Senior Research Scientist

Senior Research Scientist
Location: United States (remote)
Salary: $120,000 -$140,000*  p.a. full-time equivalent, dependent on experience
Basis: Permanent; full-time, part-time, or flexible
Eligibility: You must be eligible to work in the USA

*Our salary range is intentionally broad to accommodate varying regional market rates and levels of experience. Final offers will carefully consider your specific location and background to ensure competitive and fair compensation.

The role

Research in computing is a key part of the work of the Raspberry Pi Foundation. Through our work we strive to deepen our understanding of how young people learn about computing, AI, data science and computational creation, in formal and non-formal settings, and use that knowledge to increase the impact of our own work and to advance the field of computing, AI, and data science education. In 2021, we partnered with the University of Cambridge (UK) to launch the Raspberry Pi Computing Education Research Centre (RPCERC). The Foundation is significantly growing and expanding its activities in the US including through the Code Club network, outreach, teacher preparation, and a growing classroom presence for products such as Experience CS and Experience AI.

We are now looking for a Senior Research Scientist / Manager. Reporting to the Director of Research and Impact, you will be part of the growing research team at the Raspberry Pi Foundation in the US. Working in collaboration with the research team at RPF and RPCERC in the UK and in RPF’s core markets around the world, you will help shape and deliver the research agenda that the Director of Research and Impact sets with the Chief Learning Officer focusing on the design, execution, and delivery of research.The post will be ideal for a candidate who has both research experience in the field of computing, AI, and data science and/or education, and experience of project and people management. The post will involve scoping, developing, and conducting  collaborative research projects, as well as potentially managing a small team of researchers and coordinators.

Candidates should be highly motivated individuals with excellent communication skills, the ability to work independently and as part of a team, and the ability to initiate and instigate processes to enable effective working in a research context.

We are a global organization and we welcome applications from candidates who are based in the US. Candidates need to be available to overlap with core UK office hours (09.00 – 17.00) for at least three hours in their working day, irrespective of the time zone in which they reside. Candidates may need to be available for travel to Cambridge, UK about once a quarter.

We strive to make the Foundation a place where talented people who care about our mission can do the best work of their careers. We have a flexible and collaborative approach to all aspects of our work. If you’re the right person for the job, we’ll make it work for you, and you can be confident that you’ll be working with an exceptional team.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Director of Research and Impact to scope new research projects in topical and culturally-relevant computing, AI, data science education in formal and informal settings in the US and non-US global contexts.
• Lead and support a team of researchers and coordinators who are responsible for executing research on time and on budget
• Lead the implementation and execution of research projects
• Work with the team to ensure the production and dissemination of high-quality research
• Build and maintain excellent working relations within cross-functional teams at RPF as well as research partners and collaborators
• Support the design of products and tools at RPF through research
• Support the use of research developed by the team and from the field across curricular and digital products of the Raspberry Pi Foundation
• Contribute to the promotion and mobilization of computing, AI, and data science education research in the community
• Write up the results of research and contribute to the publication of results in high-quality, peer-reviewed academic literature
• Disseminate results of projects through presentations at conferences, internal and external blog posts, as well as articles in Hello World.
• Keep abreast of developments within the discipline and profession, and seek continuous improvement of professional practice
• Represent the Foundation’s research to external audiences and stakeholders, in collaboration with the Director of Research and Impact
• Establish good communications within the team and with external partners

Experience and personal attributes

We recognise that everyone has the potential for growth and we welcome applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they have some, but not all of the experience and personal attributes listed here.

You should have:

• A PhD in either education, learning sciences, or related subject, computer science, AI, data science, or a related field.
• At least three years of postdoctoral research experience
• A breadth and depth of specialist knowledge in research methods and techniques
• A proven track record of delivering projects that meet the desired objectives
• The ability to manage a team
• Experience of managing own workload, including sufficient administrative skills to manage projects
• Experience of grant or other funding applications
• The ability to balance multiple priorities and deal with ambiguity
• The ability to think strategically and conceptually about research design and delivery
• A supportive and collaborative approach to leadership
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal
• A willingness to travel

About us

The Raspberry Pi Foundation is an independent nonprofit with a global mission to enable young people to realize their full potential through the power of computer science and digital technologies. In the US we operate through Raspberry Pi Foundation North America which is a registered 501(c)(3) organization.

We empower schools to teach computer science and AI literacy through free curricula, classroom resources, purpose built software tools, and professional development for teachers. We inspire young people to become tech creators through the world's largest networks of coding clubs. We undertake original research that informs our work and which we use to advance the field of computer science education more broadly.

All of our resources and learning experiences are available for anyone to use at no cost. We are particularly focused on creating opportunities for young people who experience educational disadvantage and those who come from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in technology industries. 

Over the past decade, we have supported hundreds of thousands of educators and tens of millions of students. We have teams in six countries (India, Ireland, Kenya, South Africa, the UK and US) and partnerships with mission-aligned non-profit organisations in over 60 countries. 

We are at the forefront of the global educational movement to expand access to computer science education and AI literacy. You can learn more about our work in our latest Annual Report.

Benefits

In addition to competitive salaries, we offer a range of benefits for all of our colleagues, including:

• Paid time off. In addition to public holidays, full-time employees in the US receive 15 days of paid time off, plus 3 additional days of paid time off for the company-wide closure at the end of each year. 
• Retirement Savings Plan (401)(k). We match 100% of employee contributions up to the first 5%.  
• Private Healthcare. We provide private healthcare (including dental and vision) for you and for your dependents through United Healthcare and Guardian.
• Flexible working. We have clear policies to provide flexibility over when and where you work, helping you balance work responsibilities with the rest of your life.
• Support for parents and carers. We provide generous family leave and flexibility for parents and carers. 
• Group term life insurance & disability insurance. We provide insurance and income protection schemes to provide peace of mind for you and your family. 
• Investing in learning and development. We invest in your growth and development, including through access to learning resources and training, with dedicated time for all employees. 

Timetable for applications

Closing date: July 31, 2026
Phone Screens: Week of Aug 10, 2026
First Round Interviews: Week of Aug 17, 2026
Final Round Interviews: Week of Aug 24, 2026

Our recruitment process

All of our workplaces are inclusive spaces where we want people to feel respected, valued, and able to do their best work. We are committed to building teams that bring together people with a broad range of backgrounds, skills, and perspectives. That starts with our recruitment process. 

Here's what you can expect: 

• As part of your application, you will be asked to respond to a small number of questions that we will use to screen your eligibility for the role. You will also be asked to provide your resume. 
• Eligible applications will be reviewed by our recruitment team and the hiring manager. We review all applications for authenticity. While we embrace the use of AI tools to assist you, all content must genuinely represent your own work, and have been reviewed and personalised by you.
• A small number of candidates will be invited to a phone call with the hiring manager. The purpose of this call is to check our understanding of your application and to answer any questions you have. 
• We normally have two interviews, which may take place in-person. Interviews will be with the hiring manager and at least one other colleague. 
• You will usually be asked to undertake a work-based assessment in advance of your interviews. This will be an opportunity for you to show how you would perform some part of the role. You will be given advance notice and clear instructions. 
• If you have any questions about or feel that you need any adjustments to the recruitment process, including adjustments for neurodiversity, please contact our People and Culture team at recruitment@raspberrypi.org.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Everyone appointed to a role at the Foundation will be required to undergo a background check to confirm that you are a suitable person to work with children. Further background checks will be made at regular intervals thereafter.