Postdoctoral Research Associate

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 https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ 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.

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.