Scientist IV (Casual) - Dynamics of Human Behavior

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Scientist IV (Casual) – Dynamics of Human Behavior based in the United States. Overview We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced social scientist to contribute to innovative interdisciplinary research exploring how people perceive, communicate, and respond to evolving weather-related risks. In this role, you will help design and implement longitudinal studies examining risk assessment, behavioral responses, public well-being, and the influence of individual experiences and demographic factors. You will apply advanced statistical methods to analyze complex datasets and generate insights that can improve understanding of human behavior during hazardous weather events, including hurricanes, heat waves, atmospheric rivers, and fire weather. Working alongside experts in social science, atmospheric science, and data science, you will contribute to research publications, scientific presentations, and stakeholder-focused reports. This flexible, part-time casual appointment offers opportunities to shape research approaches, collaborate across disciplines, and potentially lead selected research activities. With an estimated average commitment of four hours per week, the role provides an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to research at the intersection of human behavior, risk communication, and environmental science.

Develop longitudinal research designs: Contribute to the design and implementation of longitudinal studies examining public responses to changing hazardous weather risks, including hurricanes, heat waves, atmospheric rivers, and fire weather events. Design survey methodologies: Help develop longitudinal survey structures, formulate research questions, identify target populations, and determine appropriate sampling strategies. Integrate complementary data sources: Support the development of research methods that combine longitudinal survey data with additional sources, including mobile sensing and secondary datasets such as transactional data. Conduct advanced statistical analyses: Apply appropriate longitudinal analytical techniques to investigate behavioral patterns, changes over time, risk perceptions, communication dynamics, and well-being outcomes. Advance scientific knowledge: Contribute to empirical, theoretical, and methodological developments in risk analysis, risk communication, and human responses to environmental hazards. Collaborate across disciplines: Work with social scientists, atmospheric scientists, data scientists, and other internal and external researchers to integrate perspectives, interpret findings, and assess the broader implications of results. Produce scientific outputs: Contribute to the preparation of peer-reviewed journal articles, technical reports, conference presentations, and other research products for scientific and stakeholder audiences. Lead research activities when appropriate: Take ownership of selected research components, helping shape project methodologies, coordinate deliverables, and contribute to the successful execution of scientific investigations. Support research quality and collaboration: Share expertise, contribute to research planning, and help maintain rigorous analytical standards and an inclusive, collaborative research environment. Requirements Education and experience: Typically, a bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific discipline with at least 10 years of related experience, a master's degree with at least six years of related experience, or a PhD in a scientific discipline with at least two years of relevant experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may also be considered. Longitudinal research expertise: Comprehensive knowledge of longitudinal research designs, including intensive longitudinal data collection methods and approaches for studying behavioral changes over time. Advanced statistical analysis: Strong expertise in longitudinal data analysis, including growth models and dynamic network models within multilevel modeling and structural equation modeling frameworks. Statistical programming proficiency: Demonstrated experience using statistical analysis and programming tools such as R, SPSS, or Python to manage, analyze, and interpret complex datasets. Scientific research capabilities: Proven ability to design, conduct, and interpret complex scientific investigations, applying rigorous methodologies and advanced analytical techniques to interdisciplinary research questions. Research communication: Excellent written and oral communication skills, including experience contributing to scientific manuscripts, technical reports, research presentations, and publications for peer-reviewed audiences. Interdisciplinary collaboration: Ability to work effectively with researchers from different scientific backgrounds, integrate diverse perspectives, and communicate complex findings to both specialist and non-specialist audiences. Independent project execution: Demonstrated ability to manage research tasks independently, contribute original ideas, coordinate deliverables, and maintain high standards of scientific quality. Organization and time management: Strong planning, prioritization, and organizational skills, with the ability to work efficiently within a flexible, intermittent schedule. Leadership and mentorship: Ability to guide research activities, support less experienced colleagues, and contribute to a collaborative and inclusive scientific environment. Work authorization and location: Must be able to perform the role within the United States and comply with applicable U.S. export control and work location requirements. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Benefits Competitive compensation: Hiring range of $100,880–$131,170 USD , with final salary or rates determined by relevant education, experience, and skills. The applicable compensation arrangement for this casual, part-time role should be confirmed during recruitment. Flexible part-time schedule: Casual appointment with intermittent work based on project needs and the scientist's availability, averaging approximately four hours per week. Remote work option: Fully remote work within the United States is available, subject to applicable work location requirements. Meaningful scientific impact: Contribute to research that advances understanding of public behavior, risk communication, and responses to hazardous weather events. Interdisciplinary collaboration: Work with researchers across social science, atmospheric science, data science, and related disciplines. Research and publication opportunities: Contribute to peer-reviewed publications, scientific conferences, technical reports, and other research outputs. Professional growth: Expand expertise in longitudinal research design, advanced statistical modeling, behavioral science, and environmental risk analysis. Potential research leadership: Opportunities to lead selected research components and contribute to methodological development and scientific direction. Inclusive research environment: Join a collaborative scientific setting that values diverse perspectives, professional development, and equitable opportunities. Additional benefits: Healthcare coverage, paid leave, retirement benefits, and other employment perks have not been specifically confirmed for this casual appointment.