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.

Job Summary:
Westat is seeking a Senior Researcher to support human factors research in our Center for Transportation, Technology and Safety Research focus area. Researchers identify and address transportation and safety challenges through studies of vehicle occupant behavior, vehicle technology and safety, and travel behavior. Studies explore issues related to roadway users, occupant protection, vehicle automation and connectivity, travel patterns, and more. Occasional human factors research is outside the transportation domain. 

Job Responsibilities:
•    Lead or Support all stages of research study design, data collection and management, analysis, and report writing as part of project teams. 
•    Contribute to business development and writing proposals.
•    Design and conduct research in driving simulator, laboratory, test track, and on-road settings.
•    Conduct focus groups, interviews, surveys, and field studies. 
•    Develop data collection instruments and protocols.
•    Conduct reviews of research literature. 
•    Prepare data for analysis, including video coding, quality control review, and conducting preliminary analysis. 
•    Communicate effectively with clients. 
•    Manage project schedules and budgets.
•    Write reports for clients.
•    Write papers for publication/presentation at professional conferences.
•    Submit papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
•    Mentor and supervise junior staff

Basic Qualifications:
•    A master's degree in human factors, experimental psychology, engineering or social science related field is required. 
•    At least 8-10 years of experience is required.
•    Experience with data analysis techniques using SAS or R is required. 

Minimum Qualifications: 
•    Excellent written and verbal communications skills client-focused, detail-oriented, possess effective time management and organizational skills.
•    Proficiency with MS Office suite of applications is required. 
•    Possession of a driver's license and a driving record in good standing is required.
•    Occasional work on weekends and evenings is required.
•    Occasional travel is required.
•    Be a creative in problem-solving, taking initiative, effectively manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and work well in a fast-paced team environment.

Preferred Qualifications:
•    Ph.D. in human factors, experimental psychology, engineering or social science related field. 
•    Substantial experience with statistical analysis, including R.
•    Demonstrated expertise with quantitative and qualitative research methods. 
•    Experience with research-related project management. 
•    Experience writing research proposals or grants.

Westat offers a well-rounded and comprehensive benefits program focused on wellness and work/life balance. Eligible employees may participate in:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Parental Leave
• Vacation Leave
• Sick Leave
• Holiday Leave
• Professional Development
• Health Advocate
• Employee Assistance Program
• Travel Accident Insurance
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Short Term Disability Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account

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.