Senior Qualitative Researcher

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University

Department: School of Public Affairs

Time Type: Full time

Job Type:Limited Term Contract (Fixed Term)

FLSA Status:Exempt

Work Modality: Hybrid 01 (On Campus 3-4 Days/Week)

Union: Excluded

Job Description:

Summary:

Located at the forefront of research on polarization, extremism, hate, and radicalization, the Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab (PERIL) seeks to understand and address these societal challenges through rigorous scientific inquiry and meaningful community engagement. Adopting an evidence-based, preventative public health approach, our lab tackles issues surrounding extremism and radicalization with a focus on creating a more equitable society.

We are seeking a dedicated Senior Qualitative Researcher to contribute to our impactful projects and support our mission. The Senior Qualitative Researcher for the Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab (PERIL) will play a critical role in advancing our research and objectives. This position demands a highly skilled, qualitatively focused professional who can lead and contribute to groundbreaking research initiatives while building and maintaining strong relationships with funders and partners to further PERIL’s mission.

Essential Functions:

Leads research projects with support from the director of research and research team leadership, including conceptualizing projects and driving major decisions on research design. Serves as a primary contact for funders and partners, managing relationships to ensure alignment with project objectives. Oversees project progress, ensuring deadlines and deliverables are met by coordinating with staff and project managers, scheduling key meetings, and managing internal timelines. Responsible for data storage, ensuring proper archiving of internal and external work products. Leads most research methods within a project, particularly qualitative models, ensuring research is designed and conducted in alignment with project goals and that findings are effectively integrated across methodologies.

Supports research projects by contributing to qualitative and some quantitative research as a secondary support, including running data analysis for PERIL projects, assisting research teams in interpreting and contextualizing findings, and providing support for program evaluations of interventions and PERIL initiatives.

Determines content for research reports and briefs with significant input from the director of research and research leadership.

Presents research findings regularly to internal and external stakeholders, including PERIL directors, staff, funders, partners, and other professionals in the field. Presentations may include formal meetings with funders, academic conferences, PERIL workshops, and training.

Contributes to innovations in research theory and methodology, ensuring PERIL’s work remains at the forefront of the field.

Responds to media inquiries and requests related to PERIL research, effectively communicating findings to the public and relevant stakeholders.

Support for Collaborative Research: Conduct quantitative data analysis for additional PERIL research projects. Assist other research teams in interpreting and contextualizing quantitative data. Support program evaluation for interventions and PERIL initiatives. Determine content for research reports and briefs, with significant input from the director. Present research findings to internal teams, funders, partners, and broader professional audiences. This includes formal meetings, academic conferences, workshops, and training sessions. Contribute to innovations in theory and research methods. Respond to media inquiries related to PERIL research.

Analyze and synthesize white papers, research reports, and data into publishable academic manuscripts. Identify compelling findings and frame them according to journal standards and target audiences. Collaborate with team members to update statistical models or conduct supplementary analyses as needed for publication.

Identify appropriate journals for submission based on subject matter, impact factor, and audience reach. Tailor manuscripts to meet specific journal guidelines and thematic focuses. Lead or contribute to the peer-review process, addressing reviewer feedback and revising manuscripts as needed.

Collaborate with PERIL team members to pursue and secure at least two grants per year.

Perform any other unanticipated tasks that benefit PERIL and align with organizational goals.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

Full-Time.

35 hours a week.

Hybrid Schedule (1) – 3-4 days on campus, other days remote.

Position anticipated end date is June 30, 2027, based on funding.

This position is externally funded for two years and will be assessed for future work on projects.

Salary Range:

$75,000-$85,000/yr.

Required Education and Experience:

Master's degree.

3-5 years of relevant experience.

Preferred Education and Experience:

PhD.

4-6 years of relevant experience.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

Proven expertise in quantitative research methods, including statistical modeling and data analysis.

Strong publication track record in peer-reviewed journals, preferably within relevant domains (e.g., political science, sociology, psychology, or media studies).

Exceptional writing and editing skills, with the ability to transform technical documents into compelling scholarly articles.

Deep knowledge of the topics studied by the lab, including extremism, radicalization, misinformation, conspiracy theories, and male supremacy.

Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and collaborate effectively in a team-based environment.

Strong qualitative and quantitative research skills and ability to analyze and interpret quantitative data.

Sound judgment and decision-making skills.

Strong writing and presentation skills and ability to present to audiences without social science backgrounds.

Creative thinking and problem-solving skills Strong collaboration and team-building skills.

Exceptional organizational and time-management skills; practical judgment to move work forward; flexibility and ability to adapt to changing needs.

Excellent interpersonal skills as demonstrated in interactions with staff, partners, and other key stakeholders.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.

Other Details

Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.

Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.

Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

American University is an E-Verify employer.

Current American University Employees

American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email .

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.

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