Job Description
About the Opportunity
Job Summary
Northeastern University seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a fixed-term, mixed-methods research initiative investigating the validity the International Big Picture Learning Credential (IBPLC) as a rigorous, equitable pathway into college admissions. The project — a partnership between Northeastern, Big Picture Learning U.S. (BPL U.S.), Big Picture Learning Australia (BPL Australia), and the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), and supported by the YTL Fund — examines whether the IBPLC predicts postsecondary success, whether advisors apply its assessment frames reliably and consistently, whether the credential measures what it claims to measure, and how admissions professionals come to trust it. The Postdoctoral Associate will work closely with the Principal Investigator(s) and partner organizations, with substantial input across all components of the study.
Responsibilities
Design and manage the longitudinal tracking system for enrolled IBPLC students, coordinating consent, data collection, and case-study protocols with BPL U.S. sites
Conduct quantitative analysis of predictive validity, linking IBPLC scores and assessment data to first- and second-year college outcomes (grades, persistence, survey measures)
Coordinate the reliability study: design observation protocols for IBPLC authorization training and school-based advisory case studies, and analyze consistency of advisor scoring across sites
Support the construct validity aim by coordinating the subject matter expert panel reviewing IBPLC assessment frames across all six Learning Goals, and by analyzing alignment between frames and student performance data
Design, field, and analyze annual admissions-leader focus groups, pilot application readings, and advisor and student surveys; lead qualitative coding of interview and focus group data
Maintain IRB protocols, data use agreements, and study documentation
Lead drafting of annual research summaries, the final comprehensive report, and dissemination products, including peer-reviewed manuscripts, practitioner-facing briefs, and conference presentations
Assist in administrative tasks of the study
Qualifications
Required:
PhD or EdD in education, educational measurement/psychometrics, sociology, higher education, or a related field, completed by the start date
Demonstrated mixed-methods research skills, including experience with longitudinal, predictive validity, or reliability designs and proficiency in R, SPSS, or comparable statistical software
Experience with qualitative data collection and coding (e.g., interviews, focus groups, case studies) and familiarity with tools such as NVivo, Dedoose, or Atlas.ti
Experience with survey design and administration (Qualtrics or equivalent) and rigorous data management practices
Record of scholarly writing and demonstrated ability to communicate findings to practitioner and policy audiences
Preferred:
Background in competency-based education, alternative credentials, or college admissions research
Experience with quantitative and psychometric analyses
Familiarity with National Student Clearinghouse data or other national postsecondary outcome datasets
Experience facilitating focus groups or expert panels with professional stakeholders
Experience managing multi-site IRB protocols and data use agreements
Experience in US high schools
Position Details
Grant-funded appointment, contingent on funding and satisfactory performance and renewable based on available funding
Salary commensurate with experience, consistent with Northeastern postdoctoral scales, plus standard benefits
Boston campus, hybrid schedule; some domestic travel expected
Reports to the Principal Investigator(s) of the IBPLC Validity & Implementation Study
Applications without a Cover Letter will not be considered
Position Type
Research
Additional Information
Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.
Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit for more information.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Compensation Grade/Pay Type:
108S
Expected Hiring Range:
$60,315.00 - $85,192.50
With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.
Job Tags
Fixed term contract, Work experience placement