Research Fellow- Policy

ETS; Princeton (NJ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

BRGs for career growth

Volunteer PTO up to 8 hours

Job summary

ETS seeks a research fellow to contribute to the ETS Research Institute. The role focuses on causal inference, program evaluation, and policy analysis in education settings. You will collaborate with institutions, governments, and organizations to translate research into actionable guidance.

The fellowship is a one-year appointment with potential renewal, emphasizing interdisciplinary work, rigorous analysis, and ethical innovation in education policy research.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent research experience in education, public policy, economics, sociology, or a closely related quantitative field.
• At least eight years of experience in applied policy research or academic/statistical analysis.

Responsibilities

• Conduct policy research on education systems (K-12, postsecondary, workforce pathways) using causal inference methods and quantitative designs.
• Contribute to development, evaluation, and translation of research frameworks for state and federal policy, with focus on effectiveness and systems change.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners on research projects and capacity-building initiatives.
• Disseminate findings through publications, presentations, and internal reports.
• Support grant writing, proposal development, and strategic planning for Center activities.
• Demonstrate expertise in causal inference, mixed-methods, policy analysis, or program evaluation.
• Show evidence of research excellence (publications, project leadership) and ability to work in interdisciplinary teams.
• Communicate effectively and commit to ethical and responsible innovation.
• Translate research into practical applications or prototypes; engage in interdisciplinary collaboration.

Skills

Causal inference

Mixed-methods

Policy analysis

Program evaluation

Research excellence

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Strong communication

Ethical innovation

Translating research to practice

Collaboration

Education

PhD in Education/Policy/Economics/Sociology

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.

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. This position is designed for researchers who will contribute to the ETS Research Institute. The role encompasses a broad range of expertise areas, including causal inference and quasi-experimental designs in education policy; analysis of large-scale assessment data, measurement and validation of durable skills and civic capacities; longitudinal systems analysis; and program evaluation that translates research into actionable policy guidance. The fellowship will be a one-year appointment with the possibility of renewal.

Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct policy research on education systems, including K-12, postsecondary, and workforce pathways, using causal inference methods (e.g., regression discontinuity, difference-in-differences) 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 chang.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners (e.g., academic institutions, industry) on research projects and capacity-building initiatives.
• Disseminate research findings through publications, presentations, and internal reports.
• Support grant writing, proposal development, and strategic planning as required for Center activities.
• Demonstrated expertise in at least one of the following: causal inference methods (e.g., regression discontinuity, difference-in-differences, instrumental variables), mixed-methods research design, policy analysis, or program evaluation. Candidates are not expected to have expertise in all areas.
• Evidence of research excellence (e.g., publications, project leadership).
• Ability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams.
• Strong communication skills.
• Commitment to ethical and responsible innovation.
• Experience translating research into practical applications or prototypes.
• Track record of interdisciplinary collaboration.

Education

• PhD or equivalent research experience in e ducation, Public Policy, Economics, Sociology, or a closely related quantitative field with at least eight years of experience in an applied policy research or academic/statistical analysis environment is required

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. Â 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. Â 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.