Advanced Specialist Researcher (English Language Assessment)

(Aligned to Senior Assessment Researcher / Senior Psychometrician level)

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced researcher to join our English Language Learning division, supporting the delivery and ongoing development of high-stakes English language assessments used globally.

In this role, you’ll lead and contribute to research and validation activities that ensure our assessments are robust, reliable, and fit for purpose. You’ll work across established products like PTE Academic, as well as new assessment developments, helping to maintain regulatory recognition and support continuous innovation.

Our Team

You will be part of the Assessment Research and Validity team, responsible for ensuring Pearson’s assessments are psychometrically sound and supported by strong validation evidence.

The team works across a range of activities, including test performance monitoring, standards setting, score concordance, and large-scale validity studies—supporting both established assessments and new product development.

• Location & Work Setup

• UK-based role with remote and hybrid working supported

• 37.5 hours per week, with flexibility to support global collaboration

• Occasional international travel may be required

Your Key Responsibilities

Assessment Research & Analysis

• Design and deliver research and validation projects for high-stakes English language assessments.

• Conduct psychometric and statistical analyses to evaluate test performance and quality.

• Identify trends, risks, and insights from assessment data to inform decision-making.

Performance Monitoring & Standards

• Lead test performance monitoring using a range of analytical approaches.

• Support standards setting and maintenance, ensuring alignment to performance benchmarks.

• Contribute to score linking, equating, and concordance studies across the PTE portfolio.

Product & Innovation Support

• Support field-testing research and analyse performance data from new and existing assessments.

• Develop innovative, data-driven solutions to support assessment design and improvement.

• Contribute to the development of reliable and valid assessment products.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Communicate findings through technical reports, presentations, and dashboards.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders across product, research, and delivery teams.

• Contribute to external publications and represent Pearson at academic and industry conferences.

What We’re Looking For

Essential Skills & Experience

• Strong expertise in psychometrics, measurement theory, and quantitative research methods.

• Proven experience working with large-scale, high-stakes assessment programmes

• Proficiency in statistical tools and programming languages (e.g. R, Winsteps).

• Ability to analyse complex data and translate it into actionable insights.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical reporting.

• A proactive, curious, and flexible approach to problem-solving.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience with additional tools such as Facets or Python.

• Knowledge of item banking systems (e.g. CAT, LOFT).

• Experience with reporting dashboards or automated reporting.

• Familiarity with automated scoring systems for English language assessment.

• Experience working within high-stakes English language testing environments.

Why Join Pearson?

At Pearson, our purpose is to help people make measurable progress in their lives through learning.

You’ll be part of a globally recognised team shaping the future of English language assessment—supporting products used by universities, governments, and professionals worldwide.