Senior Researcher, Mixed Methods

GoodPower•, (Multiple States)

8d•$100,000 - $120,000•Remote

About The Position

GoodPower is an evidence-based, nimble, and adaptive organization that routinely evaluates our programs to measure impact. Over the last decade, we have continually tested and refined our approach, and have successfully built a set of program offerings that blend cost-efficiency, rigor, scale, and measurable impact. Our programs have demonstrated success through external evaluation, including with partners at Stanford, Yale, and George Mason Universities. We also collaborate regularly with research partners such as Analyst Institute, GrowProgress, One Minus Beta, and Tufts University’s Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE). The Senior Researcher will serve as a key scientist within GoodPower’s Good Data Lab, designing and leading rigorous applied research to understand how attitudes, social context, communication, and behavior shape progress toward decarbonization. The role will develop original research questions and studies across GoodPower’s program areas, including renewable energy development and siting, electric vehicle adoption, civic and electoral participation, public opinion, renewable energy and agriculture, misinformation, persuasion, and related areas. GoodPower aims to help establish behavioral science as a critical part of the decarbonization toolkit. The Senior Researcher will help build the evidence base for that work by testing whether interventions change meaningful outcomes, understanding why and for whom they work, and translating those findings into stronger programs and strategies. The role will use experimental, quasi-experimental, qualitative, and mixed-methods approaches and will be expected to exercise independent scientific judgment from initial question development through interpretation and application of results. This position reports to the Chief Research Officer. Travel will be required to departmental meetings, staff retreats, and other events to represent the department and organization.

Requirements

A PhD in psychology, political science, sociology, communication, behavioral science, public policy, evaluation, or another relevant social science field, or equivalent advanced research training and experience.
Demonstrated ability to work as an independent scientist, including developing original research questions, designing studies, critically evaluating evidence, and drawing well-supported conclusions.
Strong experience designing and conducting applied social or behavioral research, including randomized controlled trials, field or survey experiments, and other experimental or quasi-experimental designs.
Strong quantitative research skills, including statistical analysis, research design, and causal inference.
Experience with qualitative or mixed-methods research, including interviews, focus groups, or analysis of open-ended data.
Proficiency with statistical and research software such as R, Python, Stata, SAS, SPSS, or similar tools.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to translate complex research findings for technical and nontechnical audiences.
Entrepreneurial and self-directed, with strong scientific judgment and comfort independently leading multiple research projects.

Nice To Haves

Three or more years of research experience following completion of a doctoral degree and experience in one or more GoodPower issue areas are preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and lead original research from question and hypothesis development through study design, data collection, analysis, interpretation, and communication. Exercise scientific judgment about what evidence is needed to answer consequential questions and what conclusions the evidence supports.
Design and analyze randomized controlled trials, field and survey experiments, quasi-experimental studies, longitudinal research, and other approaches to measuring the effects of GoodPower programs and interventions.
Integrate quantitative and qualitative methods—including surveys, interviews, focus groups, and other approaches—to understand not only whether interventions work, but why, for whom, and under what conditions.
Develop meaningful measures of attitudes, behavior, engagement, and program impact, and help determine whether interventions should be refined, expanded, scaled, or discontinued.
Identify high-value research questions, emerging methods, and new opportunities to strengthen GoodPower’s understanding of behavioral and social drivers of decarbonization.
Partner with program, organizing, communications, advocacy, civic engagement, and digital teams to translate organizational priorities into rigorous research and integrate evidence into program design and decision-making.
Collaborate with academic researchers, community partners, polling firms, vendors, and other external organizations to design and execute high-quality research.
Synthesize research into clear findings, recommendations, presentations, and written products for staff, funders, partners, policymakers, and other technical and nontechnical audiences.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance with employee and dependent premiums paid at 95-100% by GoodPower.
2-4 weeks of paid vacation annually, depending on seniority
13 paid holidays and 2 floating holidays
2 weeks of US office closure
10 days of paid sick leave annually.
403(b) with 3% employer contribution/match.
Charitable giving: 1:1 match for charitable contributions ($250 per year), plus 2 paid days off for volunteering.
Education reimbursement up to $1,500 per year.
Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings options
Stipend of $200/month (for cell phone, wellness expenses, etc.)
8 weeks of paid sabbatical after 5 years of employment
8 weeks of paid parental leave