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.

**Applicants must submit a Résumé and Cover Letter to be considered for this position.**

The Center for Applied Linguistics is located in Washington DC. This is a hybrid position and the employee may choose to work in their preferred combination of in person at the office in a hoteling capacity, or remotely. Staff may work from locations outside of Washington DC, Maryland, or Virginia if approved for telework. However, this position is not open to candidates residing in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, California, or the U.S. Territories.

Position duration: This position is grant-funded through September 30, 2026. Continued employment past the end of the grant is contingent on securing additional funding from other sources.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Research Assistant provides research and development support for project-specific tasks and activities and is responsible for carrying out research tasks related to the development of a multilingual learner formative and e-portfolio assessment in an elementary school setting. The Research Assistant will contribute to the completion of project tasks and deliverables, as assigned.

This position may require some travel.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Assist with development of item writing and review of procedures and processes.
• Contribute to development and review of assessment items.
• Assist with project evaluation activities.
• Assist with project online outreach activities and website
• Assist with data collection efforts
• Assist with e-portfolio development and maintenance activities
• Support project logistics and activities
• Assist with test scoring and the compilation of scorer training materials.
• Responsible for cleaning data, creating data tables, coding open-ended survey responses, updating the text of reports following a pre-existing format, and proofreading reports.
• Conduct library and Internet searches and other research activities.
• Coordinate project tasks and timelines.
• Create meeting agendas and take and disseminate meeting notes.
• Write and edit proposals, research reports, articles, conference presentations, and other project-related products.
• Communicate with partners and external colleagues.
• Assist with other administrative duties as needed.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, in a related field, with at least two (2) years of relevant experience; or
• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university, in a related field.
• Experience working with test development and item writing
• Experience with K-12 ESL or science education
• Experience with multilingual learner education
• Experience or formal coursework in assessment, research methods, quantitative analysis, second/foreign language acquisition/learning/teaching.
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Excellent interpersonal, editing, oral and written communication skills in English.
• Proficiency in a language other than English (preferably Spanish).
• Proficient in the use of Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Ability to work flexibly and cooperatively in a fast-paced team environment.
• Acute attention to detail and ability to consistently meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Spanish and English ability, preferred

COMPENSATION:

Minimum Salary: $46,653 Annually

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to effectively communicate. The employee may be required to sit or stand in a stationary position for 50% of the time. This position constantly operates a computer and other office productivity equipment. CAL adheres to ADA compliance and guidelines as a common practice.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This job description summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT

The Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, CAL complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

CAL expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of CAL employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.