Post Doctoral Fellow- Policy

ETS; Princeton (NJ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

BRGs for career growth

Volunteer PTO up to 8 hours

Job summary

ETS is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to advance innovative research in educational measurement, psychometrics, large-scale assessment, cognitive and learning sciences, and AI in education. This early-career role targets individuals who recently earned a Ph.D. and want to drive research informing policy and practice.

The one-year appointment may renew pending funding. Primary responsibilities include designing studies, applying diverse methodologies, collaborating with ETS teams and external

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Education, CS, statistics, data science, psychology, or related field completed within the past three years.
• Strong foundation in psychometrics, AI/ML, educational measurement, cognitive science, learning analytics.
• Proficiency in research design and data analysis; programming skills in R or Python preferred.
• Excellent written and oral communication; ability to work collaboratively in diverse teams.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute research projects aligned with ETS priorities.
• Apply advanced methodologies (quantitative, qualitative, computational) to address educational and assessment challenges.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams across ETS and external partners.
• Disseminate findings through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and internal reports.
• Contribute to proposals for externally funded research projects.
• Support innovation by developing prototypes, tools, or frameworks that advance assessment and learning.

Skills

Research design

Data analysis

R

Python

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Education, CS, Stats, Data Science, Psychology, or related field (within past 3 years)

Tools

R

Python

Job description

About ETS

ETS is a global education and talent solutions organization enabling lifelong learners worldwide to be future-ready. For more than 75 years, we've been advancing the science of measurement to build benchmarks for fair and valid skill assessment across cultures and borders. Our worldwide impact extends through our renowned assessments including TOEFL®, TOEIC®, GRE® and Praxis® tests, serving millions of learners in more than 200 countries and territories. Through strategic acquisitions, we've expanded our global capabilities: PSI strengthens our workforce assessment solutions, while Edusoft, Kira Talent, Pipplet, Vericant, and Wheebox enhance our educational technology and assessment platforms across critical markets worldwide.

Through ETS Research Institute and ETS Solutions, we're partnering with educational institutions, governments, and organizations globally to promote skill proficiency, empower upward mobility, and unlock opportunities for everyone, everywhere. With offices and partners across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas, we deliver nearly 50 million tests annually. Join us in our journey of measuring progress to power human progress worldwide.

The Postdoctoral Fellow will contribute to ETS’s research agenda by conducting innovative, high-quality studies in one or more areas of expertise, including educational measurement, psychometrics, large-scale assessment, cognitive and learning sciences, AI in education, and related fields. This position is designed for early-career scholars who have recently completed their doctoral degrees and seek to advance research that informs assessment, learning, and educational policy.

The postdoctoral fellowship will be a one-year appointment with the possibility of renewal contingent on funding.

Primary Responsibilities

• Design and execute research projects aligned with ETS strategic priorities.
• Apply advanced methodologies (quantitative, qualitative, computational) to address complex educational and assessment challenges.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams across ETS and external partners.
• Disseminate findings through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and internal reports.
• Contribute to proposals for externally funded research projects.
• Support innovation by developing prototypes, tools, or frameworks that advance assessment and learning.
• Ph.D. in Education, Computer Science, Statistics, Data Science, Psychology, or a related field, completed within the past three years.
• Strong foundation in one or more areas: psychometrics, AI/ML, educational measurement, cognitive science, learning analytics, or related fields.
• Proficiency in research design and data analysis; programming skills (e.g., R, Python) preferred.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in diverse, interdisciplinary teams.
• Commitment to ethical and responsible research practices

ETS is mission driven and action oriented

• We are passionate about hiring innovative thinkers who believe in the promise of education and lifelong learning.
• We are energized by cultivating growth, innovation, and continuous transformation for the next generation of rising professionals as leaders. In support of this ETS offers multiple Business Resource Groups (BRG) for you to learn and advance your career growth!
• As a not-for-profit organization we will encourage you to lean in to your passion for volunteering. At ETS you may qualify for up to an additional 8 hours of PTO for volunteer work on causes that are important to you!
• The base salary range advertised represents the low and high end of the anticipated salary range for this position. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. The base pay is only one aspect of the Total Rewards Package that will be offered to the successful candidate.

ETS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. We believe in creating a work environment where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.