Senior Research Scientist - Policy

ETS is a global education and talent solutions organization enabling lifelong learners worldwide to be future-ready.

For more than 75 years, we've been advancing the science of measurement to build benchmarks for fair and valid skill assessment across cultures and borders.

Our worldwide impact extends through our renowned assessments including TOEFL®, TOEIC®, GRE® and Praxis® tests, serving millions of learners in more than 200 countries and territories.

Through strategic acquisitions, we've expanded our global capabilities: PSI strengthens our workforce assessment solutions, while Edusoft, Kira Talent, Pipplet, Vericant, and Wheebox enhance our educational technology and assessment platforms across critical markets worldwide.

Through ETS Research Institute and ETS Solutions, we're partnering with educational institutions, governments, and organizations globally to promote skill proficiency, empower upward mobility, and unlock opportunities for everyone, everywhere.

With offices and partners across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas, we deliver nearly 50 million tests annually.

Join us in our journey of measuring progress to power human progress worldwide.

The ETS Research Institute invites applications for an open-rank Research Scientist position in the Policy Research Foundational Research program. We seek quantitative scientists with expertise in one or more of the following areas: causal inference and quasi-experimental designs in education policy; analysis of large-scale assessment data (e.g., NAEP, PISA, PIAAC) and equity-forward reporting; responsible AI/ML for policy and practice (including bias detection and mitigation); measurement and validation of durable skills and civic capacities; longitudinal systems analysis; and program evaluation that translates research into actionable policy guidance. The successful candidate will join a collaborative team advancing ETS’s policy research agenda that translates policy research and measurement science into systems change that benefits all students.

Primary responsibilities

• Conduct and publish rigorous policy research on education systems, including K-12, postsecondary, and workforce pathways, using causal inference methods (e.g., regression discontinuity, difference-in-differences) and other quantitative designs.
• Contribute to the development, evaluation, and translation of research frameworks that inform state and federal education policy, with attention to effectiveness for all, opportunity, and systems change
• Collaborate with internal research teams and external partners—including state education agencies, school districts, foundations, and research organizations—on projects spanning program evaluation, policy analysis, and field-building initiatives.
• Provide policy consultation and technical assistance to policymakers, practitioners, and other stakeholders seeking to apply research evidence to decision-making.
• Participate in proposal development for foundation grants, federal funding, and philanthropic partnerships to support the policy research agenda.
• Mentor junior staff, postdoctoral fellows, and interns, contributing to the development of boundary-spanning professionals who can bridge research, policy, and practice.
• Disseminate research findings to diverse audiences through peer-reviewed publications, policy briefs, convenings, legislative testimony, and accessible formats (e.g., data visualizations, newsletters, blogs

This position will be located in Washington, DC

• Demonstrated expertise in at least one of the following: causal inference methods (e.g., regression discontinuity, difference-in-differences, instrumental variables), mixed-methods research design, policy analysis, or program evaluation. Candidates are not expected to have expertise in all areas.
• Experience with statistical programming (e.g., R, Stata, Python) and analysis of administrative, survey, or longitudinal data in education or social policy contexts.
• Strong record of research productivity, including peer-reviewed publications, policy briefs, or technical reports for applied audiences.
• Ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams and communicate complex research findings to policymakers, practitioners, and other non-technical audiences.
• Commitment to advancing equity and evidence-based decision-making in education policy.

• Experience conducting research in partnership with state education agencies, school districts, or federal programs (e.g., NAEP, PISA, state longitudinal data systems).
• Familiarity with education policy domains such as K-12 accountability, postsecondary access and admissions, workforce development, competency-based education, or AI in education.
• Track record of translating research into actionable insights for policy audiences through briefs, testimony, convenings, or technical assistance.

• A Ph.D. or equivalent in Education, Public Policy, Economics, Sociology, or a closely related quantitative field with at least eight years of experience in an applied policy research or academic/statistical analysis environment is required

ETS is mission driven and action oriented

• We are passionate about hiring innovative thinkers who believe in the promise of education and lifelong learning.
• We are energized by cultivating growth, innovation, and continuous transformation for the next generation of rising professionals as leaders. Â In support of this ETS offers multiple Business Resource Groups (BRG) for you to learn and advance your career growth!
• As a not-for-profit organization we will encourage you to lean in to your passion for volunteering. Â At ETS you may qualify for up to an additional 8 hours of PTO for volunteer work on causes that are important to you!
• The base salary range advertised represents the low and high end of the anticipated salary range for this position. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. The base pay is only one aspect of the Total Rewards Package that will be offered to the successful candidate.

ETS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We believe in creating a work environment where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.