Description
JOB OPENING: Survey Scientist / Senior Survey Scientist
Location: Washington, DC or Montgomery, AL preferred; remote candidates considered
Reports to: Chief Data Science and Innovation Officer
Salary: (Senior) Survey Scientist $75,000-$125,000 total compensation, commensurate with experience
About Impact Research
Impact Research is a Democratic polling and strategic research firm with a team of about 40 people split between offices in Washington, DC and Montgomery, AL. We work with campaigns, progressive organizations, and corporate clients to understand and move public opinion—combining rigorous research methodology with modern data techniques to deliver actionable strategic advice.
About the Role
We're building a new data science and innovation team focused on research and development, statistical methods, and advanced analytics. We're hiring at either the Survey Scientist or Senior Survey Scientist level—the title and compensation will be set based on the successful candidate's experience. This is a role for someone who wants to develop or deepen expertise in survey methodology, apply statistical methods to real-world polling problems, and contribute to building better tools for understanding voter behavior.
You'll work closely with our Chief Data Science and Innovation Officer and our data engineer to conduct methodological research, build statistical models, and bring data science best practices to our polling work. More senior hires will lead R&D projects independently and mentor others on the team; earlier-career hires will work alongside the team while developing those skills. You only need to apply once—we'll evaluate fit at both levels.
What You'll Do
Design and execute methodological research to improve survey products (sampling, weighting, response rate modeling, mode effects)
Build predictive models and develop new analytical offerings using polling data, voter file data, and external datasets
Work with voter files (Catalist, TargetSmart, DNC) to build sampling frames, append data, and create models for targeting and analysis
Design and execute custom analytical projects that leverage our data infrastructure to answer complex client questions
Collaborate with our data engineer to design data structures, pipelines, and tools that make advanced methods accessible across the firm
Write clear documentation and memos explaining methodological approaches and research findings
Stay current with academic research and industry best practices in survey methodology and political data science
Contribute to training and knowledge transfer to help the broader team adopt new statistical methods, tools, and programming practices
What We're Looking For
2+ years of experience applying statistical methods in survey research, political data, statistics, or a related quantitative field (5+ years for the Senior level); OR postgraduate degree (Master's or PhD) in a quantitative field with demonstrated applied research experience
SQL skills for working with structured data; advanced SQL expected at the Senior level
Proficiency in R or Python for statistical analysis and modeling
Experience with statistical methods (regression, clustering, predictive modeling, or machine learning)
Experience with survey data, polling, or public opinion research
Strong written and verbal communication skills—you'll document your work, explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences, and help train the team in new methods and tools
Comfort working in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities
Belief that better methods lead to better insights, and better insights help Democrats win campaigns
Senior candidates should have demonstrated experience designing and executing research projects independently
Nice to Have
Experience with dbt, Git/GitHub, or other modern data tools
Familiarity with cloud data platforms (BigQuery, Snowflake, etc.)
Familiarity with voter files (Catalist, TargetSmart, L2, DNC, etc.)
Experience working in Democratic politics, campaigns, or advocacy organizations
Knowledge of survey methodology topics like sampling, weighting, mode effects, or response rate modeling
Experience training or mentoring others in statistical methods or programming (especially relevant for Senior candidates)
Why Impact Research
Mission-driven work: Help elect Democrats and advance progressive causes
R&D focus: Work on methods and analytics, not just operations
Dual impact: Develop both internal tools and client-facing analytical products
New team: Join a newly formed data science team with room to shape how we work
Competitive compensation: Salary plus profit sharing, full benefits, and flexibility
Collaborative environment: Work alongside a data engineer and broader research team, with opportunities to learn from senior colleagues or mentor more junior teammates depending on level
Benefits
Impact offers a competitive salary and benefits package that includes employer-paid health, vision and dental insurance, paid parental leave, profit sharing, hybrid in-office/work from home schedule and a remote work stipend.
How to Apply
Email resumes to cfarmer@impactresearch.com. We will review applications on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until filled.
Impact is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. Impact encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, and veteran status. Women, people of color, and LGBTQ individuals are strongly encouraged to apply.
