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Research Scientist, Research and Evaluation

AidData produces novel data, tools, and research that answers the question: who is funding, what, where, for whom, and to what effect around the world? AidData has an explicit focus on data and research that meets high academic standards but is also accessible and relevant for a broad audience of international relations practitioners, policymakers, journalists, and scholars. AidData’s work is made possible by generous financial support of international organizations such as the World Bank and United Nations, private philanthropies such as the Hewlett and Gates Foundations, and government agencies such as the US Department of State and USAID.

The Research Scientist will work closely with the Chief Economist to provide technical and management oversight for multiple grants / contracts within the Research and Evaluation Unit. The position may oversee staff conducting research, data collection, and analysis related to the financing, performance, and effectiveness of development partners and governments in low- and middle-income countries. This role involves independent judgment and discretion in several areas. The individual will be responsible for the successful delivery of datasets, tools, and research related to sponsored projects, including: financial oversight (managing budgets for active grants and contracts, developing proposals for new grants); external client management (ensuring on-time, high quality deliverables for external funders); personnel oversight (supervision of staff/research assistants); project/portfolio management (responsible for direct implementation of projects to produce data and derivative products); and quality assurance. The Research Scientist will serve as a Co-Principal Investigator or a lead Principal Investigator on relevant sponsored projects and assume the management, fiscal, and research integrity responsibilities as outlined by William & Mary’s research integrity standards. The individual will also contribute to the conceptual development and preparation of new grant and contract proposals in line with the mandate of the Research and Evaluation Unit, represent AidData externally in presenting research results to academic and policy audiences, and brokering financial and partnership arrangements to advance the unit’s research agenda.

This position is located at AidData at William & Mary's Global Research Institute in Williamsburg, Virginia. This is a full-time position, and salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications in the U13 range (see Salary Structure for University Employees). This is a restricted position subject to availability of funding.

Required Qualifications

  • A master’s degree in a relevant discipline such as applied science, computer science, economics, political science, public policy, public affairs, international relations, international development, or development finance;
  • At least five years of relevant professional experience;
  • Demonstrated academic rigor to lead the design and implementation of the externally sponsored research projects as a Principal Investigator or Co-Principal Investigator;
  • Demonstrated experience writing compelling grant proposals and securing external funds for policy research projects;
  • Track record of submitting high-quality deliverables and progress reports in a timely manner to external research sponsors;
  • Demonstrated ability to assume the personnel management and fiscal responsibilities associated with externally sponsored research projects
  • Demonstrated ability to satisfy the research integrity standards identified in William & Mary’s Faculty Handbook (or the functional equivalent at another research institution);
  • Track record of leading research collaborations that result in high-quality and high-profile research outputs;
  • Established subject matter expert in at least 1 domain relevant to the program (e.g., survey data collection and analysis, geospatial data analysis, high performance computing, machine learning and other methods for new outcome measurement in development, etc.);
  • Extensive experience in designing and overseeing household surveys in developing country settings;
  • Comfortable with public speaking, client engagement, and presenting research in academic and policy settings;
  • Demonstrated experience working with large, complex datasets using one or more of the following: Stata, R, Python;
  • Strong and effective interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with a diverse group of clients, partners, data users, and staff;
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a demanding and complex work environment; to carry out assignments in a timely manner, and to adapt to changing situations and priorities;
  • Experience managing small to mid-size project teams and delivery schedules

Preferred Qualifications

  • A Doctorate in a relevant discipline such as applied science, computer science, statistics, economics, political science, public policy, public affairs, international relations, international development, or development finance;
  • At least seven years of relevant professional experience;
  • Demonstrated experience designing and/or managing big data projects and geospatial data analysis in developing country contexts;
  • Demonstrated experience preparing statistical code for reproduction of results by a third party;
  • Extensive knowledge and experience working with working with development partners and/or developing country governments;
  • Proven track record of delivering datasets and actionable research for a policy and academic audiences;
  • Strong public speaking skills; the ability to effectively and persuasively talk before medium to large groups of individuals and generate interest in AidData’s work

Application Instructions

For more details and to apply, please visit the position listing at the William & Mary Employment Opportunities portal. There, click Apply for this Job to apply with your resume/curriculum vitae and cover letter. This position closes at 11:59pm on February 18th, 2022.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement‍

William & Mary values diversity and invites applications from underrepresented groups who will enrich the research, teaching, and service missions of the university. William & Mary is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.