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Senior Researcher

Boston, MA


You are a collaborative, innovative, and dynamic researcher who thrives in fast-paced environments.  You are driven by the prospect of conducting meaningful research that bridges the gap between academia and real-world impact. You care about helping to reduce the stigmas around substance use, mental health and living sober. If this sounds like you, keep reading. 

This hybrid role is based in Boston, MA. As a key team member, you will play a crucial role in evolving our understanding of addiction and mental health recovery. This will include advancing the design and execution of prospective study, managing project milestones, and contributing to disseminating findings that can revolutionize the field. We seek someone who demonstrates critical thinking and a willingness to challenge the status quo—identifying opportunities to optimize research paradigms, methods, and dissemination to better serve those impacted by some of societies greatest challenges. If you’re excited about working in an environment that promotes personal and professional growth, we want to talk to you! 


KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

  • Rigorous Research: Design and execute high-quality, methodologically sound studies to advance the science of addiction recovery and mental health, contributing to the validation of The Phoenix model and our digital platform, NewForm. 
  • Prospective Research Study: Lead the design and execution of a large-scale, prospective study, tracking key metrics for Phoenix and NewForm members over time. This includes developing and refining the study methodology; overseeing participant recruitment and retention strategies; and collaborating with a statistician and wider research team for robust analysis and interpretation. 
  • Ethics and Rigor: Maintain the highest standards of research ethics and rigor, ensuring compliance with IRB protocols, informed consent procedures, and responsible data handling. Stay updated on best practices in addiction and mental health research. 
  • Science Communication: Tailor and present research findings effectively to diverse audiences, including members, volunteers, staff, donors, partners and the public, through various methods such as academic articles, data visualization, presentations, and knowledge-sharing sessions. 
  • Collaboration and Thought Leadership: Actively contribute to cross-departmental discussions, challenge ideas, and inspire others through research insights. Act as a thought partner within the research team and broader organization, engaging with external experts and research collaborators to advance The Phoenix’s and NewForm’s impact. 
  • Contribute to Strategic Thinking: Help refine, test, and evolve logic models, theories of change, and evaluation frameworks based on emerging research findings.  
  • Complete other duties as assigned 

  • Location: Work from our Newmarket Boston office on a flexible schedule, approximately 2 days a week. National travel will generally occur once per quarter for conferences or team meetings  


QUALIFICATIONS 

  • Experience: 5+ years in research roles, with proven ability to design, manage and execute multifaceted research studies.  
  • Education: PhD preferred; Master’s degree required. Relevant backgrounds include public health, epidemiology, behavioral sciences, social sciences or related fields.  
  • Technical Skills: Strong project management, organizational skills, and research design. Proficiency in research dissemination, including academic writing. 
  • Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to work across teams, aligning research with organizational priorities 


PREFERENCES 

We welcome all great applicants to apply even if you don't have all these preferred attributes 

  • Expertise in the substance use, mental health, trauma preferred
  • Experience managing large-scale research studies.
  • Lived experience as a peer in recovery
  • Desire to apply anti-racism and anti-oppression principles and practices  


EXPECTED START DATE

  • This role is anticipated to start in early June 2025


SALARY AND BENEFITS 

  • $99,400.00 - $111,000.00
  • 403(b) retirement plan with 4% match
  • Paid time off (vacation/sick days/skill enhancement days)
  • Medical, dental, and vision plans
  • Opportunity to join employee resource groups (ERGs)
  • Monthly wellness stipend 

 

Pay Range

$99,400 - $111,000 USD

ABOUT US

The Phoenix's mission is to build a sober active community that fuels resilience and harnesses the transformational power of connection so that together we rise, recover, and live. Through activities such as CrossFit, book clubs, rock climbing, art socials, yoga, and meditation, participants build confidence, self-respect, and community. The Phoenix offers free programs, both in person and online, for anyone with 48 hours of sobriety. Since 2006, we have served hundreds of thousands of individuals with the help of thousands of volunteers across the country.

At The Phoenix, we welcome people from all backgrounds and strive to create a healing-centered environment that allows everyone to bring their authentic selves to the workplace. We seek to create a workplace environment that accurately reflects the diverse communities we serve. We understand that voices of varied experiences and perspectives are central to our mission and our impact. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status.

 

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