Research Scientist

About the role

Committee for Children is seeking a Research Scientist to support the Innovation Team in creating K-12 programs focused on social-emotional learning and child development. You will bridge the gap between academic research and product design by conducting evaluations, literature reviews, and user studies to inform evidence-based solutions.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Synthesize findings from literature reviews in fields like neuroscience, education, and developmental psychology to guide product development.
• Perform exploratory research to uncover market needs and student requirements.
• Manage the full research lifecycle, including planning, scheduling, and delivering actionable insights.
• Design data collection tools such as surveys, interview guides, and focus group protocols.
• Execute quantitative and qualitative data analysis and present findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Conduct concept testing and prototype evaluations to validate design assumptions.
• Ensure all research practices prioritize inclusivity and minimize bias.
• Partner with product managers and instructional designers to integrate research findings into the product roadmap.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Psychology, Education, Social Sciences, Research Methods, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in product research or program evaluation within K-12 environments.
• Proficiency in descriptive and inferential statistical analysis.
• Experience managing Institutional Review Board (IRB) processes, including protocol submission and informed consent documentation.
• Ability to translate research data into practical design recommendations.
• Strong project management skills and experience collaborating across functional teams.
• Ability to travel to the Seattle office 2 to 4 times per year for meetings and data collection.

Skills & tools

• Statistical and qualitative software such as R, SPSS, or NVivo.
• Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Excel and Forms.

Practical notes

• Benefits include 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision premiums, plus 50% coverage for dependents.
• Compensation package includes a 3% retirement match, $100 monthly flexible work subsidy, 16 paid holidays, and 3 weeks of vacation in the first year.
• Additional perks include parental leave, sabbatical programs, and monthly dependent care contributions.