Science Communication Assistant Jobs in Virginia

Research Associate: Personnel Health Research & Data Analytics, Military (Washington, D.C.)

WHO WE ARE: At Fors Marsh, we take on issues that matter. We are a team of researchers, strategists, and communicators working together to drive lasting change. We look at human behavior from all angles with a deep understanding of people and context to design solutions that influence decision-making and move people to action. Our work promotes health and well-being, shapes resilient communities, and builds effective and accountable institutions. We are a certified B Corporation and a Top Workplace for 7 consecutive years.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

Fors Marsh is seeking an intelligent and motivated Researcher with a background in quantitative social science. This individual's primary responsibility would be to support a portfolio of quantitative social science and data science research projects for our Personnel Health Research & Data Analysis team. This individual would work in a researcher role, providing assistance on projects focused on improving service members' well-being, advancing data science insights, and inform policies and organizational decision making. This job is best for someone who enjoys applying innovative methods to solve challenging analytic problems, has experience working with large data sets, and thrives in a collaborative environment.

Responsibilities include:

• Analytical and Technical Skills
• Conducting exploratory data analysis, cleaning (e.g., data transformations), and analysis on large-scale data
• Executing advanced statistical techniques such as multi-level modeling (e.g., cross-classified random effects, linear mixed effects), data reduction (e.g., PCA, factor analysis, clustering), predictive model selection (e.g., LASSO, Ridge), natural language processing, and/or machine learning techniques
• Executing data visualization techniques and dashboard creation steps
• Supporting all phases of the data science and social science analytics process, including the analysis and interpretation of survey research, integrating datasets (e.g., survey data integrated with administrative data), and other studies
• Supporting and executing survey workflows focused on population specification and sample frame development, including identifying relevant data sources, cleaning, deduplication, and frame quality checks
• Resolving problems that require general knowledge of analytic methodologies and principles, as well as the ability to learn new techniques
• Communicating trade-offs associated with analytic approaches to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Conducting quality checks on data extracts, analyses, and deliverables
• Working in R and Python to execute automation tasks, R package creation, data wrangling, exploratory data analysis, and executing advanced analyses
• Working in or learning Databricks
• Team Orientation
• Work under supervision of a Senior Team member
• Work collaboratively with a mixed team of data and social scientists to operationalize personnel-related metrics and explore, aggregate, and analyze large, complex quantitative data sets through a variety of techniques.
• Client and Stakeholder Interaction and Communication
• Assist with briefing clients and stakeholders under supervision from Senior Team members
• Assist in preparing research reports/briefs for technical and non-technical audiences, and other internal or external communications summarizing research methods, findings, and implications.

Qualifications:

• Degree in a heavily quantitative social science (e.g., sociology, political science, psychology), data science, or related field ; Master's preferred
• Master's degree with 2+ years of applicable industry experience; Bachelors degree with 4+ years of applicable industry experience
• Experience conducting quantitative research, in particular leveraging advanced statistical modeling techniques
• Working knowledge and experience of quantitative methodologies such as multi-level modeling, data reduction techniques, and natural language processing
• Experience working with diverse data sources, including survey, personnel, and administrative data
• Working knowledge of survey workflows supporting population definition, sample frame construction, and feature table creation to assist in survey package and tool development (R and Python)
• Experience working in R/R Studio required
• Experience with Databricks required
• Experience with Python required
• Experience with SQL preferred
• Experience with Gitlab preferred
• Strong verbal and written communications skills, including the ability to describe technical concepts and results to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Strong problem solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot barriers as they arise
• Ability to work effectively independently and as a team member
• Applicants will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility criteria for access to sensitive information.
• Ability to work on-site in the Washington D.C. area 2-3 days a week.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen and consent to a full background check due to our federal contract requirements.

We Offer:

Our benefits typically meet or exceed our competitors' packages. What's in it for you?

Ability to make an impact on people's lives, both internal and external to the organization.

Top-tier health, dental, vision, and long and short-term disability coverage all covered at 100% for employee coverage.

Our company culture, which values balance and allows each employee to take leave as they require it to balance the responsibilities of both their work and home lives without worrying about depleting their available leave hours.

A floating holiday bank so you can celebrate the days you value.

Generous matching retirement contributions and no vesting period starting the third month of employment.

Dedicated training and development budgets to expand your expertise and grow your skillset.

You can volunteer your way with paid time off.

You can participate in Fors Marsh staff-led affinity groups.

Our employees receive product and service discounts through the certified B Corp network.

Salary:$70,000-$80,000 annual

Internal Fors Marsh Career Map Title: Research Associate I (R3)

Location: Hybrid. Individuals are expected to go into a federal government building in Alexandria, VA and work on-site 2-3 days a week during business hours. #LI-Hybrid

Equal Opportunity Employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.