Social Science Research Professional

🔍 Dean of Research, Stanford, California, United States

📁: Research

📅   : Apr 14, 2025 Post Date

📅   : 106258 Requisition #

SCHOOL/UNIT DESCRIPTION:

The Stanford Center on Longevity (SCL) is an impact-oriented research center leading the Stanford academic community in efforts to understand multiple factors affecting individual and societal well-being in the age of long lives. We advance a research-driven agenda that explores opportunities created by increased longevity to identify actionable, evidence-based steps to flip the script on the traditional life course guided by the aims detailed in the SCL’s New Map of Life report. As a bridge between academia and society, the SCL is dedicated to bring academic knowledge to community stakeholders and help researchers conduct studies that can make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. We do this by cultivating relationships with policy-makers and industry leaders on a local and national level and engaging them with research from our more than 180 faculty affiliates and researchers across Stanford.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Social Science Research Professional will help plan and conduct research efforts aimed at improving well-being among long-living individuals and age-diverse societies, guided by the principles detailed in the Stanford Center on Longevity’s New Map of Life. Review scientific literature and publicly available data sources to identify and track longevity markers among different sub-groups of the population. Implement and develop data visualization tools, draw conclusions, and disseminate findings to academic and non-academic audiences to achieve the Stanford Center on Longevity’s mission of accelerating and implementing scientific discoveries, technological advances, behavioral practices, and social norms so that century-long lives are healthy and rewarding.

The Stanford Center on Longevity is seeking a Social Science Research Professional to join our team exploring change over time in factors affecting health and well-being throughout long lives to provide academic and non-academic stakeholders with tools to make data-driven decisions to guide research, interventions, and resource allocation. You will gather evidence from scientific literature and public data sources such as the US Census’ Current Population Survey and the CDC’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to identify and track specific longevity benchmarks among people of different age groups and other demographics. You will maintain a web-based data visualization platform and periodically update it with new data and features, under the guidance of the SCL’s Director of Research. Together, you will draw conclusions, write up briefs, present findings to diverse audiences, and develop new research avenues to better understand findings.

If you are passionate about longevity, capable, and looking to hone basic data-science skills, you belong with us!

CORE DUTIES:

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 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 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 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.
May orient and train new staff or students.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education & Experience:

Bachelor of Arts degree in an applicable social science related field, or combination of education and relevant experience in an applicable social science.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Basic knowledge of data wrangling and analysis using R and R Markdown
Experience working large data sets
Excellent analytical skills
Demonstrated ability to communicate scientific findings to broad audiences- A plus
Familiarity with the Shiny framework and with secondary data analysis- A plus

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:

On-campus presence two days a week.
Frequently performs desk-based computer tasks, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.
Occasionally stand/walk, sit, use a telephone, writing by hand, and sort/file paperwork.
Rarely twist/bend/stoop/squat, kneel/crawl, rarely reach/work above shoulders, operate foot and/or hand controls.

* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

May be required to work non-standard, extended or weekend hours on occasion. This position will be based on the Stanford campus.

WORK STANDARDS:

Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.

For On-site or Hybrid positions:

The expected pay range for this position is $31.40 - $33.17 per hour.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on a wide range of factors that are unique to each candidate including but not limited to geographic location, knowledge, skills and abilities, relevant education, depth and breadth of experience, performance; as well as other business and organization needs such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the minimum qualifications, departmental budget availability, and market and internal equity across the unit, department and reporting relationships.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

Why Stanford is for You

Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!

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.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

To apply, please follow the instructions in the online application form above. If you have any specific questions regarding the position, please contact the SCL's Director of Research, Yochai Shavit.

Additional Information