Survey Center Research Scientist

The School of Humanities and Sciences (H&S) is the foundation of a liberal arts education at Stanford. The school encompasses 24 departments and 25 interdisciplinary programs. H&S is home to fundamental and applied research, where free, open, and critical inquiry is pursued across disciplines.

POSITION SUMMARY: Stanford’s Institute for Research in the Social Sciences (IRiSS) seeks to hire a Survey Research Scientist [Academic Program Professional 2] to launch the Stanford Institute for Excellence in Survey Research (SIESR) focused on providing survey research guidance to the Stanford community and analyzing survey data and developing reports for the Public Pulse project.

This is an outstanding opportunity to be on the ground floor of an exciting and innovative new initiative at Stanford University. The position requires a person with a demonstrated ability to initiate, develop, and manage projects, and get things accomplished, who has training and experience in survey research and survey methods.

The position is responsible for working with Stanford faculty and graduate students on the design and fielding of surveys, and analysis of survey data. Additional critical components of the job will include: identifying surveys done with high quality methods; overseeing the development and management of a set of dynamic databases on American public opinion; sourcing or building systems for monitoring and analyzing incoming data on a continuous basis; and developing narratives and visual representations that summarize the results.

The job also involves writing and editing content for proposals, peer-reviewed publications, and other program activities under the general direction of the faculty director, institute director and advisory board leadership. The incumbent will assist with the development of research grants, including exploring new funding opportunities, writing portions of the grant proposals, and summarizing data needs and data findings.

Qualified applicants should be able to demonstrate experience in these areas:

• Successfully spearheading new, long-term research-oriented initiatives
• Project management, from start to successful completion
• Familiarity with the numerous sources of public opinion data in America
• Ability to manage the electronic collection and vetting of survey results
• Familiarity with the questionnaire design literature
• Clarity and efficiency in describing survey results and producing written reports

This is a 100% FTE, exempt position for a two-year term, with the possibility of extension based on funding and performance. The position is eligible for a full range of benefits. This position will be based on the Stanford campus and is eligible for a hybrid schedule, based on organizational need.

CORE DUTIES:

• Consult with faculty and students on the design and administration of surveys and analysis of data, including support for proposal development that includes a survey research component.
• Source, collect and analyze data. This work includes writing scripts to produce efficient, documented and reproducible methods of data collection, and creating databases where the data is held and made publicly available.
• Develop a list of tip sheets on best practices for survey research, and promote awareness of this information to the research community.
• Write and edit complex content for proposals, peer-reviewed publications, and other program activities under the general direction of PI. Assist with the development of research grants.
• Contribute to and inform strategic program planning and related funding and financial sustainability.
• Develop and manage research activities, making recommendations that impact policies and programs, and coordinating and implementing changes.
• Identify, recommend and implement opportunities for new research.
• Represent the program or function as the key contact and subject matter expert within the department, unit or school and develop communications for internal and external constituencies. Organize and/or participate in outreach activities such as events, partnerships, fundraising, training, and conferences. Lead workshops and facilitate meetings.
• Monitor expenses, budgets, and finances of the program. Make recommendations on funding based on program spending.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: A PhD in a social science, with a particular emphasis on and experience in survey research and survey methods is highly preferred. Program administration and research experience are required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Entrepreneurship, managing, and enthusiasm for the development of a new venture
• Data engineering, automation & packaging
• Scientific computing, open science & FAIR Data principles
• Data management, analysis, and wrangling
• Demonstrated oral, written, and analytical skills, exhibiting fluency in area of specialization.
• Ability to oversee and provide basic direction to staff.
• Highly desired: Academic interest in advancing the frontiers of survey methodology.

The expected pay range for this position is $116,966 to $150,114 per annum.