Education Development Center (EDC) is one of the world's leading
non-profit research and development firms. Established in 1958, EDC's
work spans the globe, joining research with practice to meet today's and
tomorrow's challenges in education, health promotion, technology, human
rights, and the environment. While the issues we confront are complex,
all that we do is united by one simple conviction: Learning is the
liberating force in human development.
The Center for Science Education has an opening for a full-time Senior
Research Associate in Newton Massachusetts to work on a number of
exciting projects evaluating middle and high school science teacher
professional development programs and resources. The successful
candidate will lead and assist with a number of these projects,
especially by conducting classroom observations. Therefore, the
candidate should have a strong interest in conducting and leading
science education program evaluation (especially in the area of
environment and ecology science). The evaluation and research projects
at the Center for Science Education focus on aspects of instructional
practices related to scientific inquiry. Thus, a strong foundation in
the research and philosophical literature related to "inquiry-based
science" instruction is essential. For a fuller description of the
current projects please visit our website cse.edc.org and look for
research/evaluation projects directed by Daphne Minner.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS - All staff are expected to communicate clearly and
courteously; to develop and maintain positive relationships with
clients, consultants, collaborators, co-workers, field sites, and
funders; and to work respectfully with EDC colleagues. All jobs require
adherence to EDC policies & procedures.
The Senior Research Associate * Further augments the organization's intellectual capital, while
developing name recognition as a leader in the field
* Initiates and executes projects of moderate scope & diversity; may be
responsible for particular phase of a large complex project
* Exercises leadership in qualitative &/or quantitative research methods
for design and instrumentation
* Oversees data collection & validation processes, ensuring quality &
reliability
* Reviews documentation
* Synthesizes concepts and recommendations
* Writes/edits plans & complex materials
* Develops high-visibility presentations
* Contributes to conferences and publications * Identifies original bodies of work
* Investigates solutions to potential problems, which may result in
products, programs, services or inventions * Participates in proposal & funding planning
* Conceptualizes or writes major sections of proposals * May acts as Principal Investigator and Evaluation Director
* Designs research and evaluation instruments and protocols
The Senior Research Associate
* Expands contacts and strengthens client relations; develops business
and professional relationships by communicating technical information to
professional or civic communities, government agencies, "stakeholders"
or institutions
* Advises, consults and collaborates with senior management and project
staff on new concepts associated with expanding existing products &/or
programs
* Guides feedback exchanges; provides expertise to others
* Oversees administrative and logistical coordination
* Troubleshoots complex problems and develops solutions
* Provides administrative supervision or direction to junior staff
* May initiate or coordinate cross-Center or interdepartmental research
efforts and activities
* Will be required to travel within the United States (by plane) and
locally (by own car).
QUALIFICATIONS - All jobs require educational achievement; excellent
writing skills; demonstrable initiative, creativity, and flexibility;
ability to work independently and effectively in groups; strong
interpersonal & organizational skills. This position requires:
* Master's degree or equivalent combination of education & experience
* PhD or equivalent preferred
* With Master's degree, 7-10 years related experience, including 1-3
years prior project management or program development experience, plus
solid experience with computer applications (including databases),
psychometric or statistical measurement techniques, and Internet
research
* With PhD, 2-4 years related experience (as above) * Demonstrable leadership skills
* Ability to effectively communicate research methods and findings to
evaluation clients, by writing peer reviewed articles and in written
annual reports to funders.
* Specific training and experience in both social science research
methods (survey, interview, and observation in particular), and in
science education are required.
* The ability to work independently to complete tasks within a given
timeline. * Strong organizational and writing skills are a must.
* Demonstrable time management skills to facilitate work on multiple
projects.
TO APPLY: please go to "Job opportunities" at www.edc.org or for a
direct link to the job announcement go here:
http://www.candidatemanager.net/CM/Micro/JobDetails.aspx?&mid=YEVYF&sid=
UEVD&jid=EVUUWEVF&site=Education
Posted: September 15, 2008
