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Qualitative Research Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Purple Strategies

Research Analyst

Alexandria, VA · On-site

Qualitative Research Management * Managing focus group scheduling and recruitment * Contributing to screeners and discussion guides, and preparing hand-outs and materials * Coordinating transcripts ...

Purple Strategies

Research Analyst

Alexandria, VA · On-site

Qualitative Research Management * Managing focus group scheduling and recruitment * Contributing to screeners and discussion guides, and preparing hand-outs and materials * Coordinating transcripts ...

Echelon Insights

Research Team Roles

Alexandria, VA · On-site

Our Research Directors coordinate with our senior-most staff to execute qualitative and quantitative projects from start to finish -- from proposal to research design and development to analysis and ...

Echelon Insights

Research Team Roles

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

Our Research Directors coordinate with our senior-most staff to execute qualitative and quantitative projects from start to finish - from proposal to research design and development to analysis and ...

FinRegLab

Senior Research Analyst

Washington, DC · On-site

$131K - $132K/yr

Core Responsibilities * Assist in all aspects of designing and executing qualitative research projects, policy analyses, and stakeholder engagements to inform public policy and the financial sector ...

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All JobsQualitative Research JobsQualitative Research Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Qualitative Research information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

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How much do qualitative research jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for qualitative research in Silver Spring, MD is $22.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.88 and $24.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is qualitative research?

Qualitative research is a method of inquiry that focuses on understanding human behavior, experiences, and social phenomena through non-numerical data such as interviews, observations, and text analysis. Unlike quantitative research, which seeks to measure and analyze variables numerically, qualitative research explores meanings, concepts, and descriptions to gain deeper insights. Researchers often use open-ended questions and flexible study designs to collect rich, detailed information. This approach is commonly used in social sciences, education, health, and market research to understand complex issues from participants' perspectives.

What are qualitative research jobs?

Qualitative research jobs focus on the collection and analysis of non-numerical data to support market or scientific initiatives. Positions exist in a variety of industries, including finance, consumer goods, and health care. Market research analysts, for example, analyze consumer data to find answers to better understand and predict buying trends. Survey researchers collate and analyze data related to a number of subjects, including politics, lifestyle trends, and education. Opportunities for qualitative researchers exist in government, consulting services, and education.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a qualitative researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Qualitative Researcher, you need expertise in research design, data collection methods such as interviews and focus groups, and a background in social sciences or related fields. Familiarity with qualitative data analysis software like NVivo or ATLAS.ti and knowledge of ethical research standards are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication help you interpret data and convey findings to diverse audiences. These skills ensure rigorous, insightful research that informs decision-making and advances understanding in various disciplines.

What are some common challenges faced in a qualitative research role, and how can they be effectively managed?

A common challenge in qualitative research is recruiting and retaining suitable participants, especially for niche or sensitive topics. Researchers also often face difficulties in ensuring objectivity during data collection and analysis, given the subjective nature of qualitative data. To address these issues, it's helpful to use robust recruitment strategies, maintain clear communication with participants, and employ techniques such as reflexivity and triangulation to minimize bias. Collaborating closely with team members and regularly debriefing can further enhance data quality and researcher well-being.

What is the difference between Qualitative Research vs Quantitative Research?

AspectQualitative ResearchQuantitative Research
Primary FocusExploring perceptions, opinions, and motivationsMeasuring and quantifying data
Data Collection MethodsInterviews, focus groups, observationsSurveys, experiments, statistical analysis
Work EnvironmentResearch firms, marketing agencies, academic settingsMarket research, data analysis firms, academic labs
Required SkillsCommunication, analytical thinking, qualitative analysisStatistical skills, data management, quantitative analysis

Qualitative Research focuses on understanding the 'why' and 'how' behind behaviors through non-numerical data, while Quantitative Research emphasizes numerical data to identify patterns and measure variables. Both roles are essential in research projects but serve different purposes based on the type of data collected and analyzed.

Is qualitative research a stressful job?

Qualitative research can be stressful due to tight deadlines, the need for detailed analysis, and managing client or stakeholder expectations. However, it often involves collaborative work, flexible schedules, and the use of interview and coding skills, which can help mitigate stress for some professionals.

What does a qualitative researcher do?

A qualitative researcher designs and conducts studies to gather in-depth insights into people's behaviors, motivations, and experiences through methods like interviews, focus groups, and observations. They analyze non-numerical data to identify patterns and themes, often using tools such as coding software, and typically require strong communication and analytical skills. The role is common in market research, social sciences, and user experience fields.

What jobs use qualitative research?

Qualitative research is used in roles such as market research analyst, user experience researcher, social scientist, and product manager. These jobs involve collecting and analyzing non-numerical data like interviews, focus groups, and observations to understand behaviors, motivations, and opinions. Skills in data analysis, communication, and familiarity with research tools are essential in these positions.
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For Qualitative Research jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Qualitative Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Qualitative Research job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,783 per year, or $23 per hour.

Research Analyst

Purple Strategies

Alexandria, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 7 hours ago

Job description

About Purple Strategies

Purple Strategies is a corporate reputation and strategy firm that combines the creativity and discipline of brand communications with the speed and strategy of political campaigns to help leverage or reduce pressure on a business, brand or issue. We help build and defend reputation and brand value and serve Fortune 500 companies, associations, nonprofits and some of the most recognizable brands in the world.

Purple helps the world's most important organizations address their toughest challenges. We operate in a highly collaborative environment and apply integrated, team-based approaches to help clients:

  • ANTICIPATE reputation challenges and opportunities; 
  • COMPEL change through business actions and transformation; and 
  • NAVIGATE reputation issues, acute crises, key business choices and policy/regulatory changes to inform decision-making. 

About The Position

The Research Analyst is responsible for fielding and analyzing quantitative surveys and coordinating qualitative research, as well as working with non-traditional data sources including earned and paid media and desk research. The ideal candidate will love exploring and analyzing data, revel in uncovering hidden insights or trends, and have strong communications skills to turn data findings into meaningful client reports.

Key Responsibilities

  • Quantitative Research management
    • Questionnaire drafting and development
    • Developing sampling and weighting plans
    • Supporting data gathering/fieldwork, including vendor management
    • Creating banners, tables, charts/data visualizations, and slides
    • Preparing PowerPoint reports and memos of key insights
  • Qualitative Research Management
    • Managing focus group scheduling and recruitment
    • Contributing to screeners and discussion guides, and preparing hand-outs and materials
    • Coordinating transcripts and recordings, selecting representative quotes, identifying key themes
  • Syndicated, public and social data exploration
    • Completing secondary and desk research to support research design and analysis
    • Contributing to digital listening tasks including creating searches, using dashboards, reporting and monitoring
    • Integrating social media, earned media and opinion data and other information into a comprehensive insights framework
    • Social insights gathering and reporting for a portfolio of client engagements, business development and firm marketing
    • Building proficiency in Purple's digital research and monitoring tools, including Quid, Cision, Quorum and Critical Mention
  • Working as part of Purple's integrated client teams to deliver insights that help achieve key client goals
  • Other special projects, including supporting work on the Purple Pulse Survey

Qualifications and Experience You Need To Be Successful In This Role

  • Bachelor's degree with recommended 1+ years of experience or exposure to political, market research, and/or consumer research. Experience with corporate reputation or crisis work is a plus.
  • Demonstrated ability to use AI tools thoughtfully and responsibly to enhance work product while consistently applying critical thinking, judgment, protecting confidentiality, and maintaining accountability for work quality and accuracy.
  • Strong organizational, writing, communication and time management skills.
  • Ability to follow direction and incorporate feedback; exceptional attention to detail.
  • Ability to prioritize own work effectively and adapt to changing situations and a fast-paced environment.
  • A passion for exploring and analyzing data, and uncovering hidden insights or trends.
  • Proficiency with PowerPoint, Excel and Word; statistical software such as R, SPSS or Marketsight a plus. Familiarity with digital and media intelligence platforms such as Quid, Cision, Quorum or Critical Mention is also a plus.
  • Embodiment of Purple's values: Adaptable, Collaborative, Curious, Innovative, Industrious, Respectful.

Work Location

This is a full-time position based in our Alexandria, VA office. Purple Strategies offers a hybrid model and seeks employees who can work three days a week in-person. Purple values the camaraderie, connection, inclusion and professional development that in-person interactions provide, yet still recognizes the importance of flexibility and balance in our employees' lives.

Compensation

Purple Strategies offers a competitive total compensation package with salary, bonus and benefits. Base salary for this position starts at $58,000.

How To Apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter online at www.purplestrategies/joinourteam.com

Purple is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, age, or other legally protected characteristics.