Job Overview & Organization Mission

Conduct Item Response Theory (IRT) modeling, test equating, and psychometric validation for large-scale educational assessments.

The Institute for Positive Psychology and Education (IPPE) at ACU is seeking a Senior Educational Researcher & Psychometrician in North Sydney. You will lead quantitative measurement, Rasch and multi-parameter IRT modeling, and adaptive testing analytics informing state and national educational assessments.

As a key member of the team at Australian Catholic University (ACU) in Sydney, NSW, you will play a central role in driving excellence, upholding top-tier Australian industry standards, and contributing directly to the strategic milestones of one of the nation’s premier employers.

Key Duties & Core Responsibilities

In this critical role, your operational duties and key performance responsibilities will encompass:

• Perform item: Perform item calibration, scaling, and test equating using Item Response Theory (IRT) software (Winsteps, ConQuest, R).
• Evaluate differential: Evaluate differential item functioning (DIF) to ensure fairness across student demographic cohorts.
• Design adaptive: Design adaptive algorithm testing engines for computerized educational diagnostic assessments.
• Author peer-reviewed: Author peer-reviewed publications and technical psychometric reports for government curriculum authorities.
• Collaborate with: Collaborate with international educational testing consortiums on longitudinal literacy measurement.

Required Qualifications, Licenses & Experience

To be successful in this position at Australian Catholic University (ACU), candidates are expected to satisfy the following essential selection criteria:

• Mandatory Qualification: Master or PhD in Psychometrics, Educational Measurement, Statistics, or Quantitative Psychology.
• Relevant Experience: Minimum 5+ Years of verified industry experience in Australia or recognized overseas equivalence.
• Doctoral or Master’s degree in Psychometrics, Educational Statistics, or Quantitative Psychology.
• 5+ years applied psychometric modeling experience in standardized testing or educational assessment.
• Advanced programming proficiency in R, Python, and IRT modeling software.
• Deep comprehension of classical test theory and multidimensional IRT models.

Core Competencies & Key Technical Proficiencies

The successful applicant will possess demonstrated capabilities across the following domain skill sets:

Salary, Compensation & Employee Benefits

At Australian Catholic University (ACU), we understand that our people drive our achievements. An outstanding remuneration and wellbeing package is provided in line with Australian benchmarks:

• Competitive Remuneration: AU$130,000 – AU$155,000 per year + standard Australian Superannuation (11.5%).
• Remuneration $130,000 – $155,000 + 17% employer superannuation.
• World-leading research institute setting in North Sydney.
• Flexible hybrid work environment supporting independent research scholarship.
• Leave Entitlements: 4 weeks annual leave (with 17.5% annual leave loading where applicable) plus 10 days paid personal/carer’s leave.
• Flexible Work: Progressive work-life balance options with supportive corporate culture and leadership development pathways.

About the Employer: Australian Catholic University (ACU)

ACU is a publicly funded university operating campuses across Australia, renowned for education and nursing research.

Australian Catholic University (ACU) is deeply committed to building diverse, equitable, and culturally inclusive work environments. We proudly celebrate diversity and welcome applications from all qualified individuals including First Nations Australians, people with disabilities, and candidates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Application Process & Next Steps

Applications for this position are currently open and being reviewed on a rolling basis. Suitable candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible before the published closing date.

Please prepare an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a tailored Cover Letter highlighting your relevant experience against the key selection criteria outlined above.

To proceed with your application, click the Apply on Employer Site button to access the official Australian Catholic University (ACU) careers gateway.