Senior Social Science Research & Testbed Specialist

Jobtailor; Norman (OK); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor in Norman, Oklahoma, is seeking an experienced social science researcher to design and conduct qualitative and mixed-methods studies on hazardous weather forecasting, warning communication, and decision-making. You will develop interview protocols, focus group guides, and survey instruments, and conduct in-person and virtual interviews with forecasters, emergency managers, and other stakeholders.

This role emphasizes stakeholder engagement, ethical research practices, and reporting

Qualifications

• Experience designing and conducting 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, participant protections, and ethical research practices.
• Strong written and oral communication skills for reports and publications.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement qualitative and mixed-methods research studies related to hazardous weather forecasting, warning communication, and decision-making
• Develop interview protocols, focus group guides, survey instruments, and associated research materials
• Conduct in-person and virtual interviews with forecasters, emergency managers, decision-makers, and stakeholders
• Facilitate focus groups, workshops, and user engagement activities evaluating forecast technologies and services
• Support testbed activities through experiment design, coordination, facilitation, and transcription
• Collaborate with scientists, developers, and partners on social science evaluation strategies
• Analyze qualitative and mixed-methods datasets using established methodologies
• Synthesize findings into recommendations for forecast product development and procedures
• Ensure compliance with human subjects protections and IRB requirements
• Prepare technical documentation, research summaries, and project reports
• Contribute to quarterly and annual reporting
• Lead or contribute to peer-reviewed publications and present findings
• Conduct field data collection, including irregular hours during severe weather events

Skills

Qualitative Research Design

Mixed-Methods Research

IRB Compliance

Stakeholder Engagement

Technical Report Writing

Field Interviews

Data Analysis

Education

MA/MS in a social science discipline, geography, meteorology, communication, psychology, sociology, emergency management, human factors, or a related field (PhD preferred)

Tools

Qualitative Data Analysis software

Job description

Jobtailor in Norman, Oklahoma, is seeking an experienced social science researcher to design and conduct qualitative and mixed-methods studies on hazardous weather forecasting, warning communication, and decision-making. You will develop interview protocols, focus group guides, and survey instruments, and conduct in-person and virtual interviews with forecasters, emergency managers, and other stakeholders.

This role emphasizes stakeholder engagement, ethical research practices, and reporting