Social Science Research Professional 1

This position is based on Stanford’s main campus with consideration given to the option for a hybrid work schedule (partially onsite and offsite), subject to operational need. Interested candidates must include a resume and cover letter to be considered for this position. This is a one-year fixed term full time position with the possibility of renewal, dependent on funding availability and programmatic need.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment VISA.

About Us

The Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability strives to create a future when humans and nature thrive in concert and in perpetuity. The school is made up of a three-part structure to drive global impact: Our academic departments and programs educate students and create new knowledge across areas of research that are crucial for advancing the long-term prosperity of the planet and people; Institutes bridge scholarship at Stanford and beyond, bringing multiple viewpoints to bear on urgent challenges; The Sustainability Accelerator drives new policy and technology solutions through a worldwide network of partners who work with our teams to develop solutions at a global scale. The school is dedicated to creating and supporting a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment, and to creating solutions that benefit all people, particularly those most affected by environmental damage and climate change.

For more information on the school, click here.

Environmental Social Sciences at the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability is a new and rapidly growing department. The mission of the department is to shed light on the causes of humanity’s sustainability challenges, to design and evaluate potential business strategies, public policies, and behavioral interventions to meet these challenges, and to educate future scholars and leaders who will further our vision of understanding and solving these challenges.

We are seeking a full-time Social Science Researcher 1 with an interest in using economics to help address climate change and make better environmental policy. At the Stanford Environmental and Energy Policy Analysis Center (SEEPAC) the research assistant would work with Professor Hunt Allcott and other collaborators.  Projects may include: working with electric utilities on randomized experiments to increase energy efficiency; analyzing electricity market data to quantify the benefits of retiring coal power plants; analyzing many terabytes of data from Nielsen to understand what is driving trends toward more sustainable consumption; working with a large grocer on experiments to measure consumer responses to eco-labeling and carbon-inclusive pricing; modeling and quantifying corporate social and environmental impact; and/or other work that combines the technical rigor of economics with the mission of fighting climate change.

Your Responsibilities will include:  

• Plan and perform research tasks requiring initiative and judgment by applying basic knowledge and understanding of scientific theory when precedents do not provide specific guidance. General instruction provided by the supervisor as needed. May interpret study results in collaboration with supervisor or PI.
• Participate in the development and administration of survey instruments and rating scales requiring judgment in applying non-routine procedures. Analyze and summarize results for review with the supervisor. Audit the accuracy and validity of data
• Review and audit case report forms for completion and accuracy with source documents, and ensure compliance with research protocols.
• Identify, select, extract and summarize data and structured information. Present summary of findings to supervisor.
• Conduct literature searches, and write literature summaries and manuscripts, requiring preliminary judgments after the supervisor outlines conceptual approach.
• Build and organize data as requested by principal investigator or supervisor; use common statistical programs requiring the application of job control language in generating and organizing data.
• Adapt new, nonstandard methods outlined by the supervisor in designing and evaluating phases of research projects, (i.e., educational materials, questionnaires, strategies for recruitment, data quality control procedures and processes). May follow up with the Institutional Review Board (IRB) to ensure renewals are approved and completed, seeking guidance where necessary.
• Assist with development, communication and design of research findings to internal and external audiences, which may include web updates, social media, and/or white papers, for use in recruitment, educational, or awareness of programs, with guidance from supervisor.

* The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.