26.1733, Jobs: Applied Linguistics: Language Assessment Specialist, Paragon Testing Enterprises Inc.

Wed Apr 1 16:01:57 UTC 2015

LINGUIST List: Vol-26-1733. Wed Apr 01 2015. ISSN: 1069 - 4875.

Subject: 26.1733, Jobs: Applied Linguistics: Language Assessment Specialist, Paragon Testing Enterprises Inc.

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Date: Wed, 01 Apr 2015 12:01:40
From: Jake Stone [careers at paragontesting.ca]
Subject: Applied Linguistics: Language Assessment Specialist, Paragon Testing Enterprises Inc., Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

University or Organization: Paragon Testing Enterprises Inc. 
Department: Test Research and Development
Job Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada 
Web Address: http://www.paragontesting.ca
Job Title: Language Assessment Specialist
Job Rank: Language Assessment Specialist; Post Doc; Rank Open

Specialty Areas: Applied Linguistics 

Description:

Job Duties

The Language Assessment Specialist will be a leading expert both in
large-scale language testing and language assessment. The CELPIP Test is being
developed as an integrated whole in which theoretical foundations, language
model, framework, test blueprints, and test items cohere to provide a
theoretically sound and empirically verifiable assessment. As such, the
Language Assessment Specialist will make major contributions to the
development of the testing framework, the design and development of new item
types, the design and development of standard-setting procedures, the design
and development of rating rubrics, the validity of rating systems, and the
development of empirically verifiable score reports.

The Language Assessment Specialist will be responsible for overseeing the
entire test operations cycle including keeping test blueprints up-to-date,
item development/revisions, form assembly, rater coordination, rating scale
development, and rater training.

Paragon’s Language Assessment Specialist will have the opportunity to actively
collaborate with leading scholars from prestigious universities including UBC,
Carleton, and University of Toronto (OISE). The Language Assessment Specialist
will also be a pivotal person in ensuring that Paragon’s communications and
relations with regulators, score users, end users, external professional
associations, and researchers reflect the company’s commitment to delivering
valid and reliable test scores that meet the highest industry standards.

Skills Requirements:

- Deep knowledge of standardized language assessment
- Advanced skills in item analysis
- Statistical methods including Item Response Theory and Structural Equation
Modelling
- R scripting 
- Ability to apply a broad range of validity research methods
- Possess current knowledge of issues and methods in language assessment
- Ability to demonstrate insight into language assessment and validity issues
- Ability to in peer-reviewed journals
- Ability to implement research projects concerning core language assessment
issues in academic and testing industry settings

The Language Assessment Specialist will be joining Paragon’s Test R&D unit
which is a small unit of energetic, motivated, and talented people. The
suitable candidate will be prepared to take on projects with experimental
design and uncertain outcomes, and must have the ability to flexibly apply
methods to problems rather than fit problems into a constrained array of
research and assessment methods.

The suitable candidate will enjoy working with, mentoring, and motivating
talented junior employees, be able to provide and respond to critical
feedback, be able to work as part of a team, and also be able to work hard,
assist colleagues in their work, and focus on team goals. Finally, the
suitable candidate will be able to communicate clearly to non-specialists.

Education 

Qualified candidates will have a PhD from an accredited university in language
assessment, applied linguistics, or a related field or have submitted their
dissertation to the PhD committee for evaluation.

Work Experience

Candidates should possess experience with the application of language
assessment theory in practical contexts, a deep knowledge of language
assessment literature and language theory/philosophy, and also a sound working
understanding of psychometrics. Candidates for this position should also be
actively involved in conference and research communities and have a track
record in scholarly publication.

Application Deadline: 29-Sep-2015 (Open until filled)
Mailing Address for Applications:
	Dr. Jake Stone 
	110-2925 Virtual Way (Box 17) 
	Broadway Tech Centre 
	Vancouver V5M 4X5 
	Canada  
Email Address for Applications: careers at paragontesting.ca 
Contact Information:
	Dr. Jake Stone 
	Email: careers at paragontesting.ca 
	Phone: 1 778 724 0329 
	Fax: 1 604 253 1287 

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