Research Scientist

SSP International. Inc.; Wilmington (DE); Remote; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

SSP International, Inc. seeks a Research Scientist for its Quantitative Education Program Evaluation. This full-time position will oversee evaluations of STEM programs, requiring strong expertise in quantitative analysis and project management. The ideal candidate will collaborate with educational stakeholders to enhance program impact and align initiatives with SSPI's mission.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in quantitative program evaluation with a focus on randomized controlled trials.
• Strong background in engaging with community stakeholders.
• Ability to develop and facilitate presentations.

Responsibilities

• Manage comprehensive STEM educational program evaluations.
• Lead all phases of program evaluations, including implementation and scaling.
• Collaborate with educators and researchers to ensure rigorous evaluations.

Skills

Quantitative evaluation

Statistical analysis

Project management

Education

Advanced Degree in Education, Statistics, Psychology or related field

Tools

SPSS

R

Excel

Job description

Research Scientist Quantitative Education Program Evaluation

Department:SSPI Research and Evaluation
Reporting to:VP of Research and Evaluation
Schedule:Full-time year-round
Location:Remote
Travel required: Approximately 15 days per year

Summary
SSP International, Inc. (SSPI) is a non-profit organization that is synonymous with excellence in science education. At SSPI, we are guided by a mission to offer students transformational opportunities to learn, do, and belong in science. Since 1959, SSPI’s flagship program, the Summer Science Program, has offered immersive summer research experiences that ignite curiosity and inspire a lifelong passion for discovery. Our vision is to inspire and inform humanity through science, fostering a world where discovery and innovation drive progress. To achieve our mission and vision, SSPI is focused on embracing collaboration, building a lifelong community, and cultivating a diverse and inclusive environment. SSPI places a strong emphasis on belonging and connection among participants, alumni, staff, and stakeholders, wherein individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered.With a legacy spanning more than six decades, and a globalnetwork of over 3,700 alumni, we continue to pave the way for the next generation of leaders.More information on our mission, vision, values, and programs can be found at www.ssp.org.

With the recent receipt of a transformational estate gift by an early alum, SSPI has completed a new strategic plan and now has the financial resources to broaden our impact in STEM education. The 10-year vision of our plan is to reach 10,000 students each year in a variety of STEM programs, with at least 50% coming from historically underserved communities, with challenging, engaging, and transformative science experiences.
Under the direction of the VP of Research and Evaluation, the Research Scientist will be responsible for evaluating new and existing STEM education programs. Working with the VP of Research and Evaluation, research partners, and funders as appropriate, the Research Scientist will implement and manage rigorous evaluation design studies in education (i.e., randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental designs) that meet project and funding requirements. The position is essential to aligning SSPIs Strategic Framework with actionable initiatives to address the evolving needs of students, educators, and their communities. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in quantitative education program evaluation and project management. This candidate would be both active participant in the organization’s research and evaluation programs, ensuring their successful evaluation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Program Development and Strategy

• Under the supervision of the VP of Research and Evaluation, manage comprehensive, high-quality STEM educational program evaluations (i.e., randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental designs) that align with SSPI’s mission and strategic goals and meet the needs of diverse audiences, including K-12 students, educators, and community members.
• Identify and analyze emerging trends in STEM evaluation, assessment, workforce needs, and community interests to identify opportunities for new initiatives.
• Collaborate with educators, researchers, and industry experts to implement program evaluations that are scientifically rigorous (randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental designs).
• Conduct needs assessments to identify gaps in SSPI’s current offerings and opportunities for new program evaluations.

Project Management

• Working collaboratively with the others, lead all phases of program evaluations, including implementation, evaluation, and scaling.
• Management of the quantitative component of ongoing and new research projects, managing large complex databases.
• Serves as primary designer and manager of quantitative data collection tools (e.g., surveys).
• Establish and manage project timelines, budgets, and resource allocation, ensuring financial sustainability and resource allocation for maximum impact.
• Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness, using data and feedback to refine and enhance future offerings.
• Coordinate program teams of internal and external stakeholders guiding and maintaining program alignment with SSPI’s strategic goals.
• Work closely with the VP of Research and Evaluation, program operations and marketing teams to ensure successful program evaluation and outreach.
• Under supervision of the VP of Research and Evaluation, prepare and present reports to management, staff, and other key stakeholders.
• Other duties as assigned.

Collaboration and Partnership Building

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with schools, school districts, research institutions, and other educational or scientific organizations to foster collaboration and maximize program reach.
• Together with the VP of Research and Evaluation, identify funding opportunities, write or edit grant proposals, and cultivate relationships with funders to secure financial support or other resources for program development and sustainability.
• Under supervision of the VP of Research and Evaluation, identify and pursue partnership opportunities that can contribute to enhancing program offerings and reach.

Outreach and Advocacy

• Together with the VP of Research and Evaluation and External Affairs team, assist in developing marketing and communication strategies to promote new program evaluations to target audiences and stakeholders.
• Co-author evaluation reports and publications on selected projects;
• Represent the organization in conferences, workshops, media opportunities, and community events as a thought leader in science education.
• Advocate for policies and evidence-based programs that promote equitable access and inclusion for all students.

Team Collaboration

• Collaborate with a team of educators, research assistants, consultants, in program evaluation.
• Foster a culture of challenge, collaboration, creativity, and continuous improvement within the SSPI.

Education/Experience

• Advanced Degree in Education, Statistics, Psychology or related field preferred.
• 5-7 years of experience in quantitative program evaluation with a focus on randomized controlled trials and/or quasi-experimental designs in education.
• 5-7 years of experience serving as Principal Investigator or Co-Investigator of large randomized controlled trials and/or quasi-experimental design studies funded by federal agencies or foundations (e.g., United States Department of Education Institute of Education Sciences)

• Strong background in building partnerships and engaging with community stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of current trends in STEM education.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to think strategically, develop a quantitative evaluation plan for randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental design studies and translate it into actionable plans.
• Knowledge of statistical software programs (SPSS, R, Excel).
• Expertise in quantitative evaluation and research design and methodology
• Strong statistical analysis.
• Ability to manage, merge and construct databases.
• Knowledge of and ability to conduct data cleaning, data analysis, and graph construction.
• High familiarity with K-12 education policies and conditions.
• Exceptional communication, organizational, and management skills.
• Strong quantitative analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize and interpret findings.
• Ability to collaborate with staff, faculty, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to identify the efficacy and feasibility of new initiatives.
• Ability to create detailed project plans, including timelines, milestones, and deliverables.

• Proficiency in communicating project plans to diverse audiences.
• Ability to align program evaluation with the organization's strategic goals and mission.
• Ability to develop and facilitate presentations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Skill in coordinating and leading program/project teams.
• Skill in identifying potential risks and developing mitigation strategies.
• Skill in planning, developing, and implementing data management policies, processes, and procedures.
• Ability to monitor budget expenditures and project resources.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.

Working Conditions
The working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Constantly operates a computer.
• The ability to observe details at a close range and the ability to adjust focus.
• The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
• Travel to twice yearly in-person staff meetings plus occasional travel to SSPI partner sites.

Clearance Requirements

• Authorization to work in the United States
• Background clearance

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every qualification. SSPI values a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you are excited about this role but your experience does not align perfectly with all the qualifications, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other opportunities.