Learning Scientist

Arizona State University; Scottsdale (AZ); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

Financial Security

Retirement

Tuition Reduction

Discounts

Job summary

Arizona State University EdPlus is seeking a Learning Scientist to join the Action Lab, contributing to DSL research and data-driven decisions for scalable education.

The role emphasizes quantitative methods, R-based analysis, and survey design in a hybrid, in-person setting in Scottsdale. Excellent collaboration with university stakeholders will advance student learning and equity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 3 years of experience in the field or an equivalent combination.
• Proficiency in R is required.
• Experience designing, developing, and implementing surveys in Qualtrics.
• Experience with quantitative research methods including experimental/quasi-experimental designs.
• Ability to communicate clearly and work in a matrixed, collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform data cleaning, statistical analysis, and data visualization in R.
• Coordinate data from multiple sources with data management teams.
• Co-manage data collection and compilation.
• Contribute to research reports and presentations for broader audiences.
• Collaborate with the DSL research team to inform instructional practices and technology decisions.

Skills

R programming

SQL knowledge

Data management

Statistical analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

PhD preferred

Tools

Qualtrics

Job description

Job Profile: Scientist 2

Job Family: Researchers and Scientists

Time Type: Full time

Apply before 11:59 PM Arizona time the day before the posted End Date.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and three (3) years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Job Profile Summary: Serves as a contributor to a research team. Contributes to the execution of one or more moderately complex research projects to support the advancement of research.

Job Description:

Are you an inquisitive academic researcher eager to conduct iterative research on newly developed virtual reality education products? Do you demonstrate excellent time management skills, a willingness to collaborate and learn new skills, and the patience to succeed? Then keep reading below for this Learning Scientist opportunity!

ASU EdPlus is a dynamic unit of Arizona State University focused on the design and scalable delivery of digital teaching and learning models to increase student success and reduce barriers to achievement in higher education. We advance the economic, social, cultural, and overall health of the local, national, and international communities served by ASU.

Action Lab is a data-driven, research-focused service organization that supports ASU and EdPlus initiatives by equipping leaders with the insights and analyses they need to make informed, evidence-based decisions. Action Lab drives transformational change in education through data and research, focusing on learner behaviors and the factors that drive success. Our goal is to improve access and achievement while bolstering the development of quality education for all learners.

Want to know more about working at EdPlus? Watch this short video!

We are seeking a resourceful and skilled Learning Scientist to join our high-performing interdisciplinary research team, Action Lab. Our research is action-oriented and operationally focused, and we support and coordinate with high‑level university stakeholders to enhance student learning, motivation, and persistence, as well as increase equity across the university.

You will directly support the scholarly research for Dreamscape Learn (DSL) products. DSL combines narratively driven virtual reality lab experiences with a newly designed curriculum to engage ASU's diverse 21st‑century learners. Although DSL products have been integrated into several courses for several semesters (or even years), ongoing mixed‑methods research aims to deepen our understanding of DSL's immediate and long‑term effects on student learning and persistence.

Action Lab is a matrixed organization, meaning that depending on a project's phase or specific task, you may report through different work streams. You will officially report to the Senior Academic Researcher and collaborate with other Action Lab researchers, staff, and faculty to co‑manage the DSL quantitative research protocols and to collect, analyze, coordinate, communicate, and maintain research information.

You need strong skills in quantitative data management and statistical analysis, as well as a solid understanding of research methodologies and their applications in higher education. To succeed in this role, you will recommend and align quantitative methods with broader research objectives; accurately and efficiently extract, clean, transform, and analyze data; and identify trends and patterns within the data.

NOTE: This is an in‑person, hybrid position. You must be able to reliably commute to Scottsdale AZ.

Essential Duties:

• Uses various computer programs and software to perform data computation, statistical analysis, etc. (proficiency in R is required; knowledge of SQL is also desirable but not essential).
• Coordinates and determines compatibility of data from various sources (e.g., internal ASU data tables and external datasets) with support from data management teams.
• Manages data collection and compilation.
• Performs data cleaning, statistical analysis, and data visualization in R.
• Selects, develops, and/or recommends appropriate research design methodologies, data analyses, and statistical procedures; assists with determining appropriate methodology to be used for particular project(s).
• Understands, values, and contributes to the richness of co‑informed data‑driven insights (i.e., those formed from the combination of qualitative and quantitative methods).
• Contributes to internal Action Lab/DSL reports and presentations as needed; helps prepare formal research reports and presentations for dissemination to various audiences; performs literature reviews to inform research design.
• Collaborates with the DSL research team to conduct quantitative research to co‑inform instructional practices, pedagogy, engagement, and technology decisions.
• Manages a high volume of research files; tracks, manages, prioritizes, and reports daily, weekly, and monthly tasks.
• Co‑manages survey research processes in Qualtrics; designs, develops, and implements research surveys using Qualtrics.
• Assumes or coordinates other duties or projects as assigned or directed.

Desired Qualifications:

• PhD required, preferably in learning sciences, data science, or related discipline (e.g., Psychology, Education, Business Analytics); will consider candidates who are close to defense date/ABD with a plan to finish within a reasonable timeframe.
• Demonstrated skills in data management, exploratory data analysis, and statistics using R is required.
• Demonstrated skills in the design, development, and implementation of surveys in Qualtrics.
• Experience with quantitative research methods, including but not limited to experimental/quasi‑experimental design, descriptive and inferential statistics, and modeling data.
• Evidence of effective communication and collaboration skills to accomplish tasks.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to work in a highly matrixed, team‑oriented environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, in ambiguous situations, and within tight timelines.
• Experience in higher education research and practice preferred.
• Evidence of familiarity with SQL is a plus.

NOTE: Please answer the following question in your cover letter:

• Do you have extensive, hands‑on experience using R for quantitative research? (Yes/No)
• What types of analyses, data workflows, and research products have you developed using R?

Salary & Benefits:

$75,000 - $81,500 per year, DOE

• Healthcare
• Financial Security
• Retirement
• Family Resources
• Tuition Reduction (Eligible ASU Employee, their dependents and spouse.)
• Discounts

Your desk will be in the beautiful, cutting‑edge, and collaborative workspace at SkySong, the ASU Scottsdale Innovation Center. The Center houses a diverse business community that links technology, research, education, and entrepreneurship to position ASU and Greater Phoenix as global leaders in the knowledge economy.

ASU EdPlus supports flexible work options, ranging from alternate to hybrid work schedules, subject to approvals per ASU policy. (This is an in‑person, hybrid position.)

Applicant must be eligible to work in the United States. ASU EdPlus will not be a sponsor for this position.

Department Statement:

As a central enterprise unit for ASU, ASU EdPlus supports the university charter by focusing on the design and scalable delivery of digital teaching and learning models to increase student success and reduce barriers to achievement in higher education. ASU EdPlus defines itself through a culture of curiosity, risk‑taking, and refusing to accept the status quo. Our employees are valued, respected, and encouraged to be their unique selves. We know that our ability to deliver high‑quality services and educational experiences is strengthened by our culture of innovation, driving outcomes through serving learners, achieving milestones, striving for excellence, solving problems, embracing urgency, and being bold.

ASU Statement:

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions inclusive excellence, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe. ASU is a tobacco‑free university. For details visit https://wellness.asu.edu/explore-wellness/body/alcohol-and-drugs/tobacco

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Notice of Availability of the ASU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report:

In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf. You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456.

Relocation Assistance - For information about schools, housing child resources, neighborhoods, hospitals, community events, and taxes, visit https://cfo.asu.edu/az-resources.

ASU's comprehensive benefits package is a key part of your total compensation. Visit the ASU Compensation Estimator

Employment Verification Statement:

ASU conducts pre‑employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

Background Check Statement:

ASU conducts pre‑employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.

Fingerprint Check Statement:

This position is considered safety/security sensitive and will include a fingerprint check. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the fingerprint check.

Graduate Assistant, Intern and part‑time positions are counted as half time for experience equivalency, meaning one year equals six months of experience.