Who We Are
The Learning Policy Institute (LPI) conducts and communicates independent, high-quality research to shape education policies and improve learning for each and every child. Nonprofit and nonpartisan, the Institute connects policymakers at the local, state, and federal levels with the evidence, ideas, and actions needed to strengthen the pre-k to grade 12 education system and address the complex realities facing public schools and their communities. Working with policymakers, researchers, educators, community groups, and others who care about improving public schools, the Institute advances evidence-based policies that support empowering and equitable learning for all children.
LPI’s overall research agenda is shaped by the needs of policymakers and the practice community, our commitment to an equitable education for all, and policy opportunities. Since all of our work is meant to inform policymaking and practice, typical projects are focused on answering current policy and practice questions and are conducted within a fairly intensive time frame. The nature of our research reflects the specific questions we are addressing and the strength of the existing research base. When solid research is available, we conduct rigorous syntheses. When secondary data sets are available, we conduct secondary analyses. When necessary, we launch original data collection—primarily surveys and case studies. LPI also has access to the expert advice of nearly three dozen Senior Fellows in a range of methodologies and substantive areas. All research goes through an internal and external peer review process.
The Position
LPI seeks an experienced Senior Researcher with expertise in the area of curriculum, instruction, and performance assessments focused on deeper learning, and their implications for policy and practice, to join its team of research, policy, and communication staff. The ideal candidate will combine an exceptional track record of conducting high-quality research with a passion for ensuring that all children have a high-quality education.
The Palo Alto-based Senior Researcher will lead research projects within our deeper learning team with a specific focus on our portfolio focused on the implementation and scaling of k–12 performance assessments and their use in schools, districts, and states, as well as higher education admissions, placement, and advising. LPI is engaged in several interrelated initiatives at the local, state, and national levels to promote the use of authentic assessments in teaching and learning. Each of these initiatives will have a research component examining the implementation and impact of performance assessments, with the goal of advancing policy and practice. Methods will include research syntheses, original case study research, and quantitative data collection and analysis.
The Senior Researcher will manage one or more R&D projects, which will include primary responsibility for the research design, data collection, analysis, and reporting. We seek someone who can mentor staff and work well as part of a team. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with the immediate research team, relevant communications and policy staff, and LPI’s leadership team. The successful candidate also will work well with external organizations.
The ideal candidate will possess many of the following professional and personal abilities, attributes, and experiences:
- Doctoral degree in the social or behavioral sciences
- Demonstrated experience conducting and managing well-designed research studies
- A track record of scholarly and practitioner-facing publications, preferably in topics related to deeper learning, including the design and implementation of deeper learning-aligned assessments, curriculum, and instructional practices
- Strong methodological and management skills
- Experience in communicating research to policy and practitioner audiences
- Knowledge of and experience working in state and federal education policy arenas
- Passion for and commitment to LPI’s mission
- A strong knowledge of k–12 and/or higher education issues and existing relationships in the field, especially in the area of performance assessments
- Excellent and persuasive written and oral communication skills
- A strong work ethic and ability to design and deliver studies and products on a well-planned schedule
Please submit a cover letter, resume, short writing sample, and three professional references at http://jobs.enlist.io/learning_policy_institute/jobs/ed42de38-4332-4fed-... . Candidates invited to continue through the interview process will be asked to complete a job-related task or performance assessment at that time. The Learning Policy Institute is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.