Senior Research Executive / Scientist

Senior Research Executive / Senior Research Scientist

Company background

AUSPEX is a data-driven communications consultancy focusing on political, social and developmental campaigns that deliver positive outcomes. We empower campaigns using 21st century communications techniques  – blending acute strategic insight and cultural expertise with cutting-edge data analytics, behavioural science and engagement methods to reach, engage and persuade audiences.  We help governments, political parties and campaigning organisations to win elections, drive social change, build reputations and gain support for political and economic reform.

Purpose of the Role

• As a Senior Research Executive/Scientist, you will be responsible for primary research design, research execution and insight delivery. Your task will be to marry cutting edge science with applied research and to identify what people do, think, buy or believe and why.
• You will be closely collaborating with our team of Data Scientists in extracting insights from the data and will be supporting them in interpreting insights.
• During the specially allocated time, you will help us in developing our IP through our R&D efforts. Our team is building tools and approaches that will revolutionise the way how research is being done, and you will have to demonstrate creative thinking and thought leadership in order to thrive in our fast-paced environment.
• You will be expected to provide both strategic and technical leadership and together with the Head of Research to whom you will report, you will be building a robust research offering within the company.
• You will innovate, and inspire not only our employees and clients but will be recognised as a thought leader in professional circles.
• There is a hands-on role with the opportunity to travel abroad

Main Responsibilities

• Act as a technical thought leader for research within the company
• Design, scripting and execution of quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods research projects
• Maintain a high standard of deliverables
• Manage supplier and vendor relationships and cost agreements
• Mentor end empower younger team members

• Contribute to proposal construction (including preliminary research design and costing) and participate in pitches as needed
• Work with Project Managers and Data Scientists to support and inform modelling and analysis
• Design and write-up reports and/or briefing packs
• Participate in the development of internal business policies and procedures
• Ensure that all research is delivered ethically and according to the highest industry standards

Other Responsibilities

• Coach, Mentor and Develop team members.
• Empower team members to take responsibility for their role and individual objectives.
• Delegate responsibility effectively and ensure accountability and provide regular feedback

Requirements

Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrable ability to manage stakeholder expectations and ensure that projects to time and budget
• Strong understanding of primary research design in terms of optimum method, design of base sizes, sample frames, etc. and timeframes needed to execute.
• Ability to write strong and robust research proposals
• Ability to write strong and robust questionnaires across a range of methodologies
• Experience in both commercial and political space
• Experience in managing quantitative fieldwork with complex quota structures, including managing supplier relationships.
• Experience in focus groups design and moderation
• Experience in data interpretation and reporting of results, including presentation to clients.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Active Membership at Market Research Society, ESOMAR or similar
•  
• Proficiency in packages such as SPSS, NVivo, Orange, SmartPLS and LISREL
• Proficiency in at least one of the following survey software: Qualtrics, SurveyGizmo, Confirmit, SurveyMonkey, Typeforms, Google Forms
• Strong statistics and other quantitative data analysis skills
• Ability to innovate

Desirable Skills:

• Knowledge of and experience working in Python will be a strong plus
• Experience with commercial account development, and ability to win business through proposal writing and pitching.
• Track record of academic publications
• Evidence of public speaking at reputable conferences such as TED, ESOMAR, MRS etc

Experience

• At least 5-year experience in international political and/or commercial research projects and polling
• Experience with qualitative and qualitative research design and execution
• Experience with big data
• Experience with nonconventional research methods such as debate groups, autoethnography, co-creation workshops etc.
• Experience in working with online panels and/or panel aggregators

Knowledge

• MSc/MA/MRes/MPhil in Marketing, Business, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Behavioural Economics or similar is essential from a Russel group university or international university of equivalent reputation. Though PhD candidates are preferred
• Evidence of strong mathematical and language skills

What we offer:

• Annual salary up to £70k depending on experience
• Two days per week work from home
• Discretionary budget for professional development
• Cycle to work scheme
• 25 days of annual holiday.

To apply:

• If you are interested in applying, please attach a succinct covering letter and a curriculum vitae (CV) to Dr Mike Popesku by July 31, 2020 (click link at bottom of post)