Practice Lead - AI & Assessment Innovation at PDRI (Personnel Decisions Research Institutes LLC) – Chantilly, Virginia

PDRI is currently seeking an Industrial/Organizational Psychologist with expertise in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Natural Language Processing to join our fast-paced consulting organization and help shape the future of assessment science.

PDRI is a premier talent management consulting firm with a 50+ year history of designing, developing, and implementing customized and innovative solutions to address complex and mission-critical human capital challenges. Our work spans the public and private sectors, with deep expertise in assessment development, workforce analytics, and talent management systems.

We are seeking a forward-thinking I/O psychologist and technical innovator to lead the creation of an Assessment Innovation Incubator focused on developing the next generation of AI-enabled selection and talent assessment tools. This role will set the strategic direction for emerging assessment technologies, build and prototype new solutions leveraging Generative AI, NLP, and machine learning, and translate cutting-edge research into practical tools for clients.

This position requires a unique combination of deep psychometric and I/O psychology expertise, hands-on technical capability with modern AI/ML approaches, and the ability to lead innovation initiatives and bring new assessment products from concept to implementation.

Selected candidates will work closely with consulting teams, clients, and internal leaders to develop novel assessment approaches, scalable AI-enabled tools, and data-driven workforce insights.

PDRI offers its employees challenging and engaging work, outstanding career growth opportunities, competitive salary and benefits, generous bonus programs, 401K with matching contributions, a flexible work environment, and opportunities for professional development. Team members have the opportunity to be part of an organization known for delivering high-quality, tailored, end-to-end talent solutions.

The position is located in the Chantilly, VA area. Consideration will be given to remote employment.

Key Responsibilities

Lead Assessment Innovation

• Establish and lead an Assessment Innovation Incubator focused on exploring emerging technologies and advancing the science of talent assessment.

• Define the strategic direction for next-generation assessment methodologies, including AI-enabled and data-driven selection approaches.

• Identify opportunities to leverage Generative AI, NLP, and machine learning to transform how competencies, performance, and potential are measured.

Develop AI-Enabled Assessments

• Design and develop novel selection and talent assessment tools leveraging modern AI and language models.

• Prototype and evaluate automated scoring systems, generative assessment content, conversational assessments, and simulation-based measures.

• Build and validate machine learning and predictive models to support selection, classification, and talent analytics.

Advance Assessment Science

• Integrate psychometric principles and I/O psychology best practices with emerging computational methods.

• Conduct research and validation studies on AI-enabled assessments, ensuring defensibility, fairness, and compliance with professional and legal standards.

• Apply advanced statistical techniques including:

o Classical Test Theory

o Item Response Theory

o Machine Learning models

o NLP and semantic analysis

o Multilevel modeling

o Survey and psychometric analyses

Build Tools and Capabilities

• Develop internal platforms, tools, and frameworks that enable scalable AI-driven assessment development and analysis.

• Create methodologies, libraries, and processes that support automated or semi-automated test development.

• Establish best practices for responsible and ethical use of AI in assessment.

Client Engagement and Thought Leadership

• Collaborate with consulting teams to translate innovations into client solutions.

• Serve as a subject matter expert on AI, advanced analytics, and emerging assessment technologies.

• Produce technical reports, white papers, and conference presentations that advance PDRI’s thought leadership in the field.

Qualifications

Education

• Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Organizational Psychology, Psychometrics, Data Science, or related field strongly preferred

Required Experience

• 10+ years of experience in assessment development, workforce analytics, or related consulting/research work

• Demonstrated experience developing AI, ML, or NLP-based solutions related to workforce or assessment applications

• Experience building innovative selection or talent assessment tools

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of psychometrics, assessment validation, and selection science

• Experience applying machine learning and predictive modeling

• Experience with NLP, semantic analysis, or generative AI models

• Proficiency with R, Python, or similar analytical environments

Professional Skills

• Strong research design, statistical analysis, and problem-solving capabilities

• Excellent writing and communication skills

• Ability to translate complex analytical concepts into clear, actionable insights

• Strong client engagement and presentation skills

• Demonstrated ability to drive innovation and lead complex initiatives

Preferred Experience

• Development of AI-enabled or automated assessment systems

• Experience working with large language models or generative AI

• Experience developing assessment platforms or scalable analytics tools

• Knowledge of ethical and legal considerations in AI-enabled hiring systems

• Experience in the federal government assessment market

Additional Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship required

• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced consulting environment

• Passion for advancing the future of talent assessment

PDRI is an equal opportunity employer.All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

PDRI is a federal contractor employer, US Citizenship is required.