Senior Research Associate-Survey Design & Management

$95,000 - $110,000/Yr

Westat - Rockville, MD

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote - Rockville, MD

1,001-5,000 employees

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations

About the position

Westat is seeking a Senior Research Associate to lead large- and small-scale survey data collection projects within the Social Policy and Economics Research practice area. This role involves managing the day-to-day activities of all phases of data collection tasks and projects, including methods design, sample design and management, questionnaire development, field testing implementation, data quality review, and data analysis and reporting. The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience managing survey projects of varying sizes and modes and bring expertise in survey design and methods.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with researchers, programmers, statisticians, and operations staff to develop and implement survey research designs applying best practices.
• Review survey instruments and protocols, recruitment materials, and interviewer training materials.
• Oversee data collection activities in multiple modes (telephone, smartphone applications, web, field, and mail) across a range of populations.
• Conduct and oversee data quality reviews and data file products; participate in data analysis and report writing.
• Develop and maintain effective client relationships including scope management, project schedules, and provide technical advice.
• Participate in business development activities including proposal development.
• Contribute to monthly and quarterly financial reporting.
• Contribute to contract and subcontract management.

Requirements

• A master's degree in psychology, sociology, geography or related social science field and 6 years of relevant experience, or a Ph.D. in psychology, sociology, geography or related social science and 1-3 years of relevant experience.
• Experience conducting research that applies data collection, analysis, and reporting using quantitative techniques, including experience implementing procedures for data collection and analysis in multiple modes.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience working on federal and state agency contracts budgets, schedules, and project teams.
• Experience with travel behavior survey design, data collection and analysis.
• Experience managing client relationships.
• Experience managing a project team across various disciplines.

Benefits

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Parental Leave
• Vacation Leave (15 days per year)
• Sick Leave (10 days per year)
• Holiday Leave (7 Government Holidays and 2 Floating Holidays)
• Professional Development
• Health Advocate
• Employee Assistance Program
• Travel Accident Insurance
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Short Term Disability Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account