Lead Learning Scientist, Clinical Assessments & AI (Remote)

Pearson; Lincoln (NE); Remote; USD 95,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Pearson is seeking a Lead Specialist, Learning Scientist (Clinical) to drive research across domains such as academic achievement, speech-language pathology, and early childhood assessment. The role blends clinical expertise with scholarly leadership, translating evidence into strategic product priorities and leveraging AI for innovation.

The position can be remote or based in San Antonio, TX, or Bloomington, MN, with ~10% travel and collaboration with international colleagues.

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 scientific rigor, clinical relevance, customer needs, product priorities, and business objectives.
• Strong digital fluency and curiosity, including the ability to evaluate and appropriately apply AI and emerging technologies to research, assessment development, and evolving ways of working.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead research plans supporting new product development and portfolio priorities.
• Provide subject-matter and scientific leadership in speech-language pathology, literacy, achievement, and/or early childhood assessment.
• Define product scope and design ensuring scientifically sound solutions aligned with customer needs.
• Lead item development, review, and evaluation applying research and best practices.
• Collaborate with psychometricians to review data and findings.
• Identify opportunities to apply AI and emerging technologies to development and workflows.
• Oversee assessment materials including digital interfaces, forms, stimuli, manuals, and scoring resources.
• Support product commercialization with scientific expertise in training and customer materials.
• Represent Pearson through conferences and publications.
• Maintain flexibility to collaborate with international colleagues (~10%), travel ~10%.

Skills

Research leadership

Clinical assessment expertise

AI and emerging technologies

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Speech-Language Pathology or related field

5+ years professional experience in related areas

Job description

Pearson is seeking a Lead Specialist, Learning Scientist (Clinical) to drive research across domains such as academic achievement, speech-language pathology, and early childhood assessment. The role blends clinical expertise with scholarly leadership, translating evidence into strategic product priorities and leveraging AI for innovation.

The position can be remote or based in San Antonio, TX, or Bloomington, MN, with ~10% travel and collaboration with international colleagues.