Informal STEM Education Researcher / Evaluator

Job Description & Qualifications

Are you a mid-to-senior level research and evaluation professional with expertise in informal STEM education or lifelong learning? Do you have a track record of success developing proposals and receiving research and/or evaluation funding from non-federal granting agencies?

Knology is seeking a researcher / evaluator to support our transdisciplinary team of social scientists, journalists, and educators. The individual hired for this position will be brought on primarily to develop and submit research and evaluation proposals—and to lead any projects that result from these. They may also contribute to existing Knology projects. The ideal candidate for this position has academic and/or professional experience as a mixed-methods researcher and an ability to drive forward a research / evaluation portfolio focused on informal STEM education. The primary qualifications for the position are as follows:

• An advanced degree in a social science field (master’s degree or PhD);
• Broad knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research and/or evaluation methods;
• Extensive knowledge of theory and practice in informal STEM education and/or lifelong learning;
• Experience in writing successful non-federal grant proposals and leading research / evaluation projects in the informal STEM education or lifelong learning space; and
• Experience with research and/or evaluation project development and implementation.

Initially, this will be an hourly position, though the goal is to roll it into a full-time position as funding becomes available. Exact starting dates are negotiable, but we anticipate the position opening on or around November 1, 2025.

About Knology

Knology Ltd. is a 501c(3) charitable organization that leverages social science to drive positive change. Knology’s approach to research is not just theoretical—we work alongside highly networked organizations (including professional associations, media creators, libraries, museums, game developers, and community groups) to simultaneously study and solve real world challenges in real time. Through research, evaluation, convenings, and capacity building workshops, our transdisciplinary team of social scientists, writers, and educators helps professionals improve their ability to facilitate understanding and advance public conversation. Our work empowers education and communications professionals through research-based insights, tools, and resources that can be used to amplify impacts and generate shared community understandings that open new pathways to action.

Our website provides a comprehensive overview of our current work.

Knology has adopted a fully remote work model with staff located across the US. This position will be entirely remote, and this schedule can accommodate other work and school-related demands. Knology is only able to contract with US-based individuals who are legally able to work in the US.

Knology is committed to building an organization that respects and values all people. Our work environment is open to all employees, and we are committed to ensuring equal treatment regardless of race, color, ethnicity, age, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital, parental, or family status, military status, disability, or any other classification protected by law.

To Apply

If interested please submit a résumé (or CV), cover letter, and writing sample to Laura Tietjen (jobs@knology.org). Please ensure that your cover letter addresses the following:

• Your interest in the position;
• Your academic / professional background, and your primary qualifications / relevant experiences.

We will accept letters of interest until the position is filled. The salary for this position will initially be hourly and based upon a full-time salary of $105,000-115,000. Number of hours will be discussed through the interview process in connection with competencies and potential for already available work.