Senior Qualitative Researcher – Weather Forecasting

FedWriters

. Design and implement qualitative and mixed-methods research studies related to hazardous weather forecasting, warning communication, and decision-making .

Posted 9/17/2026full-timeNorman • Oklahoma • United StatesSenior💰 $83,000 - $87,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in designing and conducting qualitative and mixed-methods research, including the development of research protocols and data analysis. Proficient in stakeholder engagement and communication, with a strong focus on ethical research practices and compliance with human subjects protections.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Qualitative Research DesignMixed-Methods ResearchHuman Subjects Research ComplianceStakeholder Engagement FacilitationData Analysis Techniques

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Research Protocol DevelopmentInterview Guide CreationFocus Group FacilitationSurvey Instrument DesignQualitative Data AnalysisTechnical Report WritingPeer-Reviewed PublicationData ManagementExperiment DesignSynthesis of Research Findings

Soft Skills

Strong Communication SkillsInterdisciplinary CollaborationOrganizational Skills

Industry Keywords

Hazardous Weather ForecastingDecision-MakingEmergency ManagementSocial Science MethodologiesIRB RequirementsEthical Research PracticesOperational Testbed ActivitiesField ResearchStakeholder WorkshopsUser Engagement Activities

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Design and implement qualitative and mixed-methods research studies related to hazardous weather forecasting, warning communication, and decision-making
Develop interview protocols, focus group guides, survey instruments, and associated research materials
Conduct in-person and virtual interviews with operational forecasters, emergency managers, decision-makers, and other stakeholders
Facilitate focus groups, workshops, and user engagement activities to evaluate emerging forecast and warning technologies, products, and services
Support Hazardous Weather Testbed and other operational testbed activities through experiment design, participant coordination, facilitation, note-taking, and transcription
Collaborate with physical scientists, developers, and operational partners on social science evaluation strategies
Analyze qualitative and mixed-methods datasets using established social science methodologies and software tools
Synthesize findings into actionable recommendations for forecast product development, operational procedures, and decision-support services
Ensure compliance with human subjects protections and IRB requirements, including protocol development, participant consent, and data management
Prepare technical documentation, research summaries, and project reports
Contribute to quarterly and annual project reporting
Lead or contribute to peer-reviewed publications and present findings at scientific conferences, workshops, and stakeholder meetings
Work primarily at NSSL or designated field deployment locations, with possible irregular hours during severe weather events
Travel locally and non-locally as required, not anticipated to exceed 5% annually

Requirements

What you’ll need

MA/MS in a social science discipline, geography, meteorology, communication, psychology, sociology, emergency management, human factors, or a related field
8+ years of professional or academic experience
PhD preferred
Experience designing and conducting qualitative or mixed-methods research, including interviews, focus groups, and surveys
Knowledge of social science research methodologies and qualitative data analysis techniques
Experience developing research protocols, interview guides, focus group procedures, and survey instruments
Familiarity with human subjects research requirements, including IRB processes, participant protections, and ethical research practices
Experience facilitating stakeholder engagement activities, workshops, focus groups, or operational testbed experiments
Demonstrated ability to collect, organize, analyze, and synthesize qualitative and mixed-methods datasets
Strong written and oral communication skills, including experience preparing technical reports, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications
Ability to work effectively with interdisciplinary teams of social scientists, physical scientists, software developers, and operational practitioners
Willingness and ability to conduct in-person research activities, including field interviews, workshops, and testbed experiments
Normal work hours are Monday through Friday, 8 hours per day / 40 hours per week, excluding federal holidays
Must complete an online IT security awareness course within one week of starting work
Foreign national candidates are subject to export control review and require CO/COR approval prior to consideration
Remote work arrangements must be reviewed and approved in advance by the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR)

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance
Life Insurance
401(k) Plan
Holiday Pay
Paid Time Off
Professional development
Internal promotions
Recognition and rewards programs
Government-furnished equipment, including access to HPC resources, specialized mobile observation platforms, laboratory test equipment, computers, and office workspace, as applicable