Assistant Director of Research and Evaluation

Arizona State University•Tempe, AZ

4d•$85,000 - $90,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Director of Research will support The Learning Engineering Institute’s strategic goals by spearheading institute research activities, leading a team of researchers, and driving the development and implementation of impactful research initiatives. This role is instrumental in advancing rigorous research, evidence-based practices, contributing to educational innovation, and inclusive excellence within LEI. Working closely with faculty, researchers, and other institutional stakeholders, the Assistant Director will oversee and mentor research teams, secure funding for large-scale research projects, and lead assessment and evaluation efforts to align with sponsor priorities, institutional, and national research agendas. Reporting directly to the Associate and Executive Directors, this position offers the opportunity to foster collaboration, innovation, and educational impact within ASU’s Learning Engineering Institute.

Requirements

Strong understanding of research methodologies, assessment practices, and data analysis techniques.
Demonstrated experience in designing and conducting research and evaluation projects.
Proficiency in statistical analysis software and data visualization tools.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex data effectively.
Proven experience with managing multiple projects within complex research-focused environments.
Ability to build professional relationships and work collaboratively across departments.
Understanding of data instrumentation and collection throughout the learning engineering process.

Nice To Haves

Doctoral Degree in education, learning sciences, psychology, cognitive science, quantitative psychology, educational psychology, human systems engineering, or a related field
Ten (10) years of research or evaluation experience in educational or related fields, with at least five (5) years in a supervisory capacity.
Demonstrated experience in securing research grant funding and executing large scale research projects with interdisciplinary collaborators.
Strong analytical skills with experience in statistical software (e.g., R, Python, SPSS).
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to changing priorities.
Expertise in application of the learning engineering process.
Strong understanding of learning sciences and assessment of educational outcomes.
Experience in technology-enhanced learning, AI for Education, large-scale data mining, or a related domain.
Knowledge of learning analytics, data mining, and educational assessment frameworks.
Experience with assessment of learning outcomes and evaluation of learning activities and environments in higher education.

Responsibilities

Research Coordination and Leadership Assist in developing and executing research strategies to support LEI’s objectives.
Collaborate with researchers, ASU faculty, and external partners to design and conduct research projects.
Ensure ethical standards and best practices in research methodologies, timelines, and budgeting.
Provide guidance to early career researchers on research methods, analysis, and dissemination.
Assessment and Evaluation Develop and implement assessment frameworks to evaluate program effectiveness and educational impact.
Guide the creation of assessment tools, rubrics, surveys, and data collection instruments.
Work with instructional designers to align assessment methodologies with learning objectives.
Data Collection and Analysis Oversee data collection, management, and analysis for research and evaluation purposes.
Utilize quantitative and qualitative methods to analyze data and generate insights to support student success.
Ensure data integrity, accuracy, and consistency while maintaining security and privacy through collaboration with data analysts.
Reporting and Dissemination Prepare and present research findings and assessment results to LEI leadership, faculty, stakeholders, and the broader research community.
Contribute to academic publications, conferences, and professional networks to share knowledge and research outcomes.
Promote the integration of research findings into LEI’s projects, educational technologies, and instructional materials.
Stakeholder Collaboration and Consultation Build and maintain relationships with ASU faculty, partners across the institution, and external partners.
Provide consultation on research design, data analysis, and evaluation practices.
Engage in collaborative projects aimed at enhancing diversity and educational innovation within LEI and the broader ASU community.
Research Team Management and Professional Development Manage and mentor a team of research scientists and postdoctoral scholars, guiding their work to advance institute projects and support their professional growth and success.
Provide regular feedback and support in research design, data analysis, publication strategies, and grant writing.
Create opportunities for collaboration, skill-building, and career development within LEI and across ASU.
Serve as a resource and advocate for early-career researchers, helping them navigate challenges and achieve their goals in alignment with LEI's mission.