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 has an immediate opening for a research associate to join our Behavioral Health and Health Policy practice to work with a multidisciplinary team of researchers focused on tobacco regulatory science and tobacco prevention and control research. This research associate will contribute to the design of data collection instruments for tobacco research projects, including but not limited to the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study.  

Job Responsibilities:
•    Questionnaire design activities, including assessing, reviewing, and revising questions and instruments.
•    Managing change control processes, including documentation.
•    Scientific literature reviews.
•    Writing technical memos and documentation.
•    Collaborating on contract proposals.

Basic Qualifications:
•    A master's degree in survey methodology, psychology, sociology, public health, or a related social science field. 
•    A minimum of 5 years of demonstrated experience in the design, development, or evaluation of questionnaires or in cognitive testing questionnaires.

The qualified candidate must have strong organizational skills, excellent written and oral communication skills, and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and on schedule. Must be extremely detail-oriented, work well in a team environment, and have previous experience with survey research, questionnaire design, and specifications. Solid computer skills required (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint).  

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

Protecting the health and safety of our employees and survey participants is a top priority for Westat. As a federal government contractor, Westat will require Westat staff, regardless of work location, to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 upon hire or prior to December 8, 2021, whichever is later, and to follow all safety protocols, subject to approved accommodations under applicable law.

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.