Research Scientist, Demography and Survey Sciences

Meta; New York (NY); On-site; USD 177,000 - 247,000; Full time

Job summary

Meta seeks a Research Scientist in Demography and Survey Sciences to own research end-to-end. You will navigate trade-offs while designing projects, proposing methodologies, analyzing data, and communicating results to broad audiences to drive decisions.

Qualified candidates will have 8+ years in quantitative research and expertise in measurement, causal inference, and AI-enabled methods, with strong Python/R and SQL skills and experience with large relational datasets.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in quantitative research, survey methodology, or a related field.
• Advanced degree in economics, political science, sociology, psychology, or related quantitative field.
• Experience designing original research to address complex questions.
• Strong data manipulation and analysis skills in Python/R, SQL.

Responsibilities

• Shape the research agenda and drive projects end-to-end.
• Collaborate with product teams to define survey methodology questions and measurement.
• Apply quantitative methods to answer research questions and provide actionable insights.
• Develop novel approaches when traditional methods fall short.
• Provide teams with measurement strategies to support product and business decisions.
• Communicate analyses and results clearly to executives and other stakeholders.

Skills

Quantitative research

Survey methodology

Causal inference

Econometrics

Regression modeling

Data analysis

Python/R

SQL

Education

Bachelor's/Master's/Ph.D. in social sciences or quantitative field

Tools

Python

R

SQL

Job description

The Demography and Survey Science team's mission is to improve the way we make decisions and measure impact both within and outside of Meta. We collect and analyze rich survey and behavioral datasets to understand new challenges, solve problems, and shape decisions. We are looking for quantitative social scientists with experience answering complex research questions to join us in this effort. Our interdisciplinary team includes those with expertise in statistical inference, survey methodology, causal inference and econometrics, regression modeling, exploratory data analysis, and mathematical demography, among other areas. In this role, you'll own research end-to-end. This means you'll navigate trade-offs while designing projects, proposing appropriate methodologies, analyzing data, and communicating results to broad audiences in order to drive impactful decisions. Qualified candidates may include social scientists, applied statisticians, or other applied researchers with expertise in quantitative research methods, experience working with large datasets and relational databases, and experience with survey methodology (e.g., bias correction, sampling). We are looking for candidates who can demonstrate methodological rigor, demonstrated communication skills, and experience making research design choices that balance competing tradeoffs effectively.

Research Scientist, Demography and Survey Sciences Responsibilities

• Help shape the research agenda and drive research projects from end-to-end
• Collaborate with product teams to define relevant questions about survey methodology and quantitative measurement
• Deploy appropriate quantitative methodologies to answer those questions
• Develop novel approaches where traditional methods won’t do
• Provide teams with usable measurement strategies and methodologies to meet their product and business decision needs
• Deliver insights and recommendations clearly to relevant audiences

Minimum Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in quantitative research, survey methodology, or a related field
• Bachelor's, Master's or Ph.D. in the social sciences (e.g., Economics, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology, Communication), or in a quantitative field (e.g., Statistics, Informatics, Econometrics)
• Demonstrated experience in designing original research to address complex questions
• Demonstrated expertise in data manipulation and analysis software and programming languages (Python/R, SQL)
• Expertise and applied experience in measurement (e.g., survey design and analysis, experiment design, bias correction, measurement models, data collection, log data) and statistical inference (e.g., causal, Bayesian, machine learning)
• Experience initiating and driving research projects to completion with minimal guidance
• Experience communicating analyses and results to any audience, including executives
• Demonstrated experience in distilling and communicating research insights to influence the thinking, decision-making, and actions of diverse audiences

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements)
• Experience with qualitative methods such as focus groups, in-depth interviewing, cognitive testing
• Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)
• Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies
• Experience working with executive or leadership-level stakeholders
• Experience working with online survey panel vendors (e.g., YouGov, Ipsos, Kantar, SSRS)
• Experience translating often abstract stakeholder requests into actionable research plans

About Meta

Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affiliation Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.

Reasonable Accommodations

Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at [e-mail].

Compensation

$177,000/year to $247,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits

Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.