practitioners, registered midwives, registered nurses, and registered psychiatric nurses in British Columbia. Regulation helps to protect the public by ensuring that professional care or service received by the public is competent, ethical, and meets the standards that society views as acceptable.

As western Canada’s largest health profession regulator, we believe a diverse and inclusive team enriches our efforts to protect the public. We welcome applications from all who reflect the communities we serve, and especially encourage Indigenous Peoples and members of equity‑seeking groups to apply. We believe diverse perspectives and experiences bring both innovation and better outcomes to the work we do and the decisions we make.

BCCNM’s commitment to Indigenous Specific Anti‑Racism

BCCNM is committed to working with Indigenous Peoples and health system partners to support Indigenous‑specific anti‑racist practices in the health system. As the largest health regulator in Western Canada, BCCNM has the opportunity to influence the health professionals we regulate, as well as the broader health‑care system, to break the cycle of racism, and improve health outcomes for Indigenous Peoples. BCCNM has pledged to become culturally safe and anti‑racist, and to support the health professionals we regulate to do the same.

What we offer you

We promise to provide you with rewarding work that challenges you. You will be part of a passionate team contributing to our important mandate of protecting the public. As a member of the team, you can expect to be working in a collaborative, team‑based environment, and treated in a respectful and professional manner.

The expected starting base salary for this position is $108,000 - $120,000 annually, depending on a variety of factors including qualifications and experience.

What you’ll be doing:

Reporting to the Executive Director, Inspire Global Assessments, the Data Scientist (DS) collaborates with our cutting‑edge team to revolutionize our high‑stakes assessments through virtual reality (VR). This role blends advanced data analytics, test theory, and immersive technology to create secure, valid, and engaging assessment experiences in virtual environments. We’re seeking a Data Scientist with a strong background in psychometrics to help revolutionize our assessment services.

Key responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and validate psychometric models for assessments delivered in VR.
• Analyze user interaction data within VR environments to inform test design and scoring algorithms.
• Collaborate with instructional designers, VR developers, and subject matter experts to ensure assessments meet psychometric standards.
• Apply Item Response Theory (IRT), Classical Test Theory (CTT), and other measurement models to evaluate reliability, validity, and fairness.
• Develop data pipelines and dashboards to monitor assessment performance and user behavior.
• Conduct simulations and A/B testing to optimize assessment delivery and user experience.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards for high‑stakes testing (e.g., APA, AERA, NCME guidelines).
• Communicate complex psychometric concepts and findings clearly to internal and external partners, including leadership.
• Fosters and maintains an organizational culture that promotes equity, diversity and inclusion, mutual respect, teamwork, and service excellence.
• Demonstrates a commitment to ongoing learning related to Indigenous cultural safety and humility and supporting organizational actions towards addressing indigenous‑specific racism in BC’s health care system.

What you’ll bring:

• Master’s or PhD in Psychometrics, Quantitative Psychology, Data Science, Statistics, or related field.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience with VR platforms (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine) or interest in immersive technologies.
• Strong foundation in psychometric theory and test validation.
• Proficiency in Python, R, or similar statistical software and data analysis tools.
• Proficient with machine learning techniques and behavioral analytics.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to translate business requirements into data science solutions.
• Experience with biometric or motion tracking data is preferred.
• Knowledge of accessibility and equity in digital assessments is preferred.
• Background in cognitive science or human‑computer interaction (HCI) is preferred.
• Knowledge of Canadian colonial impacts on Indigenous people in social and health contexts, including social, economic, political, and historical realities impacting Indigenous communities and knowledge of Indigenous‑specific anti‑racism and accompanying reports (e.g. The Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action (2015), the In Plain Sight Report (2020), and Reclaiming Power and Place’s Calls for Justice (2019)) is an asset.
• Demonstrated understanding of equity, diversity, inclusion, and cultural humility as they apply to health care is an asset.

How to Apply

If you are interested in this position, please apply online by 4:00pm on October 24, 2025. This opportunity will remain posted until filled; however, priority consideration will be given to those who apply by the deadline. To see a full list of our current opportunities or to learn more about working at the BC College of Nurses & Midwives, please visit our website at Careers at BCCNM.