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Senior Social Scientist

Remote

Who We Are

DCG is an award-winning, full-service engagement, digital, research, and data company with over 15 years of experience supporting the military, Veterans, and the American public. DCG strategically researches, plans, executes, and evaluates large-scale, multi-platform outreach initiatives across a wide range of mission-driven issues including human trafficking awareness, mental health stigma reduction, suicide prevention, ending homelessness, Veteran health, transportation safety, small business resources, and public diplomacy, to name a few. Additionally, our research and digital teams employ mixed methods research, Human-Centered Design (HCD), and change management principles to integrate new technologies built around well-researched user journeys.

Position Overview

DCG is seeking an experienced subject matter expert in the field of social science research to provide leadership and advisory services for a suite of consumer research programs supporting the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This position will serve as a senior technical expert performing significantly complex research who is comfortable as both an individual contributor and leader/advisor to other peers and junior staff. Central to this program is augmenting FDA’s ability to efficiently collect and analyze consumer reactions, experiences, and opinions on topics relevant to the Agency. This may take multiple forms, requiring a seasoned research professional who can authoritatively guide qualitative and quantitative projects.  

Location

Remote; the selected candidate will work during DCG’s core Eastern Standard Time business hours. Candidates located within the National Capital Region will be given preference given the possibility for ad-hoc, in-person support.

Responsibilities

  • Perform social science research tasks of significant technical complexity
  • Apply standard and established theories, concepts, and techniques, often using innovative approaches and/or complex analysis 
  • Develop and/or direct the development of innovative and creative technical solutions to quantitative and qualitative research problems, questions, and issues
  • Use and extend state-of-the-art methods and technologies in the research field
  • Direct the development of timely project reports that are organized, clear, and in the proper format
  • Support or direct elements that may include:
    • Study design and development
    • Stimuli construction
    • Sample selection
    • Data collection
    • Focus groups and in-depth interviews
    • Cognitive interviews
    • Survey and experimental research
    • Data analysis and interpretation
    • Subject Matter Expert consultation

Required Qualifications

  • 10+ years of experience relevant to complex social science research
  • Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field (Master’s and above preferred)
  • Statistical software proficiency (SPSS, R, NVivo or similar platforms)
  • Demonstrated experience supporting health-related research
  • Significant expertise across mixed-methods research domains
  • Active CITI Human Subjects Certification

Preferred Qualifications

  • Prior professional experience supporting FDA research or other elements of the federal public health ecosystem (HHS, CDC, etc.)
  • Demonstrated regulatory research experience
  • Demonstrated consumer research experience
  • Active participation in relevant professional organizations
  • History of peer-reviewed publications and public speaking engagements

Note: This position is currently contingent on contract award 

Culture at DCG 

DCG boasts a flexible and adaptable culture. We value hardworking, self-motivated, and dedicated team members and are committed to fostering ample opportunities for career advancement.  Get a glimpse into our culture here:

  • DCG Life Medium Blog: https://medium.com/dcg-life
  • DCG Life Instagram: @dcglife

Benefits Snapshot

  • A range of comprehensive healthcare plans, encompassing medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with group life coverage. The firm covers 60% of the premium cost for employees and all dependents.
  • Generous paid time off including paid federal holidays
  • 401(k) retirement plan 
  • Wellness programs and activities, and pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Paid Family Bonding for new parents, with 50% cost sharing for Short-Term Disability 
  • $1,000 family expansion benefit to offset costs often uncovered with medical plans: fertility treatment, adoption, and surrogacy

*Note that the above benefits are available only to full-time employees of DCG*

All qualified applicants will receive due consideration for employment without regard to personal characteristics or membership in any group protected by federal, state, or local law to include Veteran or disability status. DCG does not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind in the workplace, and we are committed to fostering a corporate culture that respects and values differences of thought informed by unique experiences.


If you are a person with a disability needing assistance with the application process, please contact hr@dcgcommunications.com.

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