Quantitative Research Assistant

***Please submit Resume and Cover Letter when applying***

The Center for Applied Linguistics is a nonprofit organization promoting access, equity and mutual understanding for linguistically and culturally diverse people around the world.

The mission of the Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) is to promote language learning and cultural understanding by serving as a trusted source for research, resources, and policy analysis. Through its work, CAL seeks solutions to issues involving language and culture as they relate to access and equity in education and society around the globe.

CAL is located in Washington, D.C. For this position, the employee may choose to work in their preferred combination of in person at the D.C. office in a hoteling capacity, or remotely (up to 100% remote). CAL does not compensate or reimburse candidates for relocation expenses. This position is not open to candidates residing in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, California, or the U.S. Territories.  

The Quantitative Research Assistant (QRA) works with CAL’s psychometrics and quantitative research team to provide assistance and support in research and project activities related to the ACCESS for ELLs English language proficiency assessment and other English language proficiency assessments. The QRA assists senior researchers in the preparation of analyses, data, tables, and figures to include in written reports. Work includes the analysis of assessment data for internal and external applications, and the preparation of technical reports. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES 

• Data cleaning 

• Creating SPSS syntax and R scripts to clean and manipulate data sets 

• Work with large data files, including investigating and understanding data transfer procedures and their applications 

• Descriptive statistical analysis in Excel, SPSS, Python, and R 

• Write technical procedures 

• Implement quality assurance procedures 

• Checking analysis 

• Investigating and understanding data sets and their connection to applications 

• Work to prepare technical reports

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

Required 

• Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) from an accredited college or university, in a relevant field, with at least four (4) years of quantitative experience; or  

• Master’s degree (MA/MS) from an accredited college or university, in a relevant field with strong quantitative background 

• Experience working with SPSS, in a professional position or extended research project 

• Experience working with Excel, in a professional position or extended research project 

• Experience working with R, in a professional position or extended research project 

• Experience working with large quantitative data sets 

• Experience with following quality control procedures and documenting workflow 

• Experience working with a quantitative research team 

• Experience with educational assessment, especially language assessment and/or online adaptive assessment 

• Experience with SPSS syntax, in a professional position or extended research project 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES 

• Advanced SPSS skills 

• Advanced Excel skills 

• Advanced R skills 

• Demonstrated ability to complete projects independently 

• Great attention to detail 

COMPENSATION:

Starting at $59,500 annually based on a 35-hour work week. This position is benefits eligible.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to effectively communicate. The employee may be required to sit or stand in a stationary position 50% of the time. This position constantly operates a computer and other office productivity equipment. CAL adheres to ADA compliance and guidelines as a common practice. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

This job description summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time. 

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT 

The Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, CAL complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. 

CAL expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of CAL employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.