Senior Social Science Researcher job posting for foundry10

Senior Social Science Researcher

Foundry10 is a philanthropic education research organization located in the University District neighborhood in Seattle. We work in collaboration with program developers and external partners to conduct research that expands how practitioners, communities, and other researchers think about learning. Foundry10 offers competitive salaries, benefits, and vacation time. This position is located in Seattle, WA and will require the candidate to work in the office when it is safe to do so.

Foundry10 is seeking a full-time social science researcher to join our expanding research team focused on supporting a variety of education programs and research projects. Senior Researchers have deep expertise in a few research methodologies (e.g., qualitative methods) or topics, which can serve as the basis for ongoing study and sharing. They are also experienced in a broad range of methodological/theoretical approaches and able to quickly learn about new types of research. As a social science researcher at foundry10, you will have a variety of opportunities including:

  • Develop generalizable research that is based on collaborations with program teams and outside partners as well as your own novel ideas and areas of expertise

  • Collaborate with program teams to design and carry out program evaluation efforts

  • Apply experience-based insights and research skills (e.g., data analysis techniques, knowledge of study design, visualizing and interpreting data) to innovative research

  • Oversee the execution of studies, to carry them out from conceptualization to final sharing

To be considered for this position, submit your resume or CV along with a cover letter explaining why this position in our company resonates with you to jobs@foundry10.org.

Qualifications

  • PhD in a social science field (e.g., education, psychology) preferred or masters degree in social science with a minimum of 5 years total experience as a lead researcher including masters program

  • Demonstrated experience in formulating research questions, designing multiple studies, seeing them through to completion, and publishing in peer-reviewed journals

  • Experience on a variety of projects with multiple stakeholders

  • Strong background in research ethics, particularly research ethics involving children and adolescents

  • Strong background in statistical software (e.g., R, SPSS)

  • Outstanding communication skills, both verbally and written, in interpersonal and research settings

  • Ability to work self-sufficiently and identify areas where processes could be improved 

  • Ability to cross multiple subject areas and quickly gain a basic understanding of new areas

Responsibilities

Research design and execution

  • Contribute to a multi-faceted approach that includes research studies, program design and implementation, and supporting educators that are taking an innovative approach to learning

  • Create a balanced portfolio of research that includes original research, deep research partnership collaborations with programs teams, and research that draws together threads and themes across programs

  • Develop interesting and important questions regarding education and experiences with learning 

  • Facilitate collaboration with outside partners (e.g., educators, non-profit organizations) to design research 

  • Gain background knowledge and expertise in other related/unrelated fields within the organization’s  domains

  • Use both qualitative and quantitative methodologies and analysis strategies

  • Design surveys/program evaluations and remain fluent in existing methodologies/resources to streamline the research process

  • Employ a strong propensity to investigate topics and an ability to redirect/close off lines of inquiry not likely to result in useful findings

Sharing research findings

  • Develop depth in a specific subject area or construct, and share these findings with multiple stakeholders on an ongoing basis (e.g., research community, educators, families) 

  • Work collaboratively with other teams to communicate actionable insights to various learning and research communities/fields as well as with lay-people in the educational community.

  • Interface with the Sharing Team to communicate research findings through a variety of formats such as White Papers, Brief Reports, videos, infographics, and social media

  • Represent the organization at conferences, within publications, and face-to-face with a variety of community partners

  • Take a leadership role in publishing peer-reviewed research in well-regarded journals in collaboration with colleagues on and off the research team

Research support and training

  • Actively read and engage with current research and bring new knowledge to the organization and their team as a result of engagement with relevant topics

  • Support colleagues in developing skills to understand what is valuable and impactful research 

We’re interested in hearing from researchers with a wide range of experience, but we are particularly interested in applicants with backgrounds/experience in one or more of the following areas:

  • Education Research or Educational Psychology

  • Background in educational programs or schools

  • Background in social and emotional learning (SEL)

Foundry10 is committed to creating a diverse environment where everyone can bring their full selves to work. Employment decisions are based on merit and business needs. The organization strives to provide a work environment free from discrimination and harassment because of a protected characteristic. Foundry10 does not discriminate against employees or applicants based on race, color, creed, citizenship, status, national origin, ancestry, gender, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, age, religion, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, physical or mental disability, marital status, parental status, veteran status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to assist individuals with disabilities with the application and interviewing process as well as essential job functions. If you have questions about the accessibility of our office environment, please reach out to jobs@foundry10.org.