Job Description

The Evaluation and Research Scientist works in the Evaluation Activities Unit within the Division of Research and Analysis. This role performs complex data analysis; conducts research and evaluation activities; and develops, implements, and manages multiple, simultaneous internal and external projects. The work associated with this position includes the daytoday project management of thirdparty contracted evaluation vendors. The position also involves responding to immediate research and evaluation needs in support of commissioner priorities; conducting research, data analyses, and inhouse program evaluations; and preparing reports that fulfill agency needs and statutory requirements, including those requested by the state legislature. This role provides technical assistance to agency staff as needed.

In support of evaluation projects, the Evaluation and Research Scientist verifies the appropriateness and accuracy of research designs, instruments, data, analysis plans, methodological approaches, advanced statistical analyses, and the presentation of findings in written reports or proposals for evaluation projects conducted by thirdparty vendors and/or through internal efforts. This position also reviews and/or contributes to the preparation of written reports in support of evaluation activities.

The Evaluation and Research Scientist develops, or collaborates in the development of, methodologies and statistical models, and conducts and interprets statistical analyses for internal program evaluations and ad hoc commissioner requests. The ideal candidate has experience with SAS programming, knowledge of research methods and statistical analysis, is detailoriented and selfdriven, and works effectively both independently and in a team environment.

The selected candidate will participate in project and division planning and will work under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Please note that all relevant experience, coursework, training, and/or workshops should be clearly indicated in your application.

This position requires up to 5% travel, based on business needs, to support program initiatives, collaboration, and operational priorities.

Flexible work location within the state of Texas may be considered for qualified candidates.

Please note that a resume and cover letter are required attachments for applying to this position. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants who are strongly being considered for employment must submit to a national criminal history background check.

Essential Functions
Job duties are not limited to the essential functions mentioned below. You may perform other functions as assigned.

1 Vendor Management: Provide feedback on contracted work products (e.g., evaluation plans, statistical analysis plans, data collection instruments, reports) and conduct the daytoday management of evaluation activities for the length of the contract.
2 Prepare Reports and Summarize Research Findings: Prepare concise and comprehensive reports and summarize research findings for dissemination to diverse audiences including the commissioner of education, Texas Legislature, TEA management and program staff, as well as the general public.
3 Perform Data Analysis and Evaluation Tasks: Assists with the production of ontime, highquality and accurate analytical tasks, through documenting, implementing and understanding business decisions to create clean, welldocumented SAS code that follow the units processing rules, as well as responding to ad hoc data analysis and internal evaluation requests.
4 Perform Quality Control Checks: Perform accuracy and quality control checks of unit products, including those generated by other team members, with a high degree of quality and accuracy.
5 Provide Technical Assistance: Provide technical assistance, data analysis, and consultation to internal agency staff and external contracted vendors.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Graduation from an accredited fouryear college or university
Experience: At least three (3) years of experience in conducting or managing research or program evaluations with knowledge of designing and conducting statistical analyses, managing complex projects, or designing/implementing data collection instruments. A minimum of one (1) year in SAS programming or a similar programming software required.
Substitutions: Education and experience may substitute for one another on a yearforyear basis.

Other Qualifications

• Share the belief that all Texas students can achieve at high levels and are able to succeed in college, career, or the military
• Experience with the research and evaluation process (e.g., problem identification, evaluation design, methods, data collection and management, statistical techniques, analysis, and reporting)
• Experience compiling and querying data from large, institutional databases and state education data sources (e.g., PEIMS, STAAR, etc.) preferred
• Experience working with the SAS programming language
• Ability to successfully manage projects and meet deadlines, analyze problems and develop solutions, produce highquality research, and express ideas clearly, verbally and in written work, in a fastpaced environment
• Experience planning and implementing research projects and synthesizing data analyses and results
• Ability to process information logically, and manage multiple, simultaneous tasks
• Ability to maintain good working relationships with a variety of people and groups including external vendors, school district personnel, and TEA staff
• A desire to selfreflect, give/receive feedback, and continuously improve Experience with MS Office suite, especially Word, Excel and Outlook

New hires, rehires, and internal hires will typically receive a starting salary between the posted minimum and the average pay of employees within the same classification. Offers are based on the candidate's experience and qualifications and consider internal pay equity across employees performing similar work.

The top half of the posted salary range is generally reserved for candidates whose qualifications exceed the role's requirements. The maximum of the range is typically reserved for candidates who significantly exceed the required and preferred qualifications.

Benefits

TEA employees receive a comprehensive benefits package through the State of Texas and the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS), supporting health, financial security, and worklife balance.
Benefits include:

• Retirement through ERS and employerpaid health insurance for eligible employees
• Optional dental, vision, and dependent coverage
• Paid state holidays, vacation leave, sick leave, and longevity pay
• Wellness programs, employee assistance programs, and professional development opportunities
• Eligibility for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program

To learn more about benefits available to State of Texas employees, please review the State of Texas Employee Benefits brochure and visit the TEA Compensation and Benefits page .

Military/Veteran Information

Applicants eligible for Military Employment Preference will be considered in accordance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations.

To explore how military experience may align with this role, applicants may review Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes within the State's Position Classification Plan. Please refer to the Military Crosswalk and select the occupational category that most closely corresponds with the classification listed in this job posting.

Additional Information

To learn more about working at TEA, including hiring timelines, process details, and candidate resources, please visit the Careers at TEA page .

Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept phone calls or respond to all email inquiries. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

To help ensure you receive updates regarding your application, please add [email protected] and @tea.texas.gov to your safe sender's list.

How to Apply

To apply for a position in the Candidate Gateway:

• Select the job posting and click "Apply"
• Review and accept the Privacy Agreement by selecting "Accept"
• If you are a firsttime user, select "New User" and create an account using a personal email address.
• Once your account is created, complete and submit the online application.