Research Scientist II

WestEd Career • Alameda, CA

2d • Remote

About The Position

WestEd is seeking a Research Scientist II to lead mid- to large-sized or moderately complex research and evaluation projects, or major components of larger projects, that generate credible, actionable evidence. The role spans the study lifecycle, from conceptualization and design through data collection, analysis, and dissemination, while maintaining methodological rigor, ethical integrity, and transparency. The Research Scientist II will oversee complex, multi-method studies, manage concurrent workstreams, build trusted client and partner relationships, and represent WestEd through regional and national presentations and publications. The position also leads small- to mid-sized proposals, helps build a pipeline of work, and mentors colleagues.

The position will expand WestEd’s early childhood early mathematics work through partnerships, funding, and proposals. Initially, the role will contribute to a grant project running from January 2027 through June 2028. Continuation beyond the grant is desired but depends on funding renewal and performance.

The position is remote, with West Coast and Pacific Southwest locations preferred. Project-related travel, including data collection, site visits, client meetings, and conferences, is expected as needed and estimated at up to 20%. Visa sponsorship is not available; candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. New hires undergo criminal background, fingerprint, and education verification checks.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in child development, education, psychology, or a related research field.
• Deep knowledge of early mathematics development, early childhood education practices, and the policies and systems shaping early childhood education.
• At least 5 years of experience leading applied research or evaluation studies, including mid- to large-sized or moderately complex projects with multiple concurrent workstreams.
• Experience leading or substantially contributing to research or evaluation proposals and building relationships with clients, partners, and funders.
• Experience building a pipeline of work with existing and prospective clients and partners.
• A record of presentations, publications, or other professional engagement at regional and national levels.
• Commitment to centering the voices and priorities of communities served by the work.
• Expertise designing and overseeing complex, multi-method studies, including data collection and analysis.
• Proficiency with statistical or analytic software such as Stata, SPSS, or R.
• Knowledge of research ethics and compliance requirements, including Institutional Review Board processes and data security.
• Ability to manage concurrent workstreams, timelines, and staff while meeting client needs.
• Strong written and oral communication skills for reports, presentations, and publications for diverse audiences.
• Ability to mentor colleagues and provide clear direction and constructive feedback.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is unavailable.
• Must complete required criminal background, fingerprint validation, and education verification checks.

Nice To Haves

• At least five years of experience developing and leading early mathematics content that builds the capacity of the early childhood education workforce and families to support children’s mathematics learning from birth through age eight.
• Bilingual and biliterate English/Spanish.
• Experience applying new and emerging methodological approaches to study design.
• Experience coaching others in writing and presenting evidence effectively.

Responsibilities

• Oversee complex, multi-method studies and establish quality assurance expectations across workstreams.
• Guide methodological decisions and contribute to project conceptualization, design, and implementation.
• Apply advances in data collection and analysis methods to proposals and projects, seeking cost efficiency and methodological precision.
• Assess study-design risks and ensure compliance with WestEd policies and applicable legal, research integrity, and data protection requirements.
• Plan for implementation, data-handling, and Institutional Review Board issues; communicate and document decisions.
• Synthesize findings across studies or workstreams, connect them to subject-matter expertise and other evidence, and identify cross-cutting themes and implications.
• Author papers, briefs, and presentations; represent WestEd at regional and national professional engagements.
• Coach colleagues in structuring arguments, clarifying findings, and communicating evidence; review and strengthen their writing.
• Lead mid- to large-sized or moderately complex projects, or components of larger projects, to ensure client satisfaction.
• Manage concurrent workstreams and coordinate staff and subcontractors while balancing client needs, capacity, and project goals.
• Manage complex client relationships, align project strategy with client needs, and guide decisions affecting timelines, scope, or methodology.
• Use data to demonstrate impact to clients and funders.
• Lead proposal development for small- to mid-sized projects or substantially contribute to large, complex proposals.
• Model effective use of WestEd business and partnership development systems and processes.
• Identify opportunities and cultivate relationships with existing and prospective clients and partners; engage between projects to build trust and a pipeline of work.
• Build WestEd’s early childhood early mathematics portfolio through partnerships, funding, and proposals.
• Provide team members with direction and feedback, set expectations, monitor progress, and support skill development.
• Create an inclusive, collaborative team environment; mentor colleagues in technical and project management skills.
• Integrate diverse perspectives, anticipate risks, and adjust strategies proactively.
• Take ownership of outcomes and maintain standards of quality, ethics, and transparency; address performance gaps constructively.
• Resolve conflicts, integrate input across workstreams, and support clear, inclusive team communication and collaboration.
• Coach colleagues through change and help foster team resilience, well-being, and psychologically safe learning environments.

Benefits

• 15% retirement contribution effective on the first day of employment, immediately 100% vested.
• Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts and a Health Savings Account option.
• Health and welfare benefits effective the first of the month following the hire date.
• 19 days of paid time off, increasing to 21 days beginning in the third year of employment.
• 12 paid holidays.
• Life insurance valued at 3 times gross salary, up to a maximum of $500,000.
• Opportunities for annual merit-based performance increases and annual incentives.
• Professional development opportunities and a mentorship program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree