Research Scientist at Education Analytics

Education Analytics (EA) is a non-profit organization that uses rigorous data analysis to inform education research, management, and policy decisions. Our staff is a group of highly motivated, energetic, passionate researchers and analysts who work with school districts, states, and foundation partners across the U.S. to identify innovative ways to improve education systems.
We are seeking a researcher with either a Ph.D. in economics, or a Ph.D. in statistics or a related field, with skills in econometrics, applied statistics, or related quantitative methods. The Research Scientist at EA collaborates with external project partners, other researchers, data strategists, analysts, and policymakers. The position will report to the Research Manager and Chief Research Officer and will play a substantial role in directing various programs of research. The role requires a mix of analytic, statistical, communication, and project management skills to meet the challenges of leading applied, rigorous statistical analyses and making substantive contributions to the fields of educational data analysis, measurement, and policy.
If you are looking to apply cutting-edge approaches to address critical problems impacting the lives of students across the country, we encourage you to apply. We are looking for passionate researchers who view every challenge not as a roadblock, but as an opportunity to do something innovative and exciting to transform the U.S. education system.
This position is preferred to work at our physical location in Madison, Wisconsin, although we will consider remote work as a possibility.
Specific Research Scientist responsibilities include:
Developing statistical models for education policy applications that may include, but are not limited to, using the following approaches: econometrics, linear regression, multilevel/hierarchical linear modeling, Bayesian methods, propensity score matching, or data science (e.g., machine learning)Writing researcher-oriented documents, including conference papers and presentations, academic journal articles, working papers, and technical documentationCollaborating with and supervising analysts and programmers to implement statistical models for external partners and for internal researchCommunicating and collaborating with state and local education agencies and other EA partnersCo-creating written documentation with EA data strategists and analysts, such as technical memos, policy briefs, partner reports, practitioner guidebooks, and grant proposals, for a variety of technical and non-technical audiences
Skills and Experience
Either a Ph.D. in Economics or related field; or a quantitative Ph.D. in Statistics, Public Policy, Sociology, Educational Psychology, Data Science, or a related statistically-focused field is requiredFamiliarity with the R programming language is preferredDeep knowledge of statistical and analytic approaches for evaluating educational policies and programsExcellent problem-solving and systems-thinking skillsStrong written and verbal communication skillsCustomer-service and entrepreneurial orientation to working with partners that ensures that EA exceeds expectationsDesire to work in a team environment at a fast-growing, fast-paced nonprofitDemonstrated interest in improving and supporting U.S. K-12 public education through data analysis
Benefits
Competitive salaryInstitutional support for professional organization membership and conference attendanceAnnual merit bonusesPaid holidays and one month of paid vacation per yearGenerous 401k and health benefitsFree Madison Metro transit pass or subsidized office parking (if space is available)Casual office environmentLocation right in the heart of downtown Madison, Wisconsin
Education Analytics is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
We want to let candidates know that EA is a federal contractor with over 50 employees. As the situation has evolved with federal requirements, we now require vaccinations for all employees. Medical and Religious accommodations will be granted where they do not cause Education Analytics undue hardship or pose a direct threat to the health and safety of others. Keep this requirement in mind and please reach out if you have any questions or would like to request an accommodation.