Postdoctoral Research Associate in IBPLC Validity & Implementation Study at Northeastern University Northeastern University in United States

Postdoctoral Research Associate at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, United States.

This postdoctoral opening is part of a fixed-term, grant-funded mixed-methods research initiative on the International Big Picture Learning Credential (IBPLC). The project examines whether the credential is a rigorous and equitable pathway into college admissions, including predictive validity, reliability of advisor scoring, construct validity, and how admissions professionals evaluate and trust the credential.

The role sits within a partnership involving Northeastern University, Big Picture Learning U.S., Big Picture Learning Australia, and the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), with support from the YTL Fund. The postdoctoral researcher will work closely with the Principal Investigator(s) and partner organizations across all components of the study.

Research areas and keywords: education, educational measurement, psychometrics, higher education, college admissions, mixed-methods research, longitudinal analysis, predictive validity, reliability, construct validity, qualitative coding, survey design, and data analysis.

Responsibilities include: designing and managing longitudinal tracking systems; conducting quantitative analyses linking IBPLC scores to college outcomes; coordinating reliability studies and observation protocols; supporting expert-panel review of assessment frames; designing and analyzing focus groups, surveys, and interviews; maintaining IRB protocols and data use agreements; and leading reports, manuscripts, briefs, and conference presentations.

Eligibility highlights: applicants must have a PhD or EdD in education, educational measurement/psychometrics, sociology, higher education, or a related field by the start date. Strong mixed-methods skills, experience with R/SPSS or similar software, qualitative coding tools such as NVivo/Dedoose/Atlas.ti, survey tools such as Qualtrics, and scholarly writing are required. Preferred experience includes competency-based education, alternative credentials, admissions research, psychometric analysis, national postsecondary datasets, and multi-site IRB work.

Funding and location: grant-funded appointment with salary commensurate with experience, standard benefits, and a hybrid schedule on the Boston campus. Some domestic travel is expected.

Application: apply via the Northeastern Workday portal using the direct link provided. A cover letter is required; applications without one will not be considered.