Westat is an employee-owned corporation providing research services to agencies of the U.S. Government, as well as businesses, foundations, and state and local governments. Westat's research, technical, and administrative staff of more than 2,000 is located at our headquarters in Rockville, Maryland, near Washington, DC.

Westat is seeking a Senior Policy Researcher with strong analysis skills to support our projects in the areas of food and nutrition, vulnerable families, and labor and employment.  

Job responsibilities include: 
• Participating in study design, data collection, analysis, and report writing  
• Leading complex data analysis
• Developing and monitoring project budgets
• Participating in the proposal writing process

Basic Qualifications:
• PhD in Nutrition, Psychology, Sociology, Public Policy, Economics, or a related social science discipline
• At least 5 years of experience in research and analysis

Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience with Food and Nutrition Service programs and projects.
• Track record of publications and presentations with a focus on the areas of food and nutrition, vulnerable families, and labor and employment.  
• Demonstrated experience as project task lead and/or project director
• Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision

To be successful, you will have strong strategic, analytical, and project management skills, with demonstrated ability to effectively communicate, collaborate, and build relationships with all stakeholders while being a strong team player and change agent promoting inclusiveness and flexibility in a multi-disciplinary environment. 

Westat offers competitive benefits with ESOP, 401k, Health, Dental, paid vacation, sick and holiday leave, professional development as well as other benefits.

Westat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, gender identity or expression, or any other protected status under applicable law.