Academic ConnectSurvey 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. As the university’s largest school, H&S serves as the foundation of a Stanford undergraduate education no matter which discipline students pursue as a major. Graduate students work alongside world-renowned faculty to pursue and shape foundational research that leads to breakthroughs and discoveries that shed new light on the past, influence the present, and shape the future. Together, faculty and students in H&S engage in inspirational teaching, learning, and research every day.
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, with the aim to support Stanford researchers in the study of human behavior and measurement of public opinion by facilitating survey research and securing grants; advancing survey methodology with the aim of producing more accurate and reliable surveys; and informing policy debates by disseminating findings not only to academics, but also to media, policymakers, and industry. These are exciting times for survey research across the social sciences, within academia and outside. Never before has so much survey research been done and has it had so much impact on academic scholarship, on government policymaking, and on business decision making. SIESR is committed to advancing the methods, credibility and understanding of the best practices in survey research.
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. This will be an extraordinary opportunity for someone who holds a strong commitment to the value of survey research in the nation’s social and political discourse, who is immersed in the details and nuances of survey research and survey methods, and who relishes the chance to direct and manage a startup initiative, breaking new ground.
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, in keeping with current standards and best practices in open science; sourcing or building systems for monitoring and analyzing incoming data on a continuous basis; and developing narratives and visual representations that summarize the results, suitable for presentation to academic and non-academic audiences.
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.
If you believe that this opportunity is a match for your knowledge, skills and abilities, we encourage you to apply. Thank you for considering employment opportunities with the School of Humanities and Sciences.
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 (1) writing scripts in order to produce efficient, documented and reproducible methods of data collection, (2) 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, (i.e., may suggest new funding opportunities, write portions of grants, and/or summarize data for grant support).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 meetingsMonitor 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 ventureData engineering, automation & packagingScientific computing, open science & FAIR Data principlesData management, analysis, and wranglingDemonstrated oral, written, and analytical skills, exhibiting fluency in area of specialization.Ability to oversee and provide basic direction to staff.
Highly desired knowledge, skills and abilities include:
- Academic interest in advancing the frontiers of survey methodology
The expected pay range for this position is $116,966 to $150,114 per annum.
Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.
At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.