Learning Scientist

Job Profile:
Scientist 2
Job Family:
Researchers and Scientists
Time Type:
Full time
Apply before 11:59 PM Arizona time the day before the posted End Date.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree and three (3) years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.
Job Profile Summary:
Serves as a contributor to a research team. Contributes to the execution of one or more moderately complex research projects to support the advancement of research.
Job Description:
Are you an inquisitive academic researcher eager to conduct iterative research on newly developed virtual reality education products? Do you demonstrate excellent time management skills, a willingness to collaborate and learn new skills, and the patience to succeed? Then keep reading below for this Learning Scientist opportunity!
ASU EdPlus is a dynamic unit of Arizona State University focused on the design and scalable delivery of digital teaching and learning models to increase student success and reduce barriers to achievement in higher education. We advance the economic, social, cultural, and overall health of the local, national, and international communities served by ASU.
Action Lab is a data-driven, research-focused service organization that supports ASU and EdPlus initiatives by equipping leaders with the insights and analyses they need to make informed, evidence-based decisions. Action Lab drives transformational change in education through data and research, focusing on learner behaviors and the factors that drive success. Our goal is to improve access and achievement while bolstering the development of quality education for all learners.
Want to know more about working at EdPlus? Watch this short video!
We are seeking a resourceful and skilled Learning Scientist to join our high-performing interdisciplinary research team, Action Lab. Our research is action-oriented and operationally focused, and we support and coordinate with high-level university stakeholders to enhance student learning, motivation, and persistence, as well as increase equity across the university.
You will directly support the scholarly research for Dreamscape Learn (DSL) products. DSL combines narratively driven virtual reality lab experiences with a newly designed curriculum to engage ASU’s diverse 21st-century learners. Although DSL products have been integrated into several courses for several semesters (or even years), ongoing mixed-methods research aims to deepen our understanding of DSL’s immediate and long-term effects on student learning and persistence.
Action Lab is a matrixed organization, meaning that depending on a project's phase or specific task, you may report through different work streams. You will officially report to the Senior Academic Researcher and collaborate with other Action Lab researchers, staff, and faculty to co-manage the DSL quantitative research protocols and to collect, analyze, coordinate, communicate, and maintain research information.
You need strong skills in quantitative data management and statistical analysis, as well as a solid understanding of research methodologies and their applications in higher education. To succeed in this role, you will recommend and align quantitative methods with broader research objectives; accurately and efficiently extract, clean, transform, and analyze data; and identify trends and patterns within the data.
NOTE: This is an in-person, hybrid position. You must be able to reliably commute to Scottsdale AZ.
Essential Duties:
Uses various computer programs and software to perform data computation, statistical analysis, etc. (proficiency in R is required; knowledge of SQL is also desirable but not essential).
Coordinates and determines compatibility of data from various sources (e.g., internal ASU data tables and external datasets) with support from data management teams.
Manages data collection and compilation.
Performs data cleaning, statistical analysis, and data visualization in R.
Selects, develops, and/or recommends appropriate research design methodologies, data analyses, and statistical procedures; assists with determining appropriate methodology to be used for particular project(s).
Understands, values, and contributes to the richness of co-informed data-driven insights (i.e., those formed from the combination of qualitative and quantitative methods).
Contributes to internal Action Lab/DSL reports and presentations as needed; helps prepare formal research reports and presentations for dissemination to various audiences; performs literature reviews to inform research design.
Collaborates with the DSL research team to conduct quantitative research to co-inform instructional practices, pedagogy, engagement, and technology decisions.
Manages a high volume of research files; tracks, manages, prioritizes, and reports daily, weekly, and monthly tasks.
Co-manages survey research processes in Qualtrics; designs, develops, and implements research surveys using Qualtrics.
Assumes or coordinates other duties or projects as assigned or directed.
Desired Qualifications:
PhD required, preferably in learning sciences, data science, or related discipline (e.g., Psychology, Education, Business Analytics); will consider candidates who are close to defense date/ABD with a plan to finish within a reasonable timeframe.
Demonstrated skills in data management, exploratory data analysis, and statistics using R is required.
Demonstrated skills in the design, development, and implementation of surveys in Qualtrics.
Experience with quantitative research methods, including but not limited to experimental/quasi-experimental design, descriptive and inferential statistics, and modeling data.
Evidence of effective communication and collaboration skills to accomplish tasks.
Demonstrated ability and willingness to work in a highly matrixed, team-oriented environment.
Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, in ambiguous situations, and within tight timelines.
Experience in higher education research and practice preferred.
Evidence of familiarity with SQL is a plus.
NOTE: Please answer the following question in your cover letter:
Do you have extensive, hands-on experience using R for quantitative research? (Yes/No)
What types of analyses, data workflows, and research products have you developed using R?
Salary & Benefits:
$75,000 - $81,500 per year, DOE
Healthcare
Financial Security
Retirement
Family Resources
Tuition Reduction (Eligible ASU Employee, their dependents and spouse.)
Discounts
Working Environment
Your desk will be in the beautiful, cutting-edge, and collaborative workspace at SkySong, the ASU Scottsdale Innovation Center. The Center houses a diverse business community that links technology, research, education, and entrepreneurship to position ASU and Greater Phoenix as global leaders in the knowledge economy.
ASU EdPlus supports flexible work options, ranging from alternate to hybrid work schedules, subject to approvals per ASU policy. (This is an in-person, hybrid position.)
Applicant must be eligible to work in the United States. ASU EdPlus will not be a sponsor for this position.
Department Statement:
As a central enterprise unit for ASU, ASU EdPlus supports the university charter by focusing on the design and scalable delivery of digital teaching and learning models to increase student success and reduce barriers to achievement in higher education.
ASU EdPlus defines itself through a culture of curiosity, risk-taking, and refusing to accept the status quo. Our employees are valued, respected, and encouraged to be their unique selves. We know that our ability to deliver high-quality services and educational experiences is strengthened by our culture of innovation, driving outcomes through serving learners, achieving milestones, striving for excellence, solving problems, embracing urgency, and being bold.
ASU EdPlus
Driving Requirement:
Driving is not required for this position.
Location:
Off-Campus: Scottsdale
Funding:
No Federal Funding
Instructions to Apply:
Current employees, student workers seeking staff opportunities, and students applying for student worker positions must apply directly through the Workday Jobs Hub.