Educational Test Developer, Scientific Reasoning

About ACER

The Australian Council for Educational Research is an international, independent, not-for-profit educational research and development organisation. Approximately 450 staff work for the ACER Group in Australia, India, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.

The Assessment Development, Implementation and Reporting division closely integrates ACER's core capabilities in assessments through two programs: Assessment Development; and Implementation and Reporting. This position is located within the Assessment Development program which undertakes commissioned work for outside agencies including Australian state and territory education departments as well as national and international agencies. It also initiates research into fundamental educational issues related to assessment and reporting. The Educational Test Developer, STEM Thinking and Reasoning is the research professional responsible for working collaboratively with both internal and external project stakeholders to enable the delivery of quality research and project outcomes.

The Team

Much of the work within the Assessment Development Program is conducted in test development teams dedicated to different areas of assessment, and in designated project teams. This position works within the STEM Thinking and Reasoning (STaR) team under the direction of the Team Leader, in projects within the Program area and across other Programs as required.

The successful applicant will have a background in science education and will join the STaR test development team within the Assessment Development research program. This team develops materials for science, science literacy, mathematical, abstract and quantitative reasoning assessment instruments for primary, secondary and tertiary students. This position works within the STaR team under the direction of the Team Leader, in projects within the Program area and across other Programs as required.

The Opportunity

As a test developer you will author STEM thinking and reasoning items for assessment, seek scientific and reasoning stimulus materials and write marking guides for assessment of open-ended scientific thinking and reasoning questions. You will also assist with preparing training materials and training markers. In addition to applied test development, you will also conduct and deliver components of high-quality research to meet project objectives; contribute to design and construct components of survey and assessment instruments and learning materials, and undertake data collection and analysis. Over time you will also prepare components of reports and other forms of project dissemination and communication and contribute to preparing research proposal submissions, applications and tenders for new business.

About you

• Demonstrated experience assessing student scientific proficiency at school level
• Excellent written and verbal skills
• Experience working on collaborative research projects
• Ability to communicate research approaches, concepts and outcomes both verbally and in writing
• Excellent planning and organisational skills with the ability to manage a range of tasks with conflicting priorities
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines while maintaining high attention to detail
• Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to foster and develop effective working relationships with both internal and external stakeholders from culturally diverse backgrounds
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team
• You will hold a master's degree or equivalent postgraduate qualification in relevant discipline.

Why join ACER?

The position is full time offered on a 2-year fixed term basis with the possibility of ongoing subsequently. The position can be based at any of ACER's offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, or Perth. We offer a flexible, hybrid work environment and a range of benefits, including:

• Competitive salary: $117,177 – $126, % superannuation
• Generous leave entitlements, including 3 additional days of paid leave over Christmas
• A commitment to ongoing professional development
• Flexible work arrangements including the option of purchasing additional leave
• Complimentary access to a range of wellbeing initiatives, including annual flu vaccinations, the Headspace for Work app, and confidential counselling services available to employees and their immediate families.

To view more remuneration and benefits please visit our website:
Benefits - ACER

Apply Now

For a full copy of the position description or to apply, click on 'Apply' or visit our career site

Applications will close at midnight (AEST) on Thursday 11 September
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What we stand for

ACER is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to actively fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining and developing our people regardless of gender identity, cultural and faith background, sexual orientation, disability and/or age. ACER welcomes applications from all sectors of the community.

ACER encourages applications from First Nations Australians.

ACER is committed to supporting candidates with disability through provision of adjustments during the recruitment and selection process and throughout employment. To request or discuss adjustment requirements, please contact: p&