If you’re passionate about building a better future for individuals, communities, and our country—and you’re committed to working hard to play your part in building that future—consider WGU as the next step in your career.
Driven by a mission to expand access to higher education through online, competency-based degree programs, WGU is also committed to being a great place to work for a diverse workforce of student-focused professionals. The university has pioneered a new way to learn in the 21st century, one that has received praise from academic, industry, government, and media leaders. Whatever your role, working for WGU gives you a part to play in helping students graduate, creating a better tomorrow for themselves and their families.
The salary range for this position takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs.
At WGU, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their position, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is:
Grade: Technical 406
Pay Range: $98,300.00 - $147,400.00
At WGU Labs, the Research Scientist will help shape the future of learning by designing and executing research on educational innovations, including AI-enabled learning and assessment tools. This role is ideal for a researcher who brings a strong foundation in learning science or educational research, enjoys turning complex questions into rigorous research plans, and can independently move research from design through execution and communication.
You will work across research, learning design, product, engineering, and external partners to evaluate educational products and programs. You will use qualitative and quantitative methods to understand effectiveness, validity, and the learner experience, translating findings into insights that inform meaningful action.
Equivalent relevant experience performing the essential functions of this job may substitute for education degree requirements. Generally, equivalent relevant experience is defined as 1 year of experience for 1 year of education and is the discretion of the hiring manager.
Additional skills important to success include experience with survey and qualitative research software such as Qualtrics, Recollective, or Quirkos; proficiency using Google Scholar and peer-reviewed journals to identify reliable research; advanced Excel knowledge; familiarity with project management methodologies such as Waterfall, Agile, and SDLC; and the ability to apply sound judgment, systems thinking, and analytical skills to complex problems.
You should also be comfortable integrating AI tools, such as Claude and Microsoft Copilot, into research, data analysis, coding, and project workflows while critically verifying AI-generated output for accuracy, validity, and alignment.
At WGU, our mission drives everything we do, including how we hire. Our interview experience is designed to give qualified candidates the opportunity to show their best work through meaningful conversations and collaboration.
We thoughtfully review every application and invite forward the candidates whose experience and potential best align with the role and our mission.
This is a full-time, in-office position requiring five days per week in our Raleigh, NC office, designed to foster the collaboration and connection that fuel our best work.
While we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, WGU is not able to provide visa sponsorship for this role.
This position requires occasional travel of up to 20%, including required attendance at designated company summits (typically one to two per year). Additional travel may include conferences, visits to company locations, and other business-related events as needed. Additional travel may be assigned as needed to support business requirements.
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Full-Time Regular Positions (classified as regular and working 40 standard weekly hours): This is a full-time, regular position (classified for 40 standard weekly hours) that is eligible for bonuses; medical, dental, vision, telehealth and mental healthcare; health savings account and flexible spending account; basic and voluntary life insurance; disability coverage; accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity supplemental coverages; legal and identity theft coverage; retirement savings plan; wellbeing program; discounted WGU tuition; and flexible paid time off for rest and relaxation with no need for accrual, flexible paid sick time with no need for accrual, 11 paid holidays, and other paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave.
How to Apply: If interested, an application will need to be submitted online. Internal WGU employees will need to apply through the internal job board in Workday.
Disclaimer: The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. It’s not all-inclusive.
Accommodations: Applicants with disabilities who require assistance or accommodation during the application or interview process should contact our Talent Acquisition team at recruiting@wgu.edu.
Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic as required by law.
