Research Assistant, Test Assembly & Desktop Publishing

Center for Applied Linguistics; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Job summary

Center for Applied Linguistics in Washington, DC seeks a Research Assistant to support test assembly, layout, and quality control for large-scale English language proficiency assessments. You will transfer content into InDesign templates, help prepare test booklets, and ensure accessibility per WCAG guidelines.

You will collaborate with the Desktop Publishing Graphic Designer and cross-functional teams, maintaining revision histories and documentation while upholding test security.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Graphic Design, Education, Applied Linguistics, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least two years of experience contributing to the production of educational or assessment materials.
• A high degree of proficiency with Adobe InDesign and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) gained in a professional or academic setting.

Responsibilities

• Test Form Assembly and Layout: Transfer and lay out test content (text and graphics) in Adobe InDesign, following templates and CAL standards.
• Quality Control and Review: Perform quality control reviews to verify accuracy, consistency, and accessibility.
• Documentation, Data, and Process Support: Maintain item databases and document procedures.
• Confidentiality and test security: Adhere to test security protocols and maintain auditable revision histories.

Education

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Graphic Design, Education, Applied Linguistics, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Tools

Adobe InDesign

Microsoft Office

Job description

Research Assistant, Test Assembly & Desktop Publishing

• Full-time

The Center for Applied Linguistics is a nonprofit organization promoting access,equity and mutual understanding for linguistically and culturally diverse people around the world.

The mission of the Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) is to promote language learning and cultural understanding by serving as a trusted source for research, resources, and policy analysis. Through its work, CAL seeks solutions to issues involving language and culture as they relate to access and equity in education and society around the globe.

CAL is located in Washington, D.C. For this position, the employee may choose to work in their preferred combination of in person at the D.C. office in a hoteling capacity, or remotely (up to 100% remote). CAL does not compensate or reimburse candidates for relocation expenses. This position is not open to candidates residing in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, California, or the U.S. Territories.

The Test Assembly Research Assistant reports to the Test Assembly Manager and works collaboratively across functional teams to support the assembly, layout, and quality control of large-scale online and print-based English language proficiency tests. This role also provides assistance in formatting test materials, ensuring alignment with CAL’s style guide, WCAG requirements, and print specifications. This role is responsible for accurately transferring test content into InDesign templates, performing quality control reviews, and supporting the production of error-free, accessible test forms and ancillary materials.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Test Form Assembly and Layout

• Transfer and lay out test content (text and graphics) in Adobe InDesign, following established templates, the CAL style guide, WCAG requirements, and print specifications.
• Assist in the creation and maintenance of test booklets, administration scripts, and other ancillary test materials in both print and computer-based formats.
• Assist in preparing and reviewing test blueprints and item inventories to support test form construction.
• Collaborate with the Desktop Publishing Graphic Designer to implement layout adjustments and minor graphic edits in Adobe InDesign.

Quality Control and Review

• Perform systematic quality control reviews of print-based and computer-based test materials to verify accuracy, consistency, and alignment with test specifications, content standards, WCAG requirements, and formatting requirements.
• Review assessment materials using screen reader software to verify the accuracy of alternate text and document accessibility.
• Support the Test Assembly Manager in maintaining, documenting, and improving quality control procedures and checklists.
• Track stakeholder feedback, implement approved revisions, and maintain complete, auditable revision histories.
• Support mock test administrations and revise materials based on findings and user feedback.

Documentation, Data, and Process Support

• Maintain test item databases and item banks, ensuring records remain accurate, current, and complete.
• Assist with the maintenance of the internal style guide and the documentation of test assembly procedures.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to test security protocols in the handling of secure assessment content.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

The Test Assembly Research Assistant must have:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Graphic Design, Education, Applied Linguistics, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least two years of experience contributing to the production of educational or assessment materials.
• A high degree of proficiency with Adobe InDesign and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) gained in a professional or academic setting.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The Test Assembly Research Assistant must be able to:

• Follow established procedures, templates, and style guides with precision.
• Apply quality control standards for print and digital production.
• Sustain close attention to detail without losing sight of the bigger picture in a high-stakes production environment.
• Manage competing and shifting priorities, prioritize tasks appropriately, and meet firm production deadlines.
• Work collaboratively and communicate effectively across functional teams.
• Work accurately with databases and test item banks

An ideal candidate for the Test Assembly Research Assistant position also has:

• Experience with standardized educational assessments or operational test production.
• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent organization, planning, and time management skills.
• Familiarity with screen reader technologies such as JAWS and NVDA.
• Familiarity with accessibility standards for print and digital materials (e.g., Section 508, WCAG).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

COMPENSATION:

Minimum Salary: $61,285 ; Benefits eligible

Full-time

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to effectively communicate. The employee may be required to sit or stand in a stationary position for 50% of the time. This position constantly operates a computer and other office productivity equipment. CAL adheres to ADA compliance and guidelines as a common practice.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This job description summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT

The Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, CAL complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

CAL expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of CAL employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

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