Job Title: Research Scientist
Department: 988 Research & Evaluation
Reports to: Director - Research & Evaluation
Location: Remote
Schedule: 35 hours weekly
Salary Grade: $94,760K - $101,867K Yearly
Formerly the Mental Health Association of New York City (MHA-NYC), Vibrant Emotional Health's groundbreaking solutions have delivered high quality services and support, when, where and how people need it for over 50 years. Through our state-of-the-art technology-enabled services, community wellness programs, and advocacy and education work, we are building a society in which emotional wellness can be a reality for everyone.
Position Overview:
Under the supervision of the Director of Research & Evaluation, the Research Scientist will independently coordinate and execute research projects evaluating the effectiveness of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The ideal candidate is a meticulous and curious researcher who values the scientific process as a journey of discovery. They are dedicated to testing theories, challenging assumptions, and rigorously analyzing data to uncover genuine insights while avoiding misleading conclusions. Collaboration with multiple departments and driving process improvements are key aspects of this role, especially within a fully remote environment that requires autonomy and effective communication. This position does not have direct reports.
Duties/Responsibilities: There are five key areas of responsibility for this role:
- Research Project Management and Execution
- Independently manage multiple research projects from conception to completion. Develop and implement work plans, monitor progress, evaluate interim results, and adjust plans as necessary to meet objectives. Identify inefficiencies within research processes and implement improvements to enhance departmental workflows.
- Methodological Expertise and Application
- Apply appropriate qualitative and quantitative research methods tailored to each project's objectives. Ground research interpretations in the chosen methodologies and overall research design. Critically assess existing theories, contribute to the development of new theoretical frameworks specific to crisis line contexts, and stay updated on advancements in research methodologies and paradigms.
- Advanced Data Analysis and Interpretation
- Utilize RStudio for advanced statistical analysis and data visualization, working with complex datasets (including those with significant missing data) to derive meaningful and practical insights. Ensure data integrity and accuracy throughout the analysis process and implement open science practices to enhance transparency and reproducibility.
- Ethical Compliance and IRB Processes
- Prepare and submit research proposals and materials to an external Institutional Review Board (IRB) and navigate IRB processes in accordance with external IRB standard operating procedures. Ensure all research adheres to ethical standards, including compliance with the organization's Federalwide Assurance (FWA) and 45 CFR 46.
- Collaboration and Communication
- Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams on internal research projects. Assist in writing white papers and research briefs alongside the Director of Research & Evaluation. Communicate research findings clearly and accurately to stakeholders, including non-expert audiences, and participate in planning and implementing work activities across departments.
Required Skills/Abilities:
- Proven ability to work independently in a fully remote environment with minimal supervision.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
- Exceptional written communication skills for clear and concise reporting and collaboration.
- Ability to convey complex research findings effectively to diverse audiences through remote communication tools.
- Experience working with complex datasets and managing high levels of missing data.
- Ability to critically evaluate theories and contribute to theoretical development.
- Familiarity with the philosophical foundations of various research methods.
- Familiarity with open science practices and commitment to research transparency.
- Ability to identify and address questionable research practices.
- Comfortable working in an environment with limited direct communication.
- Ability to adapt to asynchronous communication and remote collaboration tools.
Required Qualifications:
- Ph.D. or equivalent in a relevant field (e.g., Psychology, Sociology, Public Health, etc.) preferred. ABD (All but Dissertation) candidates will be considered if other required qualifications are met.
- Those with a Masters Degree will be considered if they have a history of designing, conducting, and publishing research in peer-reviewed journals.
- Experience with submitting research materials to an IRB and navigating IRB processes.
- Strong understanding of 45 CFR 46, the Belmont Report, and Declaration of Helsinki.
- Experience participating in grant-funded research projects as a Principal Investigator (PI), Co-Investigator (Co-I), or consultant.
- A minimum of two first-authored peer-reviewed publications or equivalent work that demonstrate research skills and contributions to a scholarly field.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite.
- Proficiency in RStudio is required.
- Experience or comfort with Tableau or SQL is a plus.
Decision Making
- Identifies complex problems affecting individual and project goals and provides innovative solutions independently.
- Makes informed decisions with minor organizational impact, consulting with stakeholders remotely when necessary.
- Analyzes and interprets issues, reallocates responsibilities, commits resources, and proposes alternative solutions.
- Implements solutions for projects after approval and is accountable for follow-through in a remote setting.
- Engages in multifactor decision-making requiring research and analysis, subject to supervisory guidance.
Scope of Responsibility/Accountability:
- Manages research projects by creating and implementing work plans and objectives remotely.
- Monitors and evaluates interim results, developing contingency plans if objectives are off track.
- Takes ownership of the quality and integrity of research findings.
- Performance is reviewed by director-level staff and above through remote assessments.
Managing/Directing Work:
- Manages own task list with minimal supervision in a remote environment.
- Provides constructive feedback and guidance to colleagues through virtual communication.
- Participates actively in planning and implementing work activities across departments.
- Contributes to a collaborative and supportive team environment despite limited direct communication.
Excellent comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, supplemental income insurance, pre-tax transit/parking, pre-tax FSA for medical and dependent care, and 401K available. 4 weeks' vacation, plum benefits, etc.
**This role is endowed/subsidized through June 2025, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding**
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who come from a less traditional background. Vibrant will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.
Vibrant Emotional Health is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to veteran status, uniformed service member status, race, creed, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, national origin, marital status, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, caregiver status or any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.
"Please be aware that fictitious job openings, consulting engagements, solicitations, or employment offers may be circulated on the Internet in an attempt to obtain privileged information, or to induce you to pay a fee for services related to recruitment or training. Vibrant does NOT charge any application, processing, or training fee at any stage of the recruitment or hiring process. All genuine job openings will be posted on our careers page and all communications from the Vibrant recruiting team and/or hiring managers will be from an @vibrant.org email address".
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