Survey Center Research Scientist and Public Pulse Project Director

The School of Humanities and Sciences (H&S) is the foundation of a liberal arts education at Stanford. The school encompasses 24 departments and 25 interdisciplinary programs. H&S is home to fundamental and applied research, where free, open, and critical inquiry is pursued across disciplines. As the university’s largest school, H&S serves as the foundation of a Stanford undergraduate education no matter which discipline students pursue as a major. Graduate students work alongside world-renowned faculty to pursue and shape foundational research that leads to breakthroughs and discoveries that shed new light on the past, influence the present, and shape the future. Together, faculty and students in H&S engage in inspirational teaching, learning, and research every day.

POSITION SUMMARY: Stanford’s Institute for Research in the Social Sciences seeks to hire a Survey Research Scientist (Academic Program Professional 2) to launch a new center in survey research excellence. This is an outstanding opportunity to be on the ground floor of an exciting and innovative new initiative in survey research and public opinion at Stanford University. The position requires a person with training and experience in survey research and survey methods, a person with a focus on public policy and how public opinion is used in a representative democracy, and a person with a demonstrated ability to manage, take on projects, and get things accomplished. This will be an extraordinary opportunity for someone who holds a strong commitment to the value of survey research in the nation’s social and political discourse, who is immersed in the details and nuances of survey research and survey methods, and who relishes the chance to direct and manage a startup initiative, breaking new ground.

The position is responsible for two related functions within the Stanford Center for Excellence in Survey Research at the Institute for Research in the Social Sciences. One function is focused on the Public Pulse Project, a large-scale, ongoing operation that will gather, evaluate, review and issue reports on the state of American public opinion on a wide range of important issues facing the country. The Public Pulse Project Director will be the first hire and lead staff position within this new organization. This part of the job requires the skills to deal with an Advisory Board of academics, professional pollsters, journalists, and others in developing and executing a new approach to the review, synthesis, and use of public opinion on the important issues of the day.

The other area of responsibility is working with Stanford faculty and graduate students on the design and fielding of surveys, and analysis of survey data.

Both elements of the job involve writing and editing content for proposals, peer-reviewed publications, and other program activities under the general direction of the faculty director, institute director and advisory board leadership. The incumbent will assist with the development of research grants, including exploring new funding opportunities, writing portions of the grant proposals, and summarizing data needs and data findings.

This is a 100% FTE, exempt position for a two-year term, with the possibility of extension. The position is eligible for a full range of benefits. This position will be based on the Stanford campus and is eligible for a hybrid schedule, based on organizational need.

If you believe that this opportunity is a match for your knowledge, skills and abilities, we encourage you to apply. Thank you for considering employment opportunities with the School of Humanities and Sciences.

CORE DUTIES

• Develop and manage research activities, making recommendations that impact policies and programs, and coordinating and implementing changes.
• Source, collect and analyze data, create reports, review and explain trends to determine program effectiveness; formulate and evaluate alternative solutions and/or recommendations to achieve the goals of the program.
• Write and edit complex content for proposals, peer-reviewed publications, and other program activities under the general direction of PI. Assist with the development of research grants, (i.e., may suggest new funding opportunities, write portions of grants, and/or summarize data for grant support).
• Contribute to and inform on strategic program planning and related funding and financial sustainability.
• Identify, recommend and implement opportunities for new research.
• Represent the program or function as the key contact and subject matter expert within the department, unit or school and develop communications for internal and external constituencies. Organize and/or participate in outreach activities such as events, partnerships, fundraising, training, and conferences. Lead workshops and facilitate meetings.
• Monitor expenses, budgets, and finances of the program. Make recommendations on funding based on program spend.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

A PhD in a social science, with a particular emphasis on and experience in survey research and survey methods is highly preferred. Program administration and research experience are required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrated oral, written, and analytical skills, exhibiting fluency in area of specialization.
• Ability to oversee and provide basic direction to staff.

HIGHLY DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES INCLUDE:

• Background, training, and demonstrable interest in public policy and the great issues of the day;
• Entrepreneurship, managing, and enthusiasm for the development of a new venture.

The expected pay range for this position is $95,000 to $139,000 per annum.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website ( provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

Why Stanford is for You

Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

• Freedom to grow . We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
• A caring culture . We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
• A healthier you . Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
• Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
• Enviable resources . Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classifications and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources at For all other inquiries, please submit a contact form.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

School of Humanities and Sciences, Stanford, California, United States