Senior Researcher [Education, Public Health, Social Science]

Position Summary: The Senior Researcher role collaborates with our friendly team who designs and implements social science research, including program evaluation. Our main body of work is in education and public health; we are interested in growing our portfolio. We are seeking someone with 10+ years of professional experience as an applied researcher (or in a position with significant technical consulting management duties). Join us in making a positive impact in the world while helping to grow our statistical research firm in downtown Austin.

At Far Harbor (www.farharbor.com), we offer our clients expert research, analysis, and evaluation. We are a statistical consultancy established in 2000 based in Austin, TX. Our current clients are public entities and philanthropic organizations in education and public health. We enjoy a collegial work environment and are motivated to provide excellence to our clients through our scientific products, communication, and support.

Mission Statement

We help good people do great research for a better world.

Differentiating Values

-  We value accuracy and quality more than speed.

-  We prioritize partner success over personal prestige.

-  We are driven by evidence rather than ideology or agenda.

-  We deliver customized solutions rather than one-size-fits-all.

-  We regard social responsibility over the bottom line.

We seek an experienced applied social science researcher with extensive knowledge of research methods (design and implementation) along with excellent project management and consulting skills. A Senior Researcher on our team coordinates with leadership while helping manage team members on long-term client projects. In this role, you will consult with clients, lead and contribute to technical analytic work, produce client deliverables and presentations, oversee project plans, contribute to and / or lead business development efforts, mentor social science staff, and edit client products. There may also be opportunities to contribute to peer-reviewed publications.

Experience you bring to our team

• PhD (preferred) in sociology, education, economics, psychology, public health, or related social science (or Masters with strong experience)
• At least 10+ years of professional experience as an applied researcher (or in a position with significant technical consulting management duties)
• Proven track record managing projects and people
• Broad experience in scientific consulting to clients and partners
• History of excellent written materials and experience communicating with a variety of audiences
• Stata expertise preferred, or willingness and ability to learn Stata
• Experience estimating, developing, and managing project plans for research teams

A typical day for a Senior Researcher at Far Harbor 

• Nimbly switch between multiple projects, based on client cues and priorities [Skills: adaptability, communication, collaboration, customer service]
• Provide quality control and mentorship to colleagues on a variety of topics from Stata coding, to how best to display results, to how to craft a compelling story with data [Skills: technical statistics, collaboration and diversity, creativity, communication, mentorship, collegiality]
• Write and execute Stata code that answers applied questions using client and extant data [Skills: scientific expertise, programming, technical statistics, collaboration and diversity, creativity, communication, humility]
• Create clear and concise products to inform client decision-making [Skills: communication, technical statistics, creativity, collaboration and diversity]
• Go beyond surface-level answers to uncover patterns, identify groups of interest, creatively find solutions, and identify new research questions [Skills: curiosity, technical statistics, creativity, scientific expertise, communication, collaboration and diversity, growth mindset]
• Review and assess business development opportunities and occasionally lead pursuit of these opportunities [Skills: growth mindset, technical statistics, curiosity, creativity, business acumen, communication]
• Keep lines of communication smooth and open to help project management flow smoothly [Skills: communication, collaboration, customer service, mentorship, collegiality]

Starting salary is $118k-142k/year (based on experience) with annual cost of living adjustments, profit sharing, and bonuses based on company performance. Compensation package includes vacation, holidays, flex work benefits, and company-paid access to the on-site gym.

This is a hybrid full-time position at our downtown Austin TX office (Tues-Wed-Thur), with telework (Mon & Fri). Our modern offices include a fitness center with showers for walking/running/biking to work. Occasional travel may be required (2-3 trips per year for client meetings).

https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Far-Harbor,-LLC-1/jobs

Please make sure to include a detailed CV or resume with timeframes for your education, experience, and any specialized or technical skills relevant to the position. During the hiring process we may request example materials as well as a well-written cover letter referencing your primary qualifications, goals, work experience, and expertise that matches the technical and non-technical aspects of this position.

EEO Statement: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.

If you believe you can meet the overall expectations of the position, we encourage you to apply so we have an opportunity to learn more about you and the unique strengths you could bring to our work.

Please, no recruiters or contract agencies. Thank you for your interest.