CDI Qualitative Researcher
About The Position
CDI is seeking project-based qualitative researchers (1099 contractors) to support large-scale qualitative studies examining campus culture. The initial phase of work will involve conducting virtual one-on-one and small-group interviews beginning in Spring 2026 (estimated start: April 1). This is a great fit for experienced qualitative researchers with strong interviewing and moderation skills, a high bar for documentation quality, and the ability to represent CDI with calm professionalism in complex group settings and with senior leaders. The work is deeply mission-driven: understanding the perspectives of campus stakeholders on charged issues of speech, academic freedom, and institutional trust.
Requirements
- 3+ years of applied qualitative research experience, including interviewing and small group moderating
- Familiarity with the dynamics of campus life, institutional culture, organizational development, or intergroup dialogue in higher education
- Able to work from structured guides while adjusting flexibly to the moment; your video transcripts can be used downstream by team members who were not in the interview
- Clear interview summaries that synthesize key interview takeaways, following CDI’s format
- Comfortable interfacing with skeptical or high-status stakeholders (e.g., faculty, senior leaders, students)
- Prior contract or freelance experience; used to ebbs/flows, can commit to scoped deliverables during project windows
- You show up on time, communicate clearly, handle data securely, and meet deadlines
- You must have access to a computer, dependable internet connection, a quiet, professional setting for conducting interviews, and be comfortable using Zoom
Nice To Haves
- Experience with video transcript tagging via a research repository like Dovetail
Responsibilities
- Conducting virtual interviews using structured guides that result in high-quality video recordings
- Applying research protocols consistently, identifying risks or deviations, and suggesting appropriate adjustments
- Producing clear, well-organized interview summaries that require minimal rework
- Synthesizing interview data across participants to identify patterns, themes, and key insights
- Tagging and organizing qualitative data according to an established coding framework
- Submitting research materials using established naming conventions and documentation standards
- Maintaining rapport, neutrality, and professionalism—even when participants are skeptical or challenging
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
Number of Employees
11-50 employees
