Research Scientist II

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in California.

📋 Description

• Direct mid- to large-scale or moderately complex research and evaluation initiatives, or significant portions of larger projects.

• Supervise intricate, multi-method studies and establish quality assurance standards across various workstreams.

• Influence methodological choices and assist in project conceptualization, design, and execution.

• Implement advancements in data collection and analysis techniques into proposals and project execution.

• Oversee multiple concurrent workstreams, integrating team members and subcontractors while balancing client expectations, staff capabilities, and project objectives.

• Prepare for study implementation challenges, data management issues, and Institutional Review Board considerations.

• Integrate findings across studies and workstreams to pinpoint themes and implications.

• Write papers, briefs, and presentations, representing WestEd at both regional and national forums.

• Mentor colleagues in structuring arguments, elucidating findings, and effectively utilizing evidence.

• Manage client relationships and steer decisions that influence timelines, scope, and methodologies.

• Utilize data to illustrate impact to clients and funding bodies.

• Spearhead proposal development for small to mid-sized projects and play a role in large, complex proposals.

• Identify opportunities, nurture client and partner relationships, and create a pipeline for future endeavors.

• Enhance WestEd’s early childhood early mathematics portfolio through collaborations, funding, and proposals.

• Initially contribute to a 1.5-year grant project commencing January 2027 and concluding June 2028.

• Provide guidance and feedback, monitor progression, support skill enhancement, and mentor peers.

• Travel for project-related activities, office meetings, client consultations, or conferences as necessary, estimated at up to 20%.

⛳️ Requirements

• Ph.D. in child development, education, psychology, or a related research discipline.

• Extensive knowledge of early mathematics development, early childhood education practices, and the policies and systems influencing early childhood education.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience leading applied research or evaluation studies, including mid- to large-sized or moderately complex projects with multiple concurrent workstreams.

• Experience in leading or significantly contributing to research or evaluation proposals.

• Proven ability to establish relationships with clients, partners, and funders.

• Experience in developing a pipeline of work with current and prospective clients and partners.

• Record of presentations, publications, or other professional engagements at regional and national levels.

• Commitment to prioritizing the voices and needs of the communities served.

• Expertise in designing and managing complex, multi-method studies, including data collection and analysis.

• Proficient in statistical or analytical software such as Stata, SPSS, or R.

• Familiarity with research ethics and compliance standards, including Institutional Review Board processes and data security.

• Capability to manage multiple concurrent workstreams, timelines, and personnel while satisfying client requirements.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills for generating reports, presentations, and publications for diverse audiences.

• Ability to mentor peers and provide clear guidance and constructive criticism.

• Preferred: Minimum five years of experience developing and leading early mathematics content for early childhood education workforce and families.

• Preferred: Bilingual and biliterate in English and Spanish.

• Preferred: Experience in applying new and emerging methodological strategies in study design.

• Preferred: Experience in coaching others on effective writing and presentation of evidence.

• Successful candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

• Must pass a criminal background check, fingerprint validation, and education verification.

🏝️ Benefits

• 15% contribution toward retirement effective from day one of employment with immediate 100% vesting.

• Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts.

• Option for a Health Savings Account.

• Health/welfare benefits effective on the first day of the month following the hire date.

• 19 days of PTO, increasing to 21 days starting in the third year of employment.

• 12 paid holidays.

• Life insurance valued at 3x gross salary, with a maximum of $500,000.

• Annual merit-based performance increases.

• Annual incentives.

• Opportunities for professional development.

• Mentorship program.