Senior Research Associate-Survey Design & Management at Westat
Rockville, MD
About the Job
Westat is an employee-owned corporation providing research services to agencies of the U.S. Government, as well as businesses, foundations, and state and local governments. Westat's research, technical, and administrative staff of more than 2,000 is located at our headquarters in Rockville, Maryland, near Washington, DC.
Westat is committed to building a diverse workforce and a culture of inclusivity, belonging and equity for all. We believe that our greatest strength draws on the different backgrounds, cultures, perspectives and experiences of our employees.
Job Summary:
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. Our work supports a range of federal, state, and nonprofit clients. You will lead work across topic areas in transportation managing the day-to-day activities of all phases of data collection tasks and/or projects including methods design, sample design and management, questionnaire development, field testing implementation, data quality review, and data analysis and reporting. Other tasks include proposal development (both technical and budget), scope of work development for contracts and subcontracts, contract management, monthly and quarterly financial analysis and reporting, and client services - project meetings, technical documentation, and overall product quality reviews. Data collection efforts which may involve administering surveys, interviews, site visits, observation protocols, and/or acquiring administrative data. The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience managing survey projects of varying sizes and modes and bring expertise in survey design and methods.
A hybrid work arrangement with 1-2 days on-site at a Westat office location is preferred, remote work arrangements will be considered.
Job 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.
Basic Qualifications:
• 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.
Preferred Qualifications:
• 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.
Other Required Qualifications:
• Demonstrated communication skills.
• Collaboration with teams, managers and/or clients.
• Organization skills, including time management ability.
• Detail oriented.
Westat offers a well-rounded and comprehensive benefits program focused on wellness and work/life balance. Subject to plan requirements, employees may participate in:
This opportunity will be posted for a minimum of 5 days and applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis.
Westat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, gender identity or expression, or any other protected status under applicable law.
#LI-WST1
Westat is committed to building a diverse workforce and a culture of inclusivity, belonging and equity for all. We believe that our greatest strength draws on the different backgrounds, cultures, perspectives and experiences of our employees.
Job Summary:
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. Our work supports a range of federal, state, and nonprofit clients. You will lead work across topic areas in transportation managing the day-to-day activities of all phases of data collection tasks and/or projects including methods design, sample design and management, questionnaire development, field testing implementation, data quality review, and data analysis and reporting. Other tasks include proposal development (both technical and budget), scope of work development for contracts and subcontracts, contract management, monthly and quarterly financial analysis and reporting, and client services - project meetings, technical documentation, and overall product quality reviews. Data collection efforts which may involve administering surveys, interviews, site visits, observation protocols, and/or acquiring administrative data. The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience managing survey projects of varying sizes and modes and bring expertise in survey design and methods.
A hybrid work arrangement with 1-2 days on-site at a Westat office location is preferred, remote work arrangements will be considered.
Job 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.
Basic Qualifications:
• 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.
Preferred Qualifications:
• 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.
Other Required Qualifications:
• Demonstrated communication skills.
• Collaboration with teams, managers and/or clients.
• Organization skills, including time management ability.
• Detail oriented.
Westat offers a well-rounded and comprehensive benefits program focused on wellness and work/life balance. Subject to plan requirements, employees may participate in:
- 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
This opportunity will be posted for a minimum of 5 days and applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis.
Westat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, gender identity or expression, or any other protected status under applicable law.
#LI-WST1
