Senior Research Scientist (Problem Gambling)

Education Development Center, Inc; Waltham (MA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Part time

Job summary

Education Development Center (EDC) seeks a Senior Research Scientist to lead and expand a growing portfolio on problem gambling and related behavioral health issues.

The role includes directing rigorous research, building partnerships, translating findings for practice and policy, and securing external funding. This is a Part-Time (50%) benefits-eligible position reporting to the Distinguished Scholar for the Be Well Transformation Area.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in public health, psychology, epidemiology, or related field.
• Deep content expertise in problem gambling and related behavioral health.
• Proven PI/Co-PI on research, evaluation, or TA projects.
• Strong record of externally funded work and grant experience.
• Advanced skills in quantitative methods and data management.
• Excellent written and oral communication translating findings for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead and grow EDC's research portfolio on problem gambling and behavioral health.
• Serve as Principal Investigator on multiple projects, providing direction from design to dissemination.
• Provide leadership in study design, analytics, and interpretation of results.
• Oversee data collection, management, and validation for rigor and quality.
• Conceptualize and write competitive proposals to expand the portfolio.
• Develop funding opportunities and cultivate relationships with funders.
• Produce high-quality reports, manuscripts, and presentations for diverse audiences.
• Present findings at conferences and in peer‑reviewed publications.
• Mentor project teams and ensure compliance and capacity building.
• Travel nationally or internationally as needed.

Skills

Quantitative methods

Proposal writing

Communication skills

Mentoring

Team leadership

Education

Doctoral degree

Job description

Company Description

EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT CENTER (EDC)

Education Development Center (EDC) is a global nonprofit that works with partners to advance every person's journey to learn, work, and be well. For more than 65 years, EDC has partnered with communities, governments, and private sector to improve education, workforce development and health outcomes.

By combining interdisciplinary expertise with real-world experience, EDC works across these pillars to design, implement, and scale evidence-based solutions that help partners address complex challenges and create lasting change.

Founded in 1958, EDC today brings together a global team working across the United States and around the world. Our diverse portfolio of programs is supported by federal agencies, philanthropic foundations, multilateral institutions, and corporate partners.

Job Description

EDC seeks a Senior Research Scientist to lead and expand a growing portfolio of work on problem gambling and related behavioral health issues. In this role, the Senior Research Scientist will design and direct rigorous research and evaluation studies; build partnerships with community, governmental, and philanthropic organizations; translate findings into practice and policy; and cultivate and secure external funding to sustain and grow this body of work over time.

This is a Part-Time (50%) benefits eligible position. The person in this role will report to the Distinguished Scholar for EDC's Be Well Transformation Area.

A strong candidate is currently under consideration.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The person in this position is expected to communicate clearly and courteously; to develop and maintain positive relationships with clients, consultants, collaborators, co-workers, field sites, and funders; and to work respectfully with EDC colleagues. The job requires adherence to EDC policies & procedures.

• Lead and grow EDC's portfolio of research, evaluation, and prevention initiatives focused on problem gambling and related behavioral health issues.
• Serve as Principal Investigator on multiple, complex projects, providing scientific and strategic direction from design through dissemination.
• Provide leadership in quantitative research methods, including study design, advanced analytics, and interpretation of findings.
• Oversee data collection, management, and validation processes to ensure rigor, quality, and reliability.
• Conceptualize and write competitive proposals (or major sections), including research, evaluation, and technical assistance projects that expand this body of work.
• Lead business development efforts by identifying funding opportunities, cultivating relationships with funders, and shaping a long-term growth strategy for the problem gambling portfolio.
• Produce high-quality written products, including reports, manuscripts, briefs, and other complex materials for diverse audiences.
• Develop and deliver high-visibility presentations at conferences, briefings, and stakeholder meetings; contribute actively to peer-reviewed publications.
• Build and sustain strategic partnerships with government agencies, community and professional organizations, and university collaborators to strengthen the field.
• Mentor and guide project teams, fostering constructive feedback, building capacity, and promoting high standards for quality and compliance.
• Oversee key administrative and logistical aspects of the portfolio and troubleshoot complex implementation challenges to ensure successful delivery.
• May travel nationally or internationally.

Qualifications

This position requires educational achievement; excellent writing skills; demonstrable initiative, creativity, and flexibility; ability to work independently and effectively in groups; and strong interpersonal & organizational skills. Specific requirements:

• Doctoral degree (e.g., PhD, ScD, DrPH, or equivalent) in public health, psychology, epidemiology, social/behavioral sciences, or a related field.
• Deep content expertise in problem gambling and/or closely related areas (e.g., gambling disorder, addictions, behavioral health prevention).
• Demonstrated success serving as Principal Investigator or Co-PI on research, evaluation, or technical assistance projects.
• Strong record of externally funded work, including experience leading or substantially contributing to competitive proposals.
• Advanced skills in quantitative research methods (e.g., experimental/quasi-experimental designs, longitudinal analysis, multilevel modeling) and data management.
• Proven ability to conceptualize, design, and execute complex, multi-site or multi-method projects.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to translate technical findings for policymakers, practitioners, and community audiences.
• Substantial record of peer-reviewed publications and professional presentations relevant to behavioral health, problem gambling, or other risk behaviors.

Additional Information

EDC affirms its steadfast commitment to uphold the highest standards of conduct, ensuring the protection of all individuals from misconduct, and maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards any violation of these rights. Safeguarding refers to the measures and practices put in place to protect individuals, particularly vulnerable groups, from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future visa sponsorship. At this time, the EDC is unable to support employment-based visa sponsorship.

EDC is a smoke-free workplace, and offers a supportive work environment, competitive salary, and excellent benefits.

Total Rewards:

EDC offers the following comprehensive benefits package for all eligible employees:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid holidays
• Generous vacation benefits for full- and part-time employees
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Pre-tax transport benefit
• Robust retirement plan with TIAA/CREF (Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association/College Retirement Equities Fund)
• Paid sick time and personal time annually
• Parental leave
• Employee assistance program

The starting full-timeequivalentbase salary range for this position is $103,000 - $140,000.