Task 5 Lead, Applied Research

Wits Solutions Inc. (WITS) is a SBA certified Small Disadvantaged Business with headquarters in the metropolitan Washington D.C. area. WITS has been providing best-in-class solutions in professional IT and administrative consulting to various Federal, State, Local and commercial customers. At WITS, we believe in working not for our clients but with them. This is why right from the beginning; our analysts and solution-builders work closely with our clients to ensure that the project outcomes continue to deliver value long into the future.

Job Description :

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS MANDATORY

• Ph.D. or equivalent degree and/or equivalent qualifying experience in sociology, psychology, economics, education, or a related field. Must be certified in What Works Clearinghouse Procedures and Standards v4.1, Group Design.

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS NICE TO HAVE

• Additional advanced methodological training, peer-reviewed publications in applied education research, and expertise with WWC v5.0 standards are beneficial.

WORK EXPERIENCE MANDATORY

• Significant experience conducting education research. Must have expertise working with practitioners to conduct peer-reviewed research and demonstrated scholarly content expertise in high-priority areas.
• Must have experience overseeing research studies using a range of methodologies, including implementation studies and randomized controlled trials, to answer high-leverage questions for policymakers and educators.

WORK EXPERIENCE NICE TO HAVE

• Experience serving as principal investigator or lead author, managing IRB and data-access processes, conducting rigorous quantitative or mixed-methods research, supervising research staff, translating findings for practitioners, and navigating federal peer review processes.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead Task 5 applied research and peer-reviewed research-based development work. Plan and oversee rigorous education research, develop research questions and Technical Direction Documents, select appropriate methodologies, supervise data collection and analysis, and ensure studies meet IES and WWC standards.
• Work closely with practitioners and partners, oversee implementation studies and RCTs as appropriate, guide peer-reviewed reports and products, address review feedback, and translate findings into actionable information for policymakers and educators.