Research Assistant, Test Assembly & Desktop Publishing

Company Description

The Center for Applied Linguistics is a nonprofit organization promoting access, equity and mutual understanding for linguistically and culturally diverse people around the world. The mission of the Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) is to promote language learning and cultural understanding by serving as a trusted source for research, resources, and policy analysis. Through its work, CAL seeks solutions to issues involving language and culture as they relate to access and equity in education and society around the globe.

CAL is located in Washington, D.C. For this position, the employee may choose to work in their preferred combination of in person at the D.C. office in a hoteling capacity, or remotely (up to 100% remote). CAL does not compensate or reimburse candidates for relocation expenses. This position is not open to candidates residing in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, California, or the U.S. Territories.

The Test Assembly Research Assistant reports to the Test Assembly Manager and works collaboratively across functional teams to support the assembly, layout, and quality control of large-scale online and print-based English language proficiency tests. This role also provides assistance in formatting test materials, ensuring alignment with CAL’s style guide, WCAG requirements, and print specifications. This role is responsible for accurately transferring test content into InDesign templates, performing quality control reviews, and supporting the production of error-free, accessible test forms and ancillary materials.

• Transfer and lay out test content (text and graphics) in Adobe InDesign, following established templates, the CAL style guide, WCAG requirements, and print specifications.
• Assist in the creation and maintenance of test booklets, administration scripts, and other ancillary test materials in both print and computer-based formats.
• Assist in preparing and reviewing test blueprints and item inventories to support test form construction.
• Collaborate with the Desktop Publishing Graphic Designer to implement layout adjustments and minor graphic edits in Adobe InDesign.

• Perform systematic quality control reviews of print-based and computer-based test materials to verify accuracy, consistency, and alignment with test specifications, content standards, WCAG requirements, and formatting requirements.
• Review assessment materials using screen reader software to verify the accuracy of alternate text and document accessibility.
• Support the Test Assembly Manager in maintaining, documenting, and improving quality control procedures and checklists.
• Track stakeholder feedback, implement approved revisions, and maintain complete, auditable revision histories.
• Support mock test administrations and revise materials based on findings and user feedback.

• Maintain test item databases and item banks, ensuring records remain accurate, current, and complete.
• Assist with the maintenance of the internal style guide and the documentation of test assembly procedures.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to test security protocols in the handling of secure assessment content.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

The Test Assembly Research Assistant must have:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Graphic Design, Education, Applied Linguistics, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least two years of experience contributing to the production of educational or assessment materials.
• A high degree of proficiency with Adobe InDesign and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) gained in a professional or academic setting.

The Test Assembly Research Assistant must be able to:

• Follow established procedures, templates, and style guides with precision.
• Apply quality control standards for print and digital production.
• Sustain close attention to detail without losing sight of the bigger picture in a high-stakes production environment.
• Manage competing and shifting priorities, prioritize tasks appropriately, and meet firm production deadlines.
• Work collaboratively and communicate effectively across functional teams.
• Work accurately with databases and test item banks

• Experience with standardized…