Provo MTC PhD Research Intern (Unpaid Part-Time) | Language Performance Assessment

This position is central to the missionaries' role to 'Invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end.' The Research and Evaluation team seeks a PhD ‑ level Research Intern to support the initial phases of a large ‑ scale speaking assessment proof ‑ of ‑ concept project. The intern will contribute to early ‑ stage assessment development activities, including construct refinement, rubric finalization, task review, and preparation for pilot testing. The intern will work closely with senior research staff and receive ongoing guidance throughout the term. Required Qualifications Current enrollment in a PhD program in: Educational Measurement / Psychometrics Applied Linguistics Educational Psychology Program Evaluation A closely related field Strong foundational knowledge of: Assessment design principles Rubric ‑ based scoring Validity and reliability concepts Ability to analyze and synthesize research findings Strong written communication skills, especially the ability to explain technical concepts clearly Preferred Qualifications Experience with performance assessments, especially speaking or writing Familiarity with rater ‑ mediated scoring or rubric development Exposure to AI ‑ supported or automated scoring, or interest in ethical use of AI in assessment Assessment Design and Construct Work Support refinement of the speaking construct definition and intended score interpretations Review analytic rubric dimensions and level descriptors for clarity, coherence, and alignment with the construct Assist with documentation of scoring principles and interpretive guidance Task and Item Review Participate in review of speaking prompts for construct alignment, appropriateness, and coverage Assist with mapping prompts to task families and proficiency expectations Support identification of gaps in the initial item pool Validity and Reliability Planning Contribute to planning for content validity, construct representation, and early reliability analyses Assist with preparation of materials for SME review and cognitive labbing Help draft sections of technical documentation related to validation strategy Research Support and Documentation Support cognitive labbing activities (e.g., administering protocols, documenting participant feedback, summarizing findings) Support preparation of pilot protocols, scoring guides, or research artifacts as needed