Policy Research Scientist — Education Analytics

Educational Testing Service; Princeton (NJ); On-site; USD 155,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Educational Testing Service in Washington, DC invites applications for an open-rank Research Scientist in the Policy Research Foundational Research program. The role focuses on causal inference, large-scale assessment data, and translating research into actionable policy guidance.

We seek a Ph.D. or equivalent in a quantitative field with at least eight years of applied policy research experience, strong programming skills (R, Stata, Python), and a demonstrated commitment to equity in education

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in at least one: causal inference methods (e.g., regression discontinuity, difference-in-differences, instrumental variables), mixed-methods research design, policy analysis, or program evaluation.
• Experience with statistical programming (e.g., R, Stata, Python) and analysis of administrative, survey, or longitudinal data in education or social policy contexts.
• Strong record of research productivity, including peer-reviewed publications, policy briefs, or technical reports for applied audiences.
• Ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams and communicate complex research findings to policymakers, practitioners, and other non-technical audiences.
• Commitment to advancing equity and evidence-based decision-making in education policy.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and publish rigorous policy research on education systems, including K-12, postsecondary, and workforce pathways, using causal inference methods and other quantitative designs.
• Contribute to the development, evaluation, and translation of research frameworks that inform state and federal education policy, with attention to effectiveness for all, opportunity, and systems change
• Collaborate with internal research teams and external partners—including state education agencies, school districts, foundations, and research organizations—on projects spanning program evaluation, policy analysis, and field-building initiatives.
• Provide policy consultation and technical assistance to policymakers, practitioners, and other stakeholders seeking to apply research evidence to decision-making.
• Participate in proposal development for foundation grants, federal funding, and philanthropic partnerships to support the policy research agenda.
• Mentor junior staff, postdoctoral fellows, and interns, contributing to the development of boundary-spanning professionals who can bridge research, policy, and practice.
• Disseminate research findings to diverse audiences through peer-reviewed publications, policy briefs, convenings, legislative testimony, and accessible formats (e.g., data visualizations, newsletters, blogs)

Skills

Causal inference

Statistical programming

Policy analysis

Research translation

Equity focus

Education

Ph.D. or equivalent in a quantitative field

Tools

R

Stata

Python

Job description

Educational Testing Service in Washington, DC invites applications for an open-rank Research Scientist in the Policy Research Foundational Research program. The role focuses on causal inference, large-scale assessment data, and translating research into actionable policy guidance.

We seek a Ph.D. or equivalent in a quantitative field with at least eight years of applied policy research experience, strong programming skills (R, Stata, Python), and a demonstrated commitment to equity in education