Senior Qualitative Researcher - Weather Decision-Making

careers-fedwriters; Norman (OK); Hybrid; USD 83,000 - 87,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Long-term Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

401(k) Plan

Holiday Pay

Paid Time Off

Job summary

FWI seeks a Social Science Research and Testbed Support Specialist to design and lead qualitative and mixed-methods research evaluating how forecasters and decision-makers use experimental severe weather forecasts. The role collaborates with HWT and other testbeds in Norman, Oklahoma.

Hybrid work setup with 90% on-site at NSSL/NWC and field deployments; duties include interviews, focus groups, surveys, and producing actionable research findings for forecast development and decision-support.

Qualifications

• MA/MS in a social science discipline, geography, meteorology, communication, psychology, sociology, emergency management, human factors, or related field (PhD preferred).
• 8+ years of professional or academic experience.
• Experience designing 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, protections, and ethics.
• Ability to work with interdisciplinary teams of social scientists, physical scientists, software developers, and practitioners.

Responsibilities

• Design and lead qualitative and mixed-methods research studies addressing hazardous weather forecasting and decision-making.
• Develop interview protocols, focus group guides, surveys, and related materials.
• Conduct in-person and virtual interviews with forecasters, emergency managers, and stakeholders.
• Facilitate focus groups, workshops, and user engagement activities.
• Support HWT and other testbeds with experiment design and participant coordination.
• Collaborate with scientists and developers to design evaluation strategies for forecasting tools.
• Analyze qualitative/mixed-methods data and synthesize actionable recommendations.
• Ensure IRB compliance and data management practices.
• Prepare technical documentation, summaries, and reports; contribute to publications and presentations.

Skills

Qualitative research

Mixed-methods

Interviewing

Focus groups

Surveys

IRB compliance

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Communication skills

Education

MA/MS or PhD preferred in a related field

Job description

FWI seeks a Social Science Research and Testbed Support Specialist to design and lead qualitative and mixed-methods research evaluating how forecasters and decision-makers use experimental severe weather forecasts. The role collaborates with HWT and other testbeds in Norman, Oklahoma.

Hybrid work setup with 90% on-site at NSSL/NWC and field deployments; duties include interviews, focus groups, surveys, and producing actionable research findings for forecast development and decision-support.