Principal Statistical Analyst

Company: Pearson
Location: Jackson
Posted on: November 23, 2022

Job Description:

The Principal Statistical Analyst position described here is part of the Pearson Psychometric and Research Services group, which is part of the US School Assessment group and larger Assessment and Qualifications team. Pearson research scientists provide the full range of psychometric support to state and national customers, develop innovative techniques and processes, and conduct cutting-edge research studies.Pearson Statistical Analysts provide data analysis support to Psychometricians to deliver large-scale custom assessment programs. Our Statistical Analysts are strong problem solvers who can leverage and extend existing analysis procedures to perform analysis tasks, are well-organized, and display the ability to collaborate. We are looking for candidates with strong technical and data analysis skills who are able to handle ambiguity and are looking for a challenge.General Duties and Responsibilities

• Trains others in the evaluation of the reasonableness of analysis outcomes
• Works with psychometricians to develop and/or maintain program code to create templates and parameter coding for psychometric programs (e.g., WINSTEPS, MULTILOG) from existing templates
• Demonstrates skill in trouble-shooting and debugging psychometric programs and skill in training others in troubleshooting of programs
• Demonstrates experience in developing and monitoring quality control processes
• Displays expertise in working with different types of data structures including relational and hierarchical databases, XML, data delimited and column-oriented flat files
• Trains others in working with large and complex datasets, such as files that contain at least 1,000,000 records
• Functions effectively in a leadership role with internal and external clients
• Skillfully communicates technical information in a way that is understandable by technical and non-technical audiences
• Successfully coordinates, leads or supports the data analysis for standard-setting or data review meetings
• Demonstrates experience coordinating work across internal and external program groups for multiple projects
• Develops a coordination plan for unique situations
• Participates, troubleshoots, and develops processes for the information flow and data handoffs across different groups
• Travels to fulfil some tasks. Travel is expected to be 10% to 15% and is typically scheduled in advance.What our employees have in common, regardless of collegiate background or training, are: strong quantitative skills, strong problem-solving skills, and strong communication/collaboration skills that can be applied to routinely ambiguous situations that involve large amounts of data. The education, experience, and responsibilities associated with this position include:Education and Work Experience
  • Bachelors degree and at least seven years of work experience in a relevant data processing environment
  • OR masters degree and at least four years of work experience in a data processing environment
  • OR doctoral degree in statistics or a relevant quantitative field and at least three years of work experience in a data processing environment
  • Data processing experience in the testing industry preferred
  • Some experience in budgeting, resource management, project coordination, and trainingFamiliarity with Psychometric Principles and Theory
    • Understands the basic theory behind psychometric techniques
    • Effectively applies psychometric techniques in working with research scientists
    • Has familiarity with psychometric techniques including classical test theory, item response theory, test equating, scaling and linking, and standard-setting
    • Works with research scientists to apply psychometric techniques to new and unique operational testing settings
    • Demonstrates experience in the preparation and checking of critical information for score reporting, tables, and figures for statistical procedures, documentation, and reports
    • Displays expertise and innovation in the evaluation of the reasonableness of analysis outcomes, ability to consult across unique testing programs and situations, and to develop a specialty within educational measurementFamiliarity with Data Structures and Office Software
      • Demonstrates experience working with minimal psychometric support to develop and/or maintain program code for replication and verification of psychometric analysis (e.g., WINSTEPS, MULTILOG)
      • Oversees and consults with staff in program execution
      • Demonstrates expertise in trouble-shooting and debugging psychometric programs and skill in training others in troubleshooting of programs
      • Displays expertise in working with different types of data structures including relational and hierarchical databases, indexed structures, (i.e. JSON), XML, HTML, data delimited and column-oriented flat files
      • Exhibits experience with large and complex files, such as those that contain over 1,000,000 records
      • Demonstrates skill in training staff in working with different types of data structuresExperience with Software Development Principles
        • Demonstrates leadership experience as primary SAS consultant, (with preference for work in the testing industry)
        • Successfully coordinates projects through the software development process
        • Demonstrates experience training statistical analysts and research scientists in software development process
        • Demonstrates experience in developing and monitoring quality control processes
        • Exhibits advanced SAS expertise including advanced knowle of macros, data merging techniques, statistical PROCs, and report generation
        • Exhibits advanced knowledge with at least one additional programming language excluding SAS (i.e.. COBOL, Java, VBA, C++)Knowledge/Experience Relevant to Large Scale Testing
          • Has at least four years of experience with statistical analyses in support of large scale testing programs
          • Shows knowledge of and experience with psychometric and sampling theory
          • Skillfully mentors staff in best practices for analyses in support of large scale testing programsCommunication Skills
            • Demonstrates communication skills, (oral, written, and business), necessary to function effectively in a leadership role with internal and external clients and liaise with other national statistical experts
            • Exhibits expertise communicating effectively and training project teams across the company
            • Demonstrates expertise communicating technical information in a way that is understandable by technical and non-technical audiences
            • Effectively leads or supports the data analysis for standard-setting or data review meetings
            • Demonstrates experience mentoring staff in career goals and professional development, (e.g., RA, RS, program team, interns)
            • Displays expertise in developing presentations for the dissemination of information, and instructing co-workers in software programming and software systems related fieldsCoordination and Task Management Skills
              • Has extensive experience coordinating work across groups
              • Provides consultation in making sure all groups have the necessary psychometric information, oversees and designs plan for data handoffs and processing schedules; leads the development of coordination processes
              • Troubleshoots the coordination processes and provides oversight on these processes for other staff members
              • Recommends improvements and efficiencies
              • Understands the impacts and implications of changes in critical systemsTraining, Supervision and Talent Management Skills
                • Mentors staff effectively in career goals and professional development (e.g., statistical analysts, research scientists, program team, interns)
                • Exhibits expertise in leading, designing, and supporting operational statistical analyses and data processing tasks for multiple testing programs
                • Demonstrates leadership ability in the design and coordination of the organization of data files
                • Skillfully trains staff in process documentation
                • Supports hiring process through applicant interviewing
                • Provides career plan informationOrganizational Behavior
                  • Contributes to defining department goals and monitors attainment of those goals
                  • Aligns goals with department goals
                  • Demonstrates skill in process development and implementation of standardized processesThis position is not considered a specialty occupation, and therefore does not qualify for H1B or Green Card sponsorship.Compensation at Pearson is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, and specific office location. As required by the Colorado and New York City laws, the pay range for this position is as follows:Minimum full-time salary range is between $95,000 - $110,000.This position is eligible to participate in an annual incentive program, and information on benefits offered is here here.Learning is the most powerful force for change in the world. More than 20,000 Pearson employees deliver our products and services in nearly 200 countries, all working towards a common purpose to help everyone achieve their potential through learning. We do that by providing high quality, digital content and learning experiences, as well as assessments and qualifications that help people build their skills and grow with the world around them. We are the worlds leading learning company. Learn more at pearsonplc.com.Pearson believes that wherever learning flourishes, so do people. We are committed to being an anti-racistcompany in everything we do. We value the power of an inclusive culture and 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 a sustainable environment and workplace where talent can learn, grow, and thrive. To learn more about Pearsons commitment to a diverse and inclusive workforce, please click here: http://www.pearson.com/careers/diversity-and-inclusion.htmlPearson is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. All employment is decided 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.Job: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENTOrganization: Assessment & QualificationsSchedule: FULL_TIMEReq ID: 8668#location

Keywords: Pearson, Jackson , Principal Statistical Analyst, Education / Teaching , Jackson, Mississippi