Research Scientist

Western Governors University•Raleigh, NC

5d•Onsite

About The Position

At WGU Labs, the Research Scientist helps shape the future of learning by designing and executing research on educational innovations, including AI-enabled learning and assessment tools. The role suits a researcher with a strong foundation in learning science or educational research who can turn complex questions into rigorous research plans and independently carry research from design through execution and communication. The Research Scientist works across research, learning design, product, engineering, faculty, and external partners to evaluate educational products and programs. Using qualitative and quantitative methods, the position assesses effectiveness, validity, and learner experience, then translates findings into insights that inform action. The role is full-time, regular, in-office five days per week at WGU’s Raleigh, North Carolina office, and requires occasional travel of up to 20%.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience performing the essential functions of the job. The posting defines equivalent experience generally as one year of experience for one year of education, at the hiring manager’s discretion.
At least 3 years of related experience in data analysis, business intelligence, data science, statistics, decision intelligence, research, learning science, or behavioral/cognitive psychology.
Proficiency in SQL for querying and preparing research data.
Experience using R or Python for statistical analysis and evaluating AI-enabled tools, requiring minimal supervision.
Foundational knowledge of educational measurement and evaluation, including reliability, validity evidence, and inter-rater agreement.
Experience selecting and deploying research methods and techniques, including A/B testing, quasi-experimental approaches, and mixed methods.
Knowledge of learning science research and its application to educational products and programs, with the ability to independently define and execute an approach to a research question.
Ability to use sound judgment, systems thinking, and analytical skills to address complex problems.
Comfort integrating AI tools such as Claude and Microsoft Copilot into research, data analysis, coding, and project workflows, while critically verifying AI-generated output for accuracy, validity, and alignment.

Nice To Haves

Experience with survey and qualitative research software such as Qualtrics, Recollective, or Quirkos.
Proficiency using Google Scholar and peer-reviewed journals to identify reliable research.
Advanced Excel knowledge.
Familiarity with project management methodologies such as Waterfall, Agile, and SDLC.
Master’s or doctoral degree in learning sciences, educational psychology, cognitive psychology, educational measurement, human-computer interaction, or a related field.
Experience conducting research on educational technology, including AI-enabled tools.
Experience with assessment design, validation, psychometrics, or educational measurement methods.

Responsibilities

Own research plans and execute rigorous mixed-methods studies, choosing approaches that produce valid, reliable, and meaningful findings.
Design and conduct evaluation and validation studies of educational products and AI-enabled tools, using methods such as learner interviews, surveys, usability testing, A/B testing, and quasi-experimental studies.
Use SQL and R or Python to prepare and analyze data, apply statistical methods and classification algorithms, test hypotheses, identify relationships, and support research findings.
Work with research, learning design, product, engineering, faculty, and other stakeholders to translate research questions and user stories into technical requirements and actionable research plans.
Synthesize academic literature and other primary and secondary research to identify important findings, evidence gaps, and opportunities for educational innovation.
Communicate data and research findings through narratives, visualizations, presentations, reports, and publications for internal and external audiences, including contributions to grant-funded deliverables.
Drive research projects autonomously while contributing to a collaborative research environment, sharing knowledge, mentoring peers on foundational research methods, and continuing to build skills.

Benefits

Eligible for bonuses.
Medical, dental, vision, telehealth, and mental healthcare benefits.
Health savings account and flexible spending account.
Basic and voluntary life insurance and disability coverage.
Accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity supplemental coverage.
Legal and identity theft coverage.
Retirement savings plan.
Wellbeing program.
Discounted WGU tuition.
Flexible paid time off and flexible paid sick time, both without accrual requirements.
11 paid holidays.
Other paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave.