Senior Researcher, Mixed Methods

Accountabilities

• • Lead original applied research projects end-to-end, including developing research questions and hypotheses, designing studies, collecting data, conducting analysis, interpreting findings, and communicating conclusions.
  • Design and analyze randomized controlled trials, field experiments, survey experiments, quasi-experimental studies, longitudinal research, and other approaches to evaluate programs and interventions.
  • Integrate quantitative and qualitative methodologies, including surveys, interviews, focus groups, and open-ended data analysis, to understand behavioral drivers and intervention effectiveness.
  • Develop meaningful measures of attitudes, behaviors, engagement, and program impact to determine whether initiatives should be refined, expanded, scaled, or discontinued.
  • Identify high-value research questions, emerging methodologies, and innovative opportunities that can strengthen understanding of behavioral and social drivers of decarbonization.
  • Partner with program, organizing, communications, advocacy, civic engagement, and digital teams to translate organizational priorities into rigorous research initiatives and incorporate evidence into decision-making.
  • Build and manage research partnerships with academic researchers, community organizations, polling firms, vendors, and other external collaborators.
  • Exercise independent scientific judgment when determining the evidence required to answer consequential questions and the conclusions that can reasonably be drawn from research findings.
  • Translate complex research into clear findings, recommendations, presentations, reports, and other materials for technical and nontechnical audiences, including staff, funders, policymakers, and external partners.
  • Contribute to the development of behavioral science as an important tool for understanding and accelerating large-scale social, economic, and technological change.

  Requirements

  • PhD in psychology, political science, sociology, communication, behavioral science, public policy, evaluation, another relevant social science discipline, or equivalent advanced research training and experience.
  • Demonstrated ability to operate independently as a scientist, including developing original research questions, designing studies, evaluating evidence critically, and drawing well-supported conclusions.
  • Strong experience designing and conducting applied social or behavioral research, including randomized controlled trials, field experiments, survey experiments, and experimental or quasi-experimental studies.
  • Strong quantitative research capabilities covering statistical analysis, research design, causal inference, and evidence evaluation.
  • Experience conducting qualitative or mixed-methods research using approaches such as interviews, focus groups, surveys, and open-ended data analysis.
  • Proficiency with statistical and research software such as R, Python, Stata, SAS, SPSS, or comparable tools.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate sophisticated research findings clearly to both technical and nontechnical audiences.
  • Strong scientific judgment, curiosity, initiative, and entrepreneurial thinking, with the ability to independently manage multiple research projects and priorities.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, academic partners, external researchers, vendors, and organizational stakeholders.
  • Three or more years of research experience following completion of a doctoral degree is preferred.
  • Experience in areas such as renewable energy, climate or energy communications, public opinion, political behavior, elections, electric vehicle adoption, rural or agricultural communities, misinformation, persuasion, or related fields is preferred.
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage research projects from conception through delivery while maintaining methodological rigor and high-quality standards.

  Benefits

  • Annual salary of $100,000–$120,000, commensurate with experience.
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance, with employee and dependent premiums covered at approximately 95–100%.
  • 2–4 weeks of paid vacation annually, depending on seniority.
  • 13 paid holidays plus 2 floating holidays.
  • 2 weeks of paid office closure.
  • 10 days of paid sick leave annually.
  • 403(b) retirement plan with a 3% employer contribution/match.
  • Charitable giving program with a 1:1 match up to $250 per year, plus 2 paid volunteer days.
  • Education reimbursement of up to $1,500 per year.
  • Healthcare Flexible Spending Account and Health Savings Account options.
  • $200 monthly stipend for eligible expenses such as cellphone and wellness costs.
  • 8 weeks of paid sabbatical after 5 years of employment.
  • 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
  • Opportunity to work on research with meaningful social, economic, and environmental impact.
  • Collaborative environment combining behavioral research, data, communications, technology, and public engagement.