Lead Clinical Learning Scientist (Remote)

Pearson; Columbia (SC); Remote; USD 95,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Pearson is seeking a Lead Specialist, Learning Scientist (Clinical) to lead research across portfolio domains including academic achievement, speech and language, cognition, and early childhood assessment. The role combines clinical and research leadership to translate strategy into prioritized scientific and product work.

The role can be remote or based in San Antonio, TX or Bloomington, MN, with about 10% travel and occasional global collaboration.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Speech-Language Pathology, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Early Childhood Development, School or Clinical Psychology, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• 5+ years professional experience in speech and language, literacy, academic achievement, school or clinical psychology, and/or early childhood.
• Clinical experience administering, interpreting, or working directly with standardized assessments.
• Strong knowledge of test development, measurement principles, research methodology, data analysis, and psychometric principles.
• Ability to translate scientific and clinical evidence into strategic recommendations balancing rigor, relevance, customer needs, and business goals.
• Strong digital fluency and curiosity, including evaluating AI and emerging technologies for research and product development.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead research plans supporting new product development, revisions, and portfolio priorities.
• Provide subject-matter expertise and scientific leadership in speech-language pathology, literacy, achievement, and/or early childhood assessment.
• Define product scope and assessment design, ensuring scientifically sound and clinically meaningful solutions.
• Lead and contribute to item development, review, and evaluation.
• Partner with psychometricians to review data and psychometric findings.
• Identify opportunities to apply AI and emerging technologies to research and product innovation.
• Oversee assessment materials, including digital interfaces, stimulus materials, and manuals.
• Support product commercialization and adoption with scientific and clinical input.
• Represent Pearson through conferences, papers, and scholarly activities.
• Maintain flexibility in work hours to collaborate with international colleagues (~10%).
• Travel approximately 10%.

Skills

Research leadership

Clinical assessment expertise

AI / Emerging tech in research

Cross-functional collaboration

Strategic thinking

Education

Ph.D. in Speech-Language Pathology, Communications Sciences & Disorders / related field

Job description

Pearson is seeking a Lead Specialist, Learning Scientist (Clinical) to lead research across portfolio domains including academic achievement, speech and language, cognition, and early childhood assessment. The role combines clinical and research leadership to translate strategy into prioritized scientific and product work.

The role can be remote or based in San Antonio, TX or Bloomington, MN, with about 10% travel and occasional global collaboration.