Principal Researcher

Position

Description:

Principal Researcher (Temporary Full-Time)

Location: Remote (U.S.). Preferred states: NY, CA, ME, IL, DE, CO, TX, KS, MO, NC, PA, MA.

LEANLAB EDUCATION OVERVIEW

Leanlab Education is a nonprofit education R&D lab validating tomorrow's education innovations through codesign research. We bridge the gap between researchers, product developers, and educators - ensuring evidence flows where it's needed, when it's needed.

We believe that by strengthening edtech's evidence base, supporting the scale of evidence-based edtech, and increasing demand for evidence-based edtech, we can accelerate educational outcomes and ensure all learners have access to effective, excellent solutions.

Our collaborative team is guided by three core values:

Adaptability: we operate with curiosity and respond to an evolving landscape

Boldness: we take initiative and push boundaries to deliver outcomes for learners

Codesign
: we design with, not for, the humans at the center of education

We are seeking a highly skilled Principal Researcher to join Leanlab Education in a full-time role. This role is based on funded projects and is currently planned as a 1-year role (11/1/26-10/31/27) with opportunities to extend based on performance and funding. In this role, you will leverage your expertise in research methodology and data analysis to support clients across various industries on assigned research projects.

As a Principal Researcher, you will design and execute research studies, analyze data, and provide actionable insights to inform strategic decisions in alignment with Leanlab standards of work. You will work closely with internal teams and clients to deliver high-quality, customized research solutions. A strong background of mixed-methods research, knowledge of the edtech landscape, and commitment to codesign principles is critical for success in this role.

• Design research projects, including qualitative and quantitative studies, based on client needs, project goals, and Leanlab standards of work.
• Choose appropriate methodologies and tools for data collection (e.g., surveys, interviews, focus groups, observational studies).
• Lead the implementation of research projects from start to finish, ensuring all deliverables are met on time and in alignment with Leanlab standards of work.
• Collaborate with other research team members to continuously refine and improve research systems and processes.

• Collect and analyze qualitative (e.g., focus groups, interviews) and/or quantitative (e.g., pre/post assessments) data
• Ensure data integrity and accuracy, employing best practices in research ethics, data security, and privacy.
• Conduct thorough analysis to identify patterns, trends, and key insights that address client challenges.

• Synthesize research findings into actionable insights, preparing reports, presentations, and other materials to communicate results clearly to a non-technical audience in alignment with Leanlab standards of work
• Provide evidence-based recommendations to clients, supporting their strategic decision-making.
• Present findings to both internal teams and clients, tailoring the communication style to the audience's needs and knowledge level.

• Work closely with Leanlab’s Customer Experience team to understand clients’ needs, refine research goals, and ensure alignment throughout the research process.
• Maintain professionalism in interactions with clients, research participants, and Leanlab staff, and ensure the successful delivery of research projects.

• Manage multiple research projects simultaneously, coordinating resources, timelines, and…