Senior Research Scientist

SHL; Atlanta (GA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid remote flexibility

Excellent benefits package

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

SHL, a leader in people science, seeks a Senior Scientist to design and prototype next-generation assessments combining psychometrics with AI-enabled experiences. You will lead measurement development, validate models, and ensure fairness and regulatory alignment.

The role requires a PhD/advanced degree and 5+ years designing/validating assessments, with proficiency in Python/R and AI tools. Hybrid/remote options available from the US, with Atlanta preferred.

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Psychometrics, Quantitative Psychology, Data Science or a closely related field.
• 5+ years of post-graduate experience designing, developing, or validating assessments used in organizational decision-making.
• Demonstrated experience leading innovation in assessment design or applied research.
• Strong applied psychometrics, including CTT and/or IRT, reliability and validity evidence, factor analysis, and statistical modeling.
• Hands-on proficiency in Python and/or R, and fluency with current AI tools, including LLM APIs, prompt design, and modern prototyping workflows.
• Working knowledge of the legal and professional landscape governing selection, including the Uniform Guidelines, SIOP Principles, the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing, and evolving AI in hiring requirements.
• Ability to communicate measurement concepts clearly to mixed technical and non-technical audiences.

Responsibilities

• Design novel assessments and measurement concepts, including simulations, situational judgment tests, adaptive and game-based formats, and conversational/LLM-driven task types.
• Build working prototypes and translate measurement concepts into functional proofs-of-concept using modern AI tooling.
• Own psychometric quality across reliability, validity, and scoring, combining theory with AI/ML scoring.
• Incorporate fairness and legal defensibility into assessments from design through development and audit.
• Translate measurement constructs and scoring models into engaging, credible assessment experiences.
• Conduct validation studies (criterion-related, content, construct) and share findings with diverse audiences.
• Collaborate with Product, Engineering, Legal, and client-facing teams to advance prototypes toward production-ready solutions.
• Monitor advances in AI/ML and psychometrics and apply relevant developments responsibly.

Skills

Python

R

AI/ML tooling

IRT/CTT

Statistical modeling

Communication

Leadership

Psychometrics

Education

PhD in Industrial-Organizational Psychology

MS/PhD in related field

Tools

Python

R

LLM/APIs

Prototyping tools

Job description

Job Description

Say yes to a better tomorrow!

SHL, People Science. People Answers.

Are you ready to take your career and expertise in people science to the next level? SHL is hiring for a Senior Scientist to join their team in the Americas!

The Senior Scientist will be responsible for designing and prototyping next-generation assessments that combine rigorous psychometric measurement with modern, AI-enabled candidate experiences. Working cross-functionally with Product, Legal, and client-facing teams, this individual will transform assessment concepts into functional proofs of concept and serve as a subject‑matter expert in psychometrics and AI/ML-based scoring. The position requires strong professional leadership, deep expertise in test development and validation standards, and a commitment to scientific rigor, high-quality documentation, and ethical best practices. The successful candidate will advance assessment innovation within practical commercial constraints while developing recognized expertise both within SHL and across the broader field.

An excellent benefits package is offered in a culture where career development, with ongoing manager guidance, collaboration, flexibility, diversity and inclusivity are all intrinsic to our culture. There is a huge investment in SHL currently so there's no better time to become a part of something transformational.

Atlanta Office is preferred/ Open to Remote. Hybrid working is available

All applicants must be eligible to work in the US without visa/sponsorship. SHL does not offer sponsorship for employment.

What You Will Be Doing

• Designing novel assessments and measurement concepts, including simulations, situational judgment tests, adaptive and game-based formats, and conversational/LLM-driven task types
• Building working prototypes, taking measurement concepts to functional proofs-of-concept using modern AI tooling and agentic workflows
• Owning psychometric quality across reliability, validity, and scoring, combining established psychometric theory with AI/ML scoring approaches to deliver accurate, robust, and explainable results
• Building fairness and legal defensibility into assessments from the design stage, maintaining current knowledge of relevant regulation (EEOC guidelines, SIOP best practices, EU AI Act, NYC Local Law 144, and emerging requirements) and applying it through development and audit processes
• Translating measurement constructs and scoring models into assessment experiences that candidates find engaging and credible, balancing integrity and validity controls against candidate experience
• Running validation studies (criterion-related, content, and construct) and communicating findings to technical and non-technical audiences
• Partnering across Product, Engineering, Legal, and client-facing teams to advance prototypes toward production-ready solutions
• Monitoring advances in AI/ML and psychometrics, distinguishing genuine measurement value from novelty, and bringing relevant developments into practice responsibly

What we are looking for from you:

Essential

• Master’s or PhD in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Psychometrics, Quantitative Psychology, Data Science or a closely related field
• 5+ years of post-graduate experience designing, developing, or validating assessments used in organizational decision-making
• Demonstrated experience leading innovation in assessment design or applied research, evidenced through published work, technical reports, conference presence, or leading-edge project work
• Strong applied psychometrics, including CTT and/or IRT, reliability and validity evidence, factor analysis, and statistical modeling
• Hands-on technical proficiency in Python and/or R, and demonstrated fluency with current AI tools, including LLM APIs, prompt design, and modern prototyping workflows
• Working knowledge of the legal and professional landscape governing selection, including the Uniform Guidelines, SIOP Principles, the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing, and the evolving regulatory landscape for AI in hiring
• Demonstrated ability to communicate measurement concepts clearly to mixed technical and non-technical audiences

Desirable:

• PhD in a relevant discipline
• Strong applied psychometrics, including CTT and/or IRT, reliability and validity evidence, factor analysis, and statistical modeling
• Front-end or interactive prototyping experience
• A record of published or applied research in assessment, measurement, or selection

Closing Date: October 5 th , 2026 – Posting may close sooner depending on applicant volume.

About Us

• We unlock the possibilities of businesses through the power of people, science and technology.
• We started this industry of people insight more than 40 years ago and continue to lead the market with powerhouse product launches, ground-breaking science and business transformation.
• When you inspire and transform people's lives, you will experience the greatest business outcomes possible. SHL's products insights, experiences, and services can help achieve growth at scale.

What SHL Can Offer You

Diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility are key threads in the fabric of SHL's business and culture (find out more about DEI and accessibility at SHL )

• Employee benefits package that takes care of you and your family.
• Support, coaching, and on-the-job development to achieve career success
• A fun and flexible workplace where you'll be inspired to do your best work (find out more LifeAtSHL )
• The ability to transform workplaces around the world for others.

SHL is an equal opportunity employer. We support and encourage applications from a diverse range of candidates. We can, and do make adjustments to make sure our recruitment process is as inclusive as possible.