Senior Research Associate – Qualitative Research Team

Job description

**This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Senior Research Associate – Qualitative Research Team based in the United States.** The Senior Research Associate will support qualitative research projects serving clients across the higher education sector. Working remotely on a flexible, project-by-project basis, you will contribute directly to interviews, focus groups, analysis, and reporting. You will turn participant perspectives and research findings into clear, actionable insights that can inform important strategic decisions. The role offers the opportunity to work alongside an experienced qualitative research team while maintaining a high degree of independence. You will engage with industry experts, senior leaders, and other relevant stakeholders through interviews and virtual focus groups. Success in this position requires strong research judgment, communication skills, organization, and the ability to manage multiple assignments under tight deadlines. It is an excellent opportunity for an experienced qualitative researcher seeking flexible remote work and meaningful research assignments. ### Accountabilities - Conduct and record approximately 30-minute qualitative interviews with relevant participants and subject-matter experts across the education sectors served. - Moderate 60- or 90-minute virtual focus groups using platforms such as Zoom and ensure sessions are professionally managed and documented. - Provide complete interview and focus-group transcripts and recordings through the appropriate platforms. - Independently design interview guides, discussion protocols, and focus-group materials when required. - Analyze qualitative data to identify meaningful themes, patterns, and actionable insights. - Synthesize research findings into clear, concise, decision-ready reports tailored to a professional audience. - Redact, finalize, and distribute research reports and related deliverables when applicable. - Manage multiple research assignments simultaneously while maintaining accuracy, quality, responsiveness, and adherence to deadlines. - Work independently with limited oversight, proactively addressing unfamiliar or complex research requests. - Collaborate effectively with the broader qualitative research team while accepting feedback and incorporating constructive input into deliverables. ## Requirements - Master’s degree in Anthropology, Sociology, Psychology, Political Science, or another social science discipline preferred; alternatively, a bachelor’s degree combined with 2–4 years of applied market research experience. - 2–4 years of business or academic experience conducting qualitative research, with applied market research experience strongly preferred. - Demonstrated full-cycle qualitative research experience, from developing interview guides through conducting research, analyzing findings, synthesizing insights, and producing decision-ready reports. - Proven ability to conduct professional telephone interviews and virtual focus groups, including interactions with industry experts and senior or C-level executives. - Strong research, analytical, problem-solving, and synthesis capabilities, with the ability to transform complex qualitative information into concise recommendations. - Excellent written and verbal communication skills and strong command of the English language. - High proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. - Ability to work independently, prioritize competing assignments, multitask effectively, and deliver high-quality work under tight deadlines in a remote environment. - Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail. - Professional confidence and interpersonal skills when communicating by phone and videoconference. - Willingness to tackle unfamiliar research questions, learn quickly, and adapt to changing project requirements. - Strong work ethic, accountability, curiosity, and openness to constructive feedback. - Experience using generative AI tools to support research and workflow efficiency is a plus. ## Benefits - **$50 per hour** compensation, with final pay determined according to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. - Part-time, temporary, project-based opportunity offering flexibility across research assignments. - Fully remote position available to candidates based in the United States. - Opportunity to collaborate with an experienced qualitative research team on higher education-focused projects. - Exposure to a variety of research topics, participants, and complex qualitative assignments. - Opportunity to engage directly with industry experts, senior leaders, and other key stakeholders. - Flexible working environment suited to experienced researchers who value autonomy and project-based work. - Opportunity to strengthen qualitative research, interviewing, analysis, and professional reporting expertise. - Inclusive environment committed to equal employment opportunities and diverse perspectives.