Research Assistant (Qual)
At Illuminology, qualitative research assistants help the firm observe, explore, and dig deep into a wide range of consumer insight scenarios.
They work under the direction of senior researchers to design, conduct, and report the results from a range of qualitative research methods. Job duties may include scheduling qualified individuals to participate in research, helping plan the qualitative research, helping conduct the qualitative research, helping analyze the data/ observations/ information we collect, writing summaries of the findings and key insights, and proofing the reports we produce.
A heightened sense of curiosity is absolutely essential, as is the ability to quickly find appropriate ways to establish rapport with research participants.
We’re looking for curious, skilled researchers to support our efforts to provide high quality explorations of thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and experiences. High-performers will have potential for career advancement within the firm.
Our Ideal Candidates
These fantastic people have the following experience, expertise, and personality characteristics.
- Qualitative research experience. At least one year of experience designing, conducting, and analyzing the results from qualitative research methods (e.g., in-person interview, focus group, contextual inquiry, ethnographic observation). Must have experience with qualitative research that supports brand strategy, consumer insights, customer/user experience, community needs assessment, and/or program evaluation efforts.
- Extraverted/outgoing personality Successful candidates for this position will have experience using their personality to quickly find appropriate ways to establish rapport with research participants. They must feel totally comfortable leading one-on-one research conversations; extremely qualified candidates would also feel comfortable leading group research conversations.
- Curiosity. Successful candidates for this position will be able to demonstrate (1) how they are highly curious about how and why people do what they do/think/feel and (2) their ability to “think fast on their feet.”
- Clear communicator. Excellent written communication skills (emails, memos, reports) are crucial. Experience writing research reports, especially those that include qualitative analysis, is required.
- Flexible. On occasion, research assistants must be willing to work some evening or weekend hours as projects demand; oftentimes focus groups occur during weekday evenings. Work hours can be scheduled around these constraints; we aim for 40 hours per week on average. We have a flexible, open workplace and offer three weeks of PTO per year as a base.
- Educational requirements. A four-year degree in business, psychology, sociology, or political science (or concentrations of coursework in one of those areas) is required. Extremely qualified candidates would have a Master’s degree.
- Team player. We’re a tight-knit group. We’re seeking those who have their own points of view but can respect others’ opinions. Those who are quick to laugh and quicker to lend a helping hand. Those who want to do something bigger than they could by themselves.
About Illuminology
By applying both time-tested and emerging research methods from the academic settings of psychology and consumer behavior to the real world settings of the marketplace and community, we identify and clearly communicate the key “stories of the data” so our partners can make better decisions, change attitudes, and influence behavior.
Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio and projecting across the United States, Illuminology helps organizations grow smarter, communicate better, and strengthen communities.