Social Science Research and Testbed Support Specialist - Scientist IV

Design and implement qualitative and mixed-methods research studies related to hazardous weather forecasting, warning communication, and decision-making Develop interview protocols, focus group guides, survey instruments, and associated research materials Conduct in-person and virtual interviews with operational forecasters, emergency managers, decision-makers, and other stakeholders Facilitate focus groups, workshops, and user engagement activities evaluating emerging forecast and warning technologies, products, and services Support Hazardous Weather Testbed and other operational testbed activities through experiment design, participant coordination, facilitation, note-taking, and transcription Collaborate with physical scientists, developers, and operational partners on social science evaluation strategies Analyze qualitative and mixed-methods datasets using established methodologies and software tools Synthesize findings into recommendations for forecast product development, operational procedures, and decision-support services Ensure compliance with human subjects protections and IRB requirements Prepare technical documentation, research summaries, and project reports Contribute to quarterly and annual project reporting Lead or contribute to peer-reviewed publications and present findings at conferences, workshops, and stakeholder meetings Conduct field data collection, which may require irregular hours during active severe weather events Requirements MA/MS in a social science discipline, geography, meteorology, communication, psychology, sociology, emergency management, human factors, or a related field (PhD preferred) 8+ years of professional or academic experience Experience designing and conducting qualitative or mixed-methods research, including interviews, focus groups, and surveys Knowledge of social science research methodologies and qualitative data analysis techniques Experience developing research protocols, interview guides, focus group procedures, and survey instruments Familiarity with human subjects research requirements, including IRB processes, participant protections, and ethical research practices Experience facilitating stakeholder engagement activities, workshops, focus groups, or operational testbed experiments Demonstrated ability to collect, organize, analyze, and synthesize qualitative and mixed-methods datasets Strong written and oral communication skills, including experience preparing technical reports, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications Ability to work effectively with interdisciplinary teams of social scientists, physical scientists, software developers, and operational practitioners Willingness and ability to conduct in-person research activities, including field interviews, workshops, and testbed experiments Remote work arrangements must be reviewed and approved in advance by the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) Must complete an online IT security awareness course within one week of starting work Foreign national candidates are subject to export control review and require CO/COR approval prior to consideration Core Competencies Demonstrates expertise in designing and conducting qualitative and mixed-methods research, including the development of research protocols and stakeholder engagement activities. Proficient in analyzing qualitative datasets and synthesizing findings into actionable recommendations while ensuring compliance with ethical research practices. Highest-signal resume keywords Qualitative Research Design Mixed-Methods Research Human Subjects Research Compliance Stakeholder Engagement Facilitation Data Analysis and Synthesis Hard Skills Qualitative Data Analysis Survey Instrument Development Interview Protocol Development Focus Group Facilitation Technical Report Writing Research Methodologies Field Data Collection Experiment Design Data Organization Ethical Research Practices Soft Skills Strong Communication Skills Interdisciplinary Collaboration Organizational Skills Adaptability Teamwork Certifications & Qualifications IT Security Awareness Course Industry Keywords Hazardous Weather Forecasting Decision-Making Emergency Management IRB Requirements Social Science Evaluation Operational Testbed Activities Stakeholder Workshops Research Summaries Peer-Reviewed Publications Field Interviews #J-18808-Ljbffr Jobtailor