Senior Research Associate – Literacy Instruction

Westat is seeking a Senior Research Associate to join our Education Studies Practice, supporting our Comprehensive Center teams. This role is designed for a skilled professional with strong expertise in literacy instruction and demonstrated success partnering with education leaders to adopt and implement effective practices. The Senior Research Associate will support technical assistance (TA) projects, lead substantive tasks, contribute to research and evaluation efforts, and help build the instructional capacity of educators to improve literacy outcomes.

The role also leads and/or participates substantively in research/evaluation projects and business development. We value curiosity, innovation, and system-level thinking to contribute to projects that drive improved outcomes for our clients and ourselves internally.

This role is based out of Bethesda, Maryland and will be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement requiring 1-2 days onsite each week.

This position can be worked from our Bethesda, Raleigh or Austin office locations.

Job Responsibilities:

• Design and implement instructional capacity-building initiatives focused on literacy, including professional learning, coaching models, curriculum support, and evidence-based practices.
• Contribute to the design and lead the delivery of technical assistance responsive to state and local needs, including universal, targeted, and intensive TA.
• Lead and participate in needs sensing and apply implementation science to promote sustainable instructional improvement.
• Collaborate on strategic TA design across programs/projects, aligning activities with indicators of success and program impact measures.
• Contribute to project deliverables and quality assurance processes, including peer review and continuous improvement.
• Represent the organization at conferences and webinars, contribute to thought leadership, and support staff in developing presentations and publications.
• Build relationships with SEA/LEA leaders, vendors, and partners; participate in meetings and support effective collaboration and progress.
• Assist with project management tasks and contribute to business development efforts.

Basic Qualifications:

• BA/BS with 10 or more years of relevant experience, an MA/MS with 6 or more years of relevant experience, or a PhD and 2–4 years of relevant post-doctoral experience.
• Experience working with educators at the state, district, or school level to improve instructional practices or instructional leadership.
• Deep knowledge of evidence-based instructional strategies and curriculum design in literacy.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a school district or state education agency in an instructional leadership role.
• Demonstrated success designing and delivering professional learning for educators.
• Experience integrating research and practice to support instructional improvement.
• Experience designing and implementing capacity-building activities with adults.
• Experience in both research/evaluation and evidence-based capacity-building and technical assistance in the education sector.
• Proven ability to form and maintain trusting professional relationships while driving results.

Westat offers a well-rounded and comprehensive benefits program focused on wellness and work/life balance. Subject to plan requirements, employees may participate in:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Parental Leave
• Vacation Leave (15 days per year)
• Sick Leave (9 days per year)
• Holiday Leave (7 government holidays and 2 floating holidays per year)
• Professional Development
• Health Advocate
• Employee Assistance Program
• Travel Accident Insurance
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Short Term Disability Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account

Any offer of employment may be contingent upon receipt of acceptable results from a post-offer background screening, if required for the specific position, which may include, for example, identity verification, employment history, motor vehicle driving record history, and criminal or sexual offender records history. Any background screening results will be evaluated through an individualized assessment based on the individual’s specific record and the duties and requirements of the position.

This opportunity will be posted for a minimum of 5 days and applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis.

Westat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
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