Senior Researcher, Mixed Methods

POWER USA; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

GoodPower is seeking a Senior Researcher to join the Good Data Lab and lead rigorous applied research on attitudes, social context, and decarbonization. The role develops original questions across programs and translates findings into stronger interventions.

This remote position reports to the Chief Research Officer, with travel to departmental meetings and events. Strong quantitative and qualitative skills and a PhD in a social science field are preferred.

Qualifications

• PhD in psychology, political science, sociology, communication, behavioral science, public policy, evaluation, or related social science.
• Independent scientist with ability to develop questions, design studies, and draw conclusions.
• Strong experience in applied social/behavioral research including experiments.
• Quantitative skills: statistics, design, and causal inference.
• Experience with qualitative or mixed-methods research.
• Proficiency with R, Python, Stata, SAS, SPSS or similar tools.
• Excellent written and oral communication; able to translate findings for varied audiences.
• Entrepreneurial, self-directed, and capable of leading multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Independent research: lead original research from hypothesis to dissemination.
• Experimental and causal research: design/analyze RCTs, field/survey experiments, quasi-experiments.
• Mixed-methods research: integrate quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Measurement and evaluation: develop measures of attitudes, engagement and impact.
• Research strategy and innovation: identify high-value questions and methods.
• Cross-department collaboration: work with program, communications, and policy teams.
• Research partnerships: collaborate with academics and external partners.
• Synthesize findings into clear recommendations and presentations.

Skills

Independent research

Applied social research

Quantitative analysis

Qualitative methods

Communication skills

Entrepreneurial mindset

Independent project leadership

Education

PhD in social science

3+ years post-PhD research experience

Tools

R

Python

Stata

SAS

SPSS

Job description

Remote-based in the US

Overview

GoodPower is a global organization working to unlock the economic potential of decarbonization through research, innovation, strategic communications, and disruptive technology. We focus on advancing more affordable and reliable energy, expanding economic opportunity, strengthening energy security, supporting healthier and more resilient communities, and accelerating the transition to a predictable, secure, modern low-carbon economy.

Operating at the intersection of data, digital media, emerging technology, behavioral research, and public engagement, GoodPower develops and deploys scalable strategies designed to accelerate the adoption of decarbonized technologies and infrastructure—including renewable energy, regenerative agriculture, energy storage, and electric transportation. Our work combines rigorous research and experimentation with advanced communications and innovation capabilities to better understand public attitudes, test effective interventions, and help build the social, economic, and market conditions necessary for large-scale transformation.

GoodPower is at a pivotal stage of organizational growth as we approach completion of the first year of our 2030 Strategic Plan. Over the next five years, we intend to significantly expand our reach, capabilities, and impact—investing deeply in innovation, AI-enabled systems, data and analytics, research and development, and next-generation communications infrastructure to help accelerate the global energy transition and the economic opportunities it creates.

Job Summary

GoodPower is an evidence-based, nimble, and adaptive organization that routinely evaluates our programs to measure impact. Over the last decade, we have continually tested and refined our approach, and have successfully built a set of program offerings that blend cost-efficiency, rigor, scale, and measurable impact. Our programs have demonstrated success through external evaluation, including with partners at Stanford, Yale, and George Mason Universities. We also collaborate regularly with research partners such as Analyst Institute, GrowProgress, One Minus Beta, and Tufts University’s Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE).

The Senior Researcher will serve as a key scientist within GoodPower’s Good Data Lab, designing and leading rigorous applied research to understand how attitudes, social context, communication, and behavior shape progress toward decarbonization. The role will develop original research questions and studies across GoodPower’s program areas, including renewable energy development and siting, electric vehicle adoption, civic and electoral participation, public opinion, renewable energy and agriculture, misinformation, persuasion, and related areas.

GoodPower aims to help establish behavioral science as a critical part of the decarbonization toolkit. The Senior Researcher will help build the evidence base for that work by testing whether interventions change meaningful outcomes, understanding why and for whom they work, and translating those findings into stronger programs and strategies. The role will use experimental, quasi-experimental, qualitative, and mixed-methods approaches and will be expected to exercise independent scientific judgment from initial question development through interpretation and application of results.

This position reports to the Chief Research Officer. Travel will be required to departmental meetings, staff retreats, and other events to represent the department and organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Independent research: Develop and lead original research from question and hypothesis development through study design, data collection, analysis, interpretation, and communication. Exercise scientific judgment about what evidence is needed to answer consequential questions and what conclusions the evidence supports.
• Experimental and causal research: Design and analyze randomized controlled trials, field and survey experiments, quasi-experimental studies, longitudinal research, and other approaches to measuring the effects of GoodPower programs and interventions.
• Mixed-methods research: Integrate quantitative and qualitative methods—including surveys, interviews, focus groups, and other approaches—to understand not only whether interventions work, but why, for whom, and under what conditions.
• Measurement and evaluation: Develop meaningful measures of attitudes, behavior, engagement, and program impact, and help determine whether interventions should be refined, expanded, scaled, or discontinued.
• Research strategy and innovation: Identify high-value research questions, emerging methods, and new opportunities to strengthen GoodPower’s understanding of behavioral and social drivers of decarbonization.
• Cross-department collaboration: Partner with program, organizing, communications, advocacy, civic engagement, and digital teams to translate organizational priorities into rigorous research and integrate evidence into program design and decision-making.
• Research partnerships: Collaborate with academic researchers, community partners, polling firms, vendors, and other external organizations to design and execute high-quality research.
• Sharing results and learnings: Synthesize research into clear findings, recommendations, presentations, and written products for staff, funders, partners, policymakers, and other technical and nontechnical audiences.

Qualifications

• A PhD in psychology, political science, sociology, communication, behavioral science, public policy, evaluation, or another relevant social science field, or equivalent advanced research training and experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work as an independent scientist, including developing original research questions, designing studies, critically evaluating evidence, and drawing well-supported conclusions.
• Strong experience designing and conducting applied social or behavioral research, including randomized controlled trials, field or survey experiments, and other experimental or quasi-experimental designs.
• Strong quantitative research skills, including statistical analysis, research design, and causal inference.
• Experience with qualitative or mixed-methods research, including interviews, focus groups, or analysis of open-ended data.
• Proficiency with statistical and research software such as R, Python, Stata, SAS, SPSS, or similar tools.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to translate complex research findings for technical and nontechnical audiences.
• Entrepreneurial and self-directed, with strong scientific judgment and comfort independently leading multiple research projects.
• Three or more years of research experience following completion of a doctoral degree and experience in one or more GoodPower issue areas are preferred.

This description reflects GoodPower’s assignment of essential functions; it does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. GoodPower retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position at any time. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. GoodPower has a zero-tolerance standard for abuse and inappropriate behavior by staff members.

Compensation, Benefits, and Perks

• Annual salary range: $100,000-120,000, commensurate with experience
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with employee and dependent premiums paid at 95-100% by GoodPower.
• 2-4 weeks of paid vacation annually, depending on seniority
• 13 paid holidays and 2 floating holidays
• 2 weeks of US office closure
• 10 days of paid sick leave annually.
• 403(b) with 3% employer contribution/match.
• Charitable giving: 1:1 match for charitable contributions ($250 per year), plus 2 paid days off for volunteering.
• Education reimbursement up to $1,500 per year.
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings options
• Stipend of $200/month (for cell phone, wellness expenses, etc.)
• 8 weeks of paid sabbatical after 5 years of employment
• 8 weeks of paid parental leave

GoodPower is an equal-opportunity employer that highly values diversity, equity, and inclusion and views the climate crisis as a social justice crisis. People who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), people who experience gender oppression, people with disabilities, and people who identify as members of the LGBTQIA+ community are particularly encouraged to apply.