Senior Qualitative Research Lead - Weather & Decisions

FedWriters, Inc.; Norman (OK); Hybrid; USD 83,000 - 87,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

401(k) Plan

Holiday Pay

Paid Time Off

Job summary

FedWriters, Inc. is seeking a Social Science Research and Testbed Support Specialist to design and lead qualitative and mixed-methods research supporting NSSL. You will evaluate how forecasters and decision-makers use forecasts, shaping forecast technology and communication.

The role combines fieldwork with lab-like analysis at a national testbed environment. The position is full-time and hybrid, primarily at the National Weather Center in Norman, Oklahoma, with possible field deployments.

Qualifications

• MA/MS in a social science discipline or related field (PhD preferred).
• 8+ years of professional or academic experience.
• Experience designing and conducting qualitative or mixed-methods research (interviews, focus groups, surveys).
• Knowledge of social science methodologies and qualitative data analysis techniques.
• Experience developing research protocols, interview guides, focus group procedures, and surveys.
• Familiarity with human subjects research requirements (IRB, protections).
• Ability to work with interdisciplinary teams of scientists, developers, and practitioners.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement qualitative and mixed-methods research studies to address forecasting and decision-making questions.
• Develop interview protocols, guides, and survey instruments based on project objectives.
• Conduct in-person and virtual interviews with forecasters, emergency managers, and decision-makers.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagements to evaluate forecast technologies and workflows.
• Assist with experiment design, participant coordination, and transcription.
• Analyze qualitative datasets and synthesize actionable recommendations.
• Ensure IRB compliance and data management practices.

Skills

Qualitative research

Mixed-methods research

Interviews

Focus groups

Research dissemination

Education

MA/MS in social science (or related field)

PhD preferred

Job description

FedWriters, Inc. is seeking a Social Science Research and Testbed Support Specialist to design and lead qualitative and mixed-methods research supporting NSSL. You will evaluate how forecasters and decision-makers use forecasts, shaping forecast technology and communication.

The role combines fieldwork with lab-like analysis at a national testbed environment. The position is full-time and hybrid, primarily at the National Weather Center in Norman, Oklahoma, with possible field deployments.