Education Measurement Researcher

Job title

Hay Grade: 16

Job Type: Full-Time Permanent

Location: IB (International Baccalaureate®) The Hague (NL), Cardiff (UK), Washington (US)

Salary negotiable depending on experience:
NL (HG16): EUR 72.851-91.063 annually including 8% holiday allowance
UK (HG16): GBP 49.314-61.642 annually 
US (HG16): USD 96.722-119.879 annually

A relocation package and work permit sponsoring will be offered by relocation to The Netherlands

The role of the research department is to be a service unit that is integrated within the Education Office to be an evidence-driven impact research unit, providing feedback and measuring how curriculum, how assessment, how professional learning, and school requirements are making impact. The work through our research will help us learn from our existing knowledge and create new knowledge. They will also serve the Schools Alliance Office in their recognition, growth and retention. Also supporting post exam cycle.

To ensure that all assessment instruments, surveys, and measurement tools used across the organization are valid, reliable, fair, and psychometrically robust. The  Education Measurement Researcher designs and conducts studies that evaluate the quality of test items and constructs, supports scaling and equating procedures, and works closely with statisticians, survey designers, and researchers to uphold scientific standards of educational measurement. The role contributes to broader education measurement research, including study design, evidence synthesis, and interpretation of findings to inform IB policy and practice. 

• Conduct education measurement research using appropriate quantitative and/or mixed-methods designs to inform educational policy and practice. 
• Design and validate instruments for measuring latent constructs such as competencies, SEL, well-being, motivation, or school climate
• Undertake literature reviews, evidence synthesis, and research reporting to support measurement frameworks and interpretation of findings.
• Advise on the theoretical and practical applications of classical and modern test theory to support validity and fairness in assessment system.
• Contribute to sampling methodology work alongside psychometric analysis. Drive the evaluation of construct validity, content validity, and criterion-related validity of assessments and surveys tools to ensure evidence-based use.
• Conduct advance item analysis and factor analysis to ensure appropriate item functioning and structural validity and test/measurement design
• Apply advanced psychometric models such as:
  • Classical Test Theory 
  • Item Response Theory (e.g., Rasch, 2PL, 3PL models)
  • Confirmatory Factor Analysis 
  • Differential Item Functioning to identify bias across demographic groups
  • Analyze item difficulty, discrimination, and test reliability (e.g., Cronbach’s alpha, test-retest)
• Support the assessment team (when required) with the development of scaling models to convert raw scores into interpretable results
• Develop standard setting frameworks, performance levels, and cut scores to advise on assessment practice.
• Work with data analysts and researchers to produce clear and accurate reporting of results, including error margins and confidence intervals
• Collaborate with curriculum designers, assessment specialists, and programme leaders to integrate psychometric standards into new tools and innovations
• Provide psychometric leadership and expertise in pilot studies, field trials, or digital assessment prototypes
• Review survey and assessment instruments developed by other teams for psychometric quality
• Document psychometric analysis processes, assumptions, limitations, and interpretations
• Contribute to internal learning by training colleagues on psychometric concepts and good practices
• Ensure compliance with international best practices and standards in educational measurement
• Develop technical manuals, validity studies, and interpretive guides to support evidence-informed decision-making by schools, educators, and policy makers
• Champion the ethical use of assessments, promote principles of validity, fairness transparency and data protection in psychometric work.
• Ensure alignment with international best practices and emerging trends in educational measurement.
• Disseminate findings through internal reports, presentations, and external publications/conference contributions where appropriate.
• Independently designs and validates instruments for measuring latent constructs such as competencies, SEL, well-being, motivation, or school climate.
• Collaborates with Student Learning Designers, assessment specialists, and programme leaders to integrate psychometric standards into new tools and innovations.
• Applies strategic thinking to align psychometric research with the International Baccalaureate's mission and objectives, including the development of standard setting frameworks, performance levels, and cut scores.
• Develops innovative approaches to improve assessment accuracy and effectiveness, ensuring alignment with educational standards and goals.
• Utilizes advanced analytical skills to interpret psychometric data and provide actionable insights for educational improvement.
• Continuously seeks opportunities to enhance psychometric methodologies and practices, ensuring compliance with international best practices and standards in educational measurement, and contributing to internal learning by training colleagues on psychometric concepts and good practices.
   

• Master’s degree in educational research, educational measurement, statistics, or a closely related field.

• At least three years of previous experience that aligns directly with this role.

• Deep understanding of psychometric theory and measurement models

• Significant expertise in software such as R (e.g., Winsteps, IRTPRO etc.)

• Significant experience conducting item calibration, scale equating, and test construction

• Strong capability in both exploratory and confirmatory analysis

• Knowledge of research design and methodology beyond psychometric validation, including question formulation, and research planning and implementation; 

• Experience conducting literature reviews and evidence syntheses to inform measurement frameworks, instrument selection, and interpretation of findings

• Ability to evaluate instruments for fairness, sensitivity, and validity across cultural contexts

• Understanding of ethical issues in test design and use

• Ability to translate technical psychometric concepts into accessible language for educators, programme leads, and external stakeholders

• Strong written skills for technical documentation, research publications, and internal reports

• Awareness of educational diversity, equity, and cultural variation in global assessments

• Familiarity with international standards for test development

Applications will be accepted until 27 April 23.59 CET . 

About the IB

If you're looking to work for a global organisation with a meaningful mission, and with colleagues all over the world, then the International Baccalaureate® (IB) may have the ideal opportunity for you! The International Baccalaureate provides world-class educational services to over 5,800 schools across 162 countries. A career at IB is not just a job; it’s an opportunity to work with an innovative world leader in education services and contribute to our 50-year mission of creating a better and more peaceful world. Apply now to join our global organisation where we empower our employees to thrive and make a difference.

We are committed to building a working environment that values respect, diversity, and compassion. The International Baccalaureate is proud to be an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified applicants.