Research & Design Team Member

Beaver Country Day School, Inc; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Beaver Country Day School, Inc. in Chestnut Hill near Boston is seeking a Research + Design educator to join our R+D Center. This role blends curiosity, collaborative learning, and hands-on projects with classroom teachers and students.

You will work across MS/US levels, co-design experiences, and mentor student projects, helping to extend learning with emerging tools and authentic problem solving at the heart of our progressive mission.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree; advanced degree preferred.
• Experience in independent schools and their culture.
• Familiarity with research and design processes in classroom settings.
• Commitment to professional growth and ongoing improvement.
• Experience with diversity, equity, inclusion practices.

Responsibilities

• Co-design or co-teach learning experiences leveraging research, design, edtech, computational thinking and AI.
• Coach MS/US students on individual projects and team efforts (e.g., BeaverAUV, TEDx, DECA).
• Attend department meetings or 1:1 idea development sessions to identify opportunities and resources.
• Participate in R+D team upskilling professional development.
• Collaborate with students and teachers on R+D projects, programs and initiatives.
• Organize R+D space and materials, maintaining equipment and resources.
• Daily presence in the R+D Center for resource discussions and prototyping feedback.
• Attend weekly R+D Team meetings to support learning and skill development.

Skills

Research methods

3D modeling

Circuits & electronics

Digital design

Computational thinking

Programming

Data analysis

EDTech tools

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

3D printers

Laser cutters

Adobe Creative Suite

Canva

Job description

DescriptionReports to: Director of R+D CenterClassification: Exempt, Full-timeAbout the School:Beaver Country Day School is an independent day school serving 460 students in grades 6-12, and located in Chestnut Hill, just outside of Boston. Founded in 1920 and propelled by our progressive roots, our goal is to expand the nature of school. With over 40 local and national partnerships, almost daily field trips, a thriving performing and visual arts program, and a best-in-class research and design center, we are able to combine rigorous academics with real-world application, focusing on teaching content combined with experience applying it to current issues. Our athletic program offers first-rate athletic and fitness opportunities that prioritize the whole athlete. The school fosters a joyful environment where students feel confident taking risks and being their authentic selves, where everyone—students and adults alike—feels a sense of belonging, and where teachers have the freedom to innovate and grow alongside their students.About the Position:Research + Design at Beaver means many things: it’s a mindset, a physical space full of resources, and a collaborative approach to learning that permeates the entire campus. R+D Team members are educators with a mindset grounded in curiosity, collaboration, experimentation, and continuous upskilling. We are excited by emerging tools, creative problem-solving, and projects that connect technical skills with authentic student learning experiences. We work closely with classroom teachers and students to identify opportunities where the research and design processes can engage, enhance, and extend the learning goals.Key Functions and Responsibilities:Partner with MS/US classroom teachers to co-design and/or co-teach learning experiences that leverage research, design, edtech, computational thinking, and/or artificial intelligenceCoach MS/US students on individual school and/or personal projects (Student-Directed Projects), as well as student team efforts ( BeaverAUV , TEDx, DECA, etc)Attend department meetings or 1:1 idea development sessions with colleagues to identify opportunities and resourcesParticipate in internal R+D team upskilling professional development to teach and learn from one anotherBuild new competencies that create meaningful ripple effects in their own pedagogy—strengthening classroom practice, expanding project-based learning opportunities, and helping students engage with more authentic, interdisciplinary workActively collaborate with both MS/US students and teachers on R+D projects, programs, and initiativesOrganize R+D space and materials, maintaining equipment and resourcesDaily presence in the R+D Center to engage in informal conversations about resources, idea development, prototyping, and/or feedback with MS/US students and teachersAttend weekly R+D Team meetings, supporting professional learning, skill development and team upskillingDesired Skillset:Unique research, design, edtech, computational thinking and/or AI expertise and depth such as:Research techniques that leverage a range of credible primary and secondary sources, both printed and online2D modeling for 3D fabrication, including work with 3D printers and laser cutters3D fabrication (3D printers and laser cutters as well as workshop hand and power tools)Circuits, robotics, and electronicsMedia production, including audio and video creation, editing and post-productionDigital design tools such as Canva and Adobe Creative SuiteVisual arts and design, including illustration, graphic design, printmaking, and visual storytellingEdtech toolsComputational thinking, computer science, and AI:Programming and coding (from introductory skills to advanced technical knowledge)Data collection, survey design, analysis, and visualizationAI as both a subject area and a tool for building modelsOther Attributes:An understanding of independent schools and enthusiasm for Beaver’s missionCommitment to professional growth and continuous improvementExperience with diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging practices and commitment to ongoing growth in this areaSense of humorQualificationsQualifications:Deep understanding of the research and design processesComfort and demonstrated experience with various digital and physical resources used in research and designBachelor’s degree; advanced degree preferredDemonstrated understanding of independent schools, their unique culture, and opportunities and challengesSalary Range:The salary range for this position is $80,000–$120,000. Please visit our Working at Beaver webpage for information about benefits and more.Beaver Country Day School is an equal-opportunity employer. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, creed, handicap status, national origin, ethnicity, military veteran status, or other legally protected status in hiring or other employment practices.