Specialist, Psychometrician

Pearson; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Pearson seeks a Specialist, Psychometrician to advance measurement science within its educational assessment programs. You will engage in psychometric analyses and collaborate across teams to apply standard-setting and linking methodologies.

The role requires deep expertise in classical test theory, item response theory, and modern AI-enabled tools, with strong communication to client groups and advisory committees. Based in Des Moines, IA.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in educational measurement or closely related field.
• Experience with psychometric methods in operational assessment programs.

Responsibilities

• Conduct item calibration, linking, and equating analyses under guidance.
• Develop linear test forms and design field test plans.
• Provide full range of psychometric support across programs and projects.

Skills

Psychometrics expertise

Strong communication

Cross-functional collaboration

AI-enabled tools

Education

Doctoral degree in educational measurement or related field

Tools

SAS

R

Python

WINSTEPS

IRTPro

Job description

Specialist, Psychometrician, this role aligns to industry-level titles such as Psychometrician, Measurement Specialist or Research Scientist.

Education and Work Experience

• Doctoral degree in educational measurement or a closely related field from a nationally recognized institution of higher education
• Relevant professional experience, preferably encompassing the full range of psychometric issues encountered in operational assessment programs

Technical Psychometric Expertise

• Applies, and supports solutions for, psychometric methodologies—including classical test theory, item response theory, test equating, scaling and linking, and standard setting—across new and complex operational testing contexts.
• Experience with statistical software packages and programming languages commonly employed in psychometric and measurement research (e.g., SAS, R, Python, WINSTEPS, IRTPro) to address novel challenges in operational assessment programs or research initiatives.
• Demonstrates openness to learning and applying AI-enabled tools to enhance efficiency and innovation.
• Provides full range of psychometric support on development, and documentation of new and existing processes across programs and projects.
• Conducts analyses for item calibration, linking, equating under the guidance or senior psychometricians. Develops linear test forms and designs field test plans.

Thought Leadership and Research

• Supports operational research studies and development of detailed research and analysis specifications and authors formal reports for written or oral dissemination.
• Aware of national trends in education for operational assessment programs.
• Upholds and promotes the principles outlined in the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing .

Communication Skills and Client Relationships

• Strong oral, written, and business communication skills.
• Supports effectively tailoring technical presentations for diverse audiences, including client groups and technical advisory committees.
• Represents the Psychometrics effectively in cross-functional settings.

Who we are:

At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realize the life they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. We are the world's lifelong learning company. For us, learning isn't just what we do. It's who we are. To learn more: We are Pearson.

Pearson is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit and business need. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or any other group protected by law. We actively seek qualified candidates who are protected veterans and individuals with disabilities as defined under VEVRAA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act.

If you are an individual with a disability and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career site as a result of your disability, you may request reasonable accommodations by emailing [e-mail].

Job:

Research, Efficacy, and Psychometrics

Job Family:

LEARNING&CONTENT_DEVELOPMENT

Organization:

Assessment & Qualifications