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Senior Behavioral Researcher (CCL)

Description of Position 

This work will focus on applied research and training with companies, banks, credit unions, tech companies, cities, and other organizations that interface with people’s financial life in the U.S. and abroad, with a special emphasis on low- to moderate-income households. Projects will focus on increasing short & long-term savings, decreasing expenses, increasing earnings, and better managing debt through the application of behavioral insights to products and services.

Occupational Summary

Research Scholars are experienced researchers at the Center for Advanced Hindsight. They have advanced degrees and/or 6+ years of experience in behavioral science. They operate with little oversight and are responsible for carrying out specific lines of research independently. They also serve as mentors to less experienced research staff.

Work Performed

Manage lead research studies – 70%

·         Conduct literature reviews to identify gaps, generate new hypotheses, and inform existing streams of research

·         Generate hypotheses for field and lab studies and implement hypotheses in study designs

·         Ensure all studies are fielded with fidelity

·         Primary team member responsible for conducting data analysis, drawing conclusions from study results, and determining next steps

·         Primary team member responsible for drafting manuscripts for academic publication and popular press

·         Responsible for project management on projects they are leading

Manage relationships with partners and sponsors – 15%

·         Work with sponsor/partner to determine how to implement agreed-upon studies

·         Identify opportunities for new research with sponsors/partners

·         Ensure partner/sponsor expectations are met

·         Train partners/sponsors on behavioral science content and methods

Mentor research analysts I and II – 15%

·         Provide training and support to junior researchers

·         Teach junior research staff statistics

Required Qualifications at this Level

Education/Training

·         Ph.D. in social science field and/or 6+ years of research experience

Experience

·         6+ years of research experience in behavioral or social sciences.

Technical Skills

·         Research: Literature review, hypothesis generation, study design, statistics, academic writing

·         External presentation: Create and deliver compelling talks and write for general audience

·         Mentorship: Ability to train and support junior research staff

Other

·         Curiosity and a passion for inquiry

·         Self-motivated

·         Strong attention to detail

·         Working knowledge of psychology and behavioral economics

·         Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills

·         Productive, timely, and responsible, with organizational and prioritization skills

·         Excellent communication (oral and written)

·         Excellent teamwork and interpersonal skills

·         Experience working in a research environment, including planning and preparation of research materials, data collection, and data analysis

·         Ability to work well in a team environment and build relationships with individuals at all levels

·         Ability to work in changing environments and shift priorities when needed

·         Ability to adjust rapidly to evolving needs of multiple researchers and projects

·         Strong time management skills, work ethic

·         Ability to communicate effectively with people of varied backgrounds

·         Demonstrated ability to work independently, as well as manage multiple collaborations and research projects at once

·         Ability to recognize their own limitations and ask for help when needed

·         Ability to meet strict deadlines and work in a timely manner, keeping researchers up to date with progress on projects

Other (Preferred)

·         Loves to work occasional nights and weekends

·         Led some kind of organization in college

·         Experience with project management

·         Passionate about coffee and/or tea

·         Has a hobby

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.