Senior Research Associate- Joint Advertising, Market Research & Studies (JAMRS)

The Senior Research Associate will play a key role in supporting the Joint Advertising, Market Research & Studies (JAMRS) contract by conducting advanced research and analysis to inform military recruitment strategies. Provides guidance and direction for specific sub-tasks of a project. Holds specific expertise in one or more key areas and knowledgeable in others. Interfaces with the client on regular basis. Produces deliverables with minimal supervision from senior team members including presentations, reports, etc. Supports the completion of project specific tasks within estimated time frames and budget constraints. Supports presentations and client meetings. Designs and implements research studies, analyzing data, and providing insights that drive effective marketing and advertising campaigns. The Senior Research Associate will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure that research efforts align with JAMRS objectives and contribute to the recruitment of qualified personnel across the United States Armed Forces.

Location: Remote and JAMRS Headquarters located in the Mark Center in Alexandria, VA

This position is contingent upon contract award. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and design research methodologies to address specific questions related to military recruitment and advertising.
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research studies, including surveys, focus groups, and data analysis.
• Manage the entire research process, from conceptualization to execution, ensuring all studies are rigorously designed and implemented.
• Support all aspects of the research process, including design, Institutional Review Board (IRB) packages, data collection, data analysis and interpretation, and reporting.

• Analyze complex data sets to identify trends, patterns, and insights that can inform recruitment strategies.
• Use statistical tools and software (e.g., SPSS, R, SAS) to conduct data analysis and ensure the accuracy of findings.
• Interpret research findings and translate them into actionable recommendations for JAMRS leadership and stakeholders.

• Prepare detailed research reports, summarizing methodologies, findings, and recommendations.
• Present research findings to JAMRS leadership, military branches, and other stakeholders in a clear and concise manner.
• Collaborate with marketing and advertising teams to integrate research insights into campaign strategies.

• Lead and manage research projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within scope, and within budget.
• Coordinate with internal and external partners, including academic institutions, research firms, and military branches.
• Monitor the progress of research projects, addressing any issues or challenges that arise.

• Ensure all research activities comply with relevant ethical guidelines, regulations, and standards.
• Conduct quality assurance checks to maintain the integrity and reliability of research data.
• Stay current with industry best practices and emerging research methodologies to enhance the quality of JAMRS research efforts.

• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior research associates and team members.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, advertising, and data analytics, to support integrated project efforts.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of research practices within the team.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Master’s degree (Bachelor’s degree + 6 years of experience can be substituted for MA/MS) in Marketing, Sociology, Psychology, Social Science, Communication, Statistics, or a related field. A Ph.D. is preferred.
• Experience: 4 years of experience (advanced degree may be substituted for up to 2 years of experience) in professional research, data analysis, or a related field, with a focus on market research or advertising. Experience in military recruitment or related sectors is highly desirable. 
• Skills:
  • Strong proficiency in statistical analysis and research methodologies.
  • Expertise in data analysis tools and software (e.g., SPSS, R, SAS).
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present complex information clearly to a non-technical audience.
  • Ability to create visual and written summaries of research results (e.g., in PowerPoint and Word) that can be understood by non-technical audiences.
  • Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple research projects simultaneously.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

• Security Clearance: Must possess or be able to obtain a DoD Common Access Card (CAC) and successfully complete a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) fingerprint check and a National Agency Check with Written Inquiries (NACI) check.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with or within the Department of Defense (DoD).
• Familiarity with JAMRS and its research objectives.
• Prior experience in leading large-scale research projects, particularly in the field of recruitment or advertising.

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.