Research Assistant

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.

SUMMARY

The Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) is recruiting for a Research Assistant to join the Language Assessment Division. The Research Assistant will join a dynamic team to contribute to CAL’s mission of promoting linguistic and cultural diversity. While previous experience in applied linguistics is not required, we are looking for candidates with a strong interest in languages, language learning, and applied linguistics.

This position provides research and development support for project-specific tasks and activities related to the development and research of language assessments and of related research areas within applied linguistics.

This position is remote, however, candidates for this position are preferred to reside within the DC Metro area (DC/Maryland/Virginia) or be willing to relocate to the DC Metro area prior to starting the role. Candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents admitted to the U.S. for permanent residence to comply with the eligibility requirements of one of our grants.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Contribute to work on research and development projects in applied linguistics.
• Contribute to the development and review of language assessment items.
•  Assist with test scoring and the compilation of scorer training materials.
• Create meeting agendas and take and disseminate meeting notes.
• Support the writing and editing of proposals, research reports, articles, conference presentations, and other project-related products.
• Assist with professional development workshops and conference presentations.
• Responsible for cleaning, organizing, and helping to analyze language assessment and research data.
• Conduct library and internet searches and synthesize research findings.
• Coordinate project tasks and timelines.
• Other duties as needed.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university

Preferred

• Experience or coursework in linguistics, languages, anthropology, education, or related fields.
• Experience learning a second or additional language.
• Knowledge of or experience with creating or editing videos, podcasts, and/or social media.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Excellent interpersonal, editing, oral, and written communication skills in English.
• Proficient in the use of Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Ability to work flexibly and cooperatively in a fast-paced team environment while also managing work independently.
• Acute attention to detail and ability to consistently meet deadlines.

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 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.