Mass Extinction Evaluator/ Researcher Job Description
The Evaluation Group at TERC is growing, and we are looking for an aspiring researcher/
evaluator (R&D 3) to join our team and to take major responsibility on the impact evaluation of
an NSF-funded, technology-driven, informal science education project for middle school
students. Qualified candidate must have training (Masters or Doctoral level) and 5 or more years
of experience in education research or evaluation and uses of technology in education, preferably
in the context of informal science education and/or math, science and technology education
program evaluation. Position is half-time with the possibility of additional time/ funding for new
evaluation work development, or on other projects as they are funded.
Responsibilities: With limited supervision from TERC Evaluation PI, work with client to find
and/ or design and test instruments, assessments, and coding protocols to be incorporated into
innovative, collaborative, online “curated game” on environmental science issues. Focus of
instruments is assessment of interest/ engagement, scientific inquiry and collaboration skills, and
attitudes about science and science careers, as well as surveys about student background and
overall experience. Organize, design and conduct a small number of interviews and focus groups
on user experiences. Understand (or be willing to learn about) issues related to protection of
human subjects in research and work with client to be sure appropriate procedures and
protections are implemented. Train others in use of coding protocols. Work with others to code
and analyze data using qualitative and quantitative methods, both during game rollout to assess
data quality and make adjustments as needed, as well as more thoroughly after game completion.
Read current literature within the field. Take major responsibility for writing evaluation report,
collaborating with other project staff. Meet regularly with PI and other project staff to oversee
progress, identify issues, brainstorm solutions, and adjust approach and work plan.
Opportunity to work with Evaluation Group leaders to respond to new requests to work with
clients to develop evaluation portions of STEM education project proposals and to lead or colead
the evaluations should the projects be funded.
Skills and Desirable Characteristics: Curiosity and inquiring habits of mind. Experience and
skills using software tools (e.g., Excel, Filemaker, SPSS, R, Fathom, etc.) for data coding, data
cleaning and restructuring, and for statistical analyses. Ability to work well independently and
with others. Ability to listen actively and communicate well both verbally and in writing. Can-do
attitude. Candidates from under-represented racial and ethnic groups or who have significant
research experience with such groups are encouraged to apply.
Please submit a resume and a statement of interest by email to Jim Hammerman at
jim_hammerman@terc.edu or c/o TERC, 2067 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02140.
Please do not call. (Ref. #10-19)
TERC is a not-for-profit R&D organization committed to improving mathematics, science, and
technology learning and teaching. Founded in 1965, TERC is internationally recognized for
creating innovative curricula, fostering teacher professional development, pioneering creative
uses of technology in education, supporting schools and school districts in the integration of
technology into classroom practice and developing equitable opportunities for under-served
learners. Publication of TERC's materials and dissemination of our R&D findings is a top
priority. Additional information regarding job postings and the application process is available
from TERC’s Human Resource Department. Please include your fax number or address with
your request. For more information visit TERC's web site at: www.terc.edu.
