Research Scientist

The Association for Education Finance and Policy; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Association for Education Finance and Policy, through Boston University’s Wheelock Educational Policy Center, is seeking a Research Scientist. This role focuses on designing large-scale research on Connecticut’s educator workforce and requires expertise in quantitative research methods.

The ideal candidate will lead studies, manage partnerships, and produce a variety of research outputs. A Ph.D. in education policy or a related field is required, along with strong communication skills and experience with statistical software.

Qualifications

• Experience in quantitative research methods and applied econometrics.
• Ability to manage multiple workstreams and deliver on timelines.
• Experience with large administrative datasets.

Responsibilities

• Lead quantitative research studies on educator workforce in Connecticut.
• Manage project timelines and coordinate with state education agencies.
• Produce research outputs for academic and practitioner audiences.

Skills

Quantitative research methods

Causal inference techniques

Statistical software (Stata, R)

Communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in education policy or related field

Job description

Boston University’s Wheelock Educational Policy Center (WEPC) conducts and disseminates rigorous, policy-relevant research in partnership with local, state, and federal policymakers and stakeholders to improve educational opportunities and holistic outcomes for traditionally marginalized students. WEPC’s research addresses key policy questions focused on equalizing educational opportunity, improving specialized services for students, and supporting an effective educator workforce. More information about WEPC can be found at wheelockpolicycenter.org.

WEPC seeks a Research Scientist to design and lead large‑scale quantitative research studies primarily focused on better understanding the policies, pathways, and practices shaping Connecticut’s educator workforce, with opportunities to contribute to WEPC’s broader portfolio of research partnerships. Working in close collaboration with state education agency leaders, the Research Scientist will leverage statewide longitudinal administrative data to conduct descriptive and causal analyses that directly inform policy decisions.

The Role

The Research Scientist will join a team of faculty, staff, and graduate students working at the intersection of rigorous research and actionable policy insight. This is a hands‑on role for a scholar who is energized by policy‑relevant questions and motivated by the opportunity to see their work shape real decisions impacting students and educators.

An ideal candidate:

• Has training and expertise in quantitative research methods, including causal inference techniques (e.g., difference‑in‑differences, regression discontinuity, instrumental variables), and can independently design and execute studies using large‑scale administrative data.
• Brings strong content knowledge in education policy issues, particularly around the educator workforce, and is excited to apply that expertise in a state‑level partnership context.
• Is a skilled collaborator and communicator who can work effectively with both research colleagues and non‑technical policy audiences, translating complex findings into clear, actionable insights.
• Is self‑directed and organized, able to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously and deliver high‑quality work on policy timelines.

Research Design and Execution (50%)

• Serve as principal investigator for WEPC’s Connecticut educator workforce research agenda, including studies focused on educator preparation program outcomes, alternative and grow‑your‑own pathways into teaching, teacher induction and mentoring supports, and the effects of licensure policy on workforce composition and quality.
• Assemble, clean, manage, and analyze large‑scale longitudinal administrative datasets from the Connecticut State Department of Education and connected agencies.
• Develop and refine specific research questions in collaboration with WEPC leadership and state agency partners; select and apply appropriate analytical techniques to answer identified questions.
• Contribute to related research across WEPC’s broader portfolio through partnerships focused on, e.g., postsecondary pathways, special education, and early childhood education.

Project Management & Partner Engagement (25%)

• Create and manage project timelines, maintaining consistent progress toward planned milestones and deliverables and coordinating with WEPC leadership and staff to ensure a streamlined approach to partner support and communication.
• Organize and facilitate regular meetings with CSDE to present research findings and implications in accessible, decision‑relevant formats.
• Collaborate with CSDE to assess and strengthen data infrastructure and linkages, identifying opportunities to help the state expand its research capacity.

Dissemination & Field Contribution (25%)

• Produce polished research outputs including academic papers, policy briefs, data presentations, and summary reports tailored to researcher and practitioner audiences.
• Present research findings at academic conferences, policy convenings, and practitioner forums.
• Write and contribute to grant proposals and funding applications to support the continuation and expansion of the partnership.
• Contribute to WEPC’s broader research community, including engagement with faculty, students, and other research staff.

Position

Research Scientist

Organization

Boston University Wheelock Educational Policy Center

Location

Boston, MA, United States

Salary

$85,000 – $100,000, commensurate with experience

Posting Start Date

5/22/2026

Date Posted

5/22/2026

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in education policy, economics, public policy, sociology, or a related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in quantitative research methods, including applied econometrics and causal inference.
• Experience working with large administrative datasets, e.g., from state or local education data systems.
• Fluency in statistical software such as Stata or R.
• Knowledge of current research and policy related to educator pipelines, preparation, and workforce development.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to translate research findings for practitioner and policymaker audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously and deliver on timelines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working directly with state education agencies or similar government partners.
• Record of publication or working papers in peer‑reviewed or policy venues.
• Experience contributing to grant writing or funding proposals.
• Familiarity with the education policy landscape in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Indiana.

Name:

Boston University Wheelock Educational Policy Center