Senior Research & Psychometrics Analyst – Onscreen

March 28, 2024

Job Description


Job title: Senior Research & Psychometrics Analyst – Onscreen

Company: Pearson

Job description: PurposeThe Technical and Statistical Intelligence Team is responsible providing data and intelligence to other internal teams for the purpose of awarding, monitoring and developing qualifications. We support the business and assist in strategic decision-making, and implementing regulatory and Pearson policy. We work closely with other awarding organisations through the JCQ and Ofqual to participate in, challenge and critique research and reform. We also provide training, advice and guidance to other teams on technical and statistical issues. The responsibilities of the team are subject to change as the requirements of the Government and the Regulator inevitably change. Team members must, therefore, be flexible in their approach to the role.The role of the Senior Research and Psychometric Services Analyst will be integral in the efficient running of the team. This role will have key responsibilities for the delivery of technical solutions and policy related to Pearson’s onscreen assessment portfolio.As agreed and directed by Senior Managers, the Senior Research and Psychometric Services Analyst will:Support the TSI team with the provision of data and statistical analyses and/or modelling for awarding purposes, as required;Lead on the manipulation, analysing and interpretation of complex examination data sets including statistical and psychometric analyses of outcomes and performance;Contribute to the TSI deliverables for awarding in line with regulatory compliance as necessary;Develop statistical modelling and research;Explain complex statistical outputs to a non-technical audience;Develop staff as appropriate;Have a good understanding of qualifications, their structure such as weighting and scaling measures, and other aspects of results delivery, for example, aegrotat calculations or standard setting requirements;Create and design appropriate programs for all requirements, working closely with the Data Scientist/Data Lead;Have clear annual goals to align with the team priorities, ensuring that appropriate personal development goals keep the post-holder updated with relevant knowledge and skills.Key Accountabilities:In line with the TSI Team priorities,support the Head of TSI in discussions within Pearson, and where necessary, with other Awarding Bodies and external agencies relating to data analysis issues, implementing inter-board agreements and changes in procedures in line with Pearson policy;assist in the monitoring of the examining and awarding process to ensure all agreed procedures are adhered to. To follow protocols for the management processes and policies with regard to data. To become familiar with psychometric principlesContributing to the broader work of the TSI team: supervising and mentoring TSI team members on specific projects, or as part of the Induction process, as directed by senior managers;Ensure that all analyses are completed to schedule and to quality, taking responsibility for accuracy and timely transmission of data analyses;provide data and statistical information to support the awarding process and to identify trends and comparability issues at the time of awarding that could impact the validity or reliability of the outcomes;provide technical support including the preparation and evaluation of statistical analysis to ensure the effective running of the examination process and the maintenance of subject, year-on-year and inter-board comparability;Establish and maintain good working relationships with other teams within Pearson, providing advice, formulating problems and providing solutions with technical robustness as appropriate. Focus and awareness of Pearson’s customers and their priorities and needs.Essential Skills and Experience:Experience in the data analysis required for standard-setting and maintenance, and assessment measurementAbility to build effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levelsWork flexibly to manage changing and competing prioritiesExcellent written and oral communications skills, and the ability to communicate complex ideas and information to a range of audiences and stakeholdersKnowledge of the UK education landscapeAbility to analyse and interpret complex statistical data and technical informationDesirable Skills and Experience:

  • Knowledge of or experience in psychometric measurement techniques

Essential Education, Qualifications and TrainingEssential:Degree or equivalent in a subject with a significant quantitative elementExperience in assessment-related discipline.Experience of working in an awarding organisation.Positive manner with the ability to communicate well with colleagues and stakeholders.IT Literate (see below)Desirable:

  • Statistics knowledge or experience

IT Literacy:Essential:

  • Competent user of word processor (Word), spreadsheets (Excel), databases and programming using statistical software such as R, Python or SPSS. (Willingness to learn new programming tools as required).

Desirable:

  • Experience of psychometric software such as IRTPro

What to expect from PearsonDid you know Pearson is one of the 10 most innovative education companies of 2022?At Pearson, we add life to a lifetime of learning so everyone can realize the life they imagine. We do this by creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are on a journey to be 100 percent digital to meet the changing needs of the global population by developing a new strategy with ambitious targets. To deliver on our strategic vision, we have five business divisions that are the foundation for the long-term growth of the company: Assessment & Qualifications, Virtual Learning, English Language Learning, Workforce Skills and Higher Education. Alongside these, we have our corporate divisions: Digital & Technology, Finance, Global Corporate Marketing & Communications, Human Resources, Legal, Strategy and Direct to Consumer. Learn more at We are Pearson.We value the power of an inclusive culture and also a strong sense of belonging. We promote a culture where differences are embraced, opportunities are accessible, consideration and respect are the norm and all individuals are supported in reaching their full potential. Through our talent, we believe that diversity, equity and inclusion make us a more innovative and vibrant place to work. People are at the center, and we are committed to building a workplace where talent can learn, grow and thrive.Pearson is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify. We want a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit and business need. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or any other group protected by law. We strive for a workforce that reflects the diversity of our communities.To learn more about Pearson’s commitment to a diverse and inclusive workforce, navigate to: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Pearson.If you are an individual with a disability and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career site as a result of your disability, you may request reasonable accommodations by emailing ppsmhr@pearson.com.Note that the information you provide will stay confidential and will be stored securely. It will not be seen by those involved in making decisions as part of the recruitment process.Job: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENTOrganization: Assessment & QualificationsSchedule: FULL_TIMEReq ID: 14719#LI-REMOTE

Expected salary:

Location: United Kingdom


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