Research Scientist; Mixed Methods Specialization

Research Scientist (Mixed Methods Specialization)

Department:
Programs
Reporting to:
Director of Research and Evaluation

Schedule:

Full-time, Exempt

Location:

Remote, United States

Travel required:

Approximately 15‑20 days per year
Salary: $85,000 – $90,000 annually

SSP International, Inc. (SSPI) is a non‑profit organization that is synonymous with excellence in science education. At SSPI, we are guided by a mission to offer students transformational opportunities to learn, do, and belong in science. Since 1959, SSPI’s flagship program, the Summer Science Program, has offered immersive summer research experiences that ignite curiosity and inspire a lifelong passion for discovery.

Guided by our mission, SSPI is focused on embracing collaboration, building a lifelong community, and fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where participants, alumni, staff, and stakeholders feel valued, supported, and empowered. With a global network of over 4,300 alumni, we continue to pave the way for the next generation of leaders. More information on our mission, vision, values, and programs can be found .org.

SSPI seeks an early‑career research scientist who is excited to apply rigorous mixed‑methods and qualitative research to real‑world STEM education programs with national reach and relevance. This role is ideal for an early‑career researcher who wants to deepen their expertise in qualitative and mixed‑methods evaluation while collaborating with senior researchers, educators, and partners. The Research Scientist will play a leading role in qualitative inquiry—designing interviews, conducting fieldwork, and analyzing implementation and impact—while contributing to quantitative and experimental studies.

SSPI values emerging scholars who are motivated by equity‑centered science education, interested in translating research for funders and practitioners, and eager to grow as applied researchers whose work informs both continuous program improvement and the broader scholarship.

• Assist in the design and management of comprehensive, high‑quality mixed‑methods STEM education evaluations and implementation research that align with SSPI’s mission, strategic goals, and commitment to equitable science learning.
• Co‑lead, partner, and/or support the various phases of program evaluation and research, including study design, data collection, analysis, interpretation, reporting, and scaling across diverse educational contexts.
• Provide methodological leadership for the qualitative and mixed‑methods components of ongoing and new research projects, including case studies, thematic analysis, and content analysis that deepen understanding of program implementation and impact.
• Support the establishment and management of project timelines, budgets, and resource allocation, ensuring efficient use of resources and long‑term sustainability while maximizing learning and impact.
• Co‑author evaluation reports and scholarly and practitioner‑facing publications on selected projects, translating rigorous research findings into accessible, actionable insights for funders, educators, and policymakers.
• Collaborate with educators, researchers, and industry experts to design and implement evaluations, including developing interview and focus group protocols and conducting interviews, focus groups, and observations with varied stakeholders.
• Contribute to identifying and analyzing emerging trends in STEM education evaluation, assessment, workforce needs, and community interests to inform strategic decision‑making and identify opportunities for new initiatives.
• Conduct needs assessments to identify gaps in SSPI’s current offerings and opportunities for new or expanded program evaluations and research efforts.
• Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness using quantitative and qualitative data, applying findings to continuous improvement and future program design.
• Work closely with the program operations and marketing teams to ensure evaluation findings inform program refinement, storytelling, and outreach strategies.
• Prepare and present clear, compelling reports and briefings to management, staff, funders, and other key…