Job Description

This position will lead and contribute to a portfolio of externally funded, applied social science projects at the University of Oklahoma’s Institute for Public Policy Research & Analysis (IPPRA). Research areas may include extreme weather and climate, water resources, energy systems, environmental policy, and other interdisciplinary challenges at the intersection of science, technology, and public policy. The Research Scientist will design and conduct interdisciplinary research, publish findings in peer-reviewed journals, develop competitive proposals for external funding, and collaborate with academic, government, industry, and operational partners. The successful candidate will lead research projects from conception through dissemination, producing high-quality scholarship as well as policy-relevant products that support evidence-based decision making. The position also involves regular engagement with local, state, and federal officials to ensure research addresses real-world challenges and informs public policy and practice in Oklahoma and across the nation. Through these activities, the Research Scientist will help translate research into actionable knowledge that strengthens communities and improves public decision making.

The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, highly collaborative research environment and demonstrate the initiative, intellectual curiosity, and organizational skills needed to lead multiple research projects simultaneously. They will have a strong background in the social sciences, experience designing and conducting rigorous quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods research, and a demonstrated commitment to producing high-quality scholarship that informs public policy and practice. The successful candidate will have a record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals, developing competitive proposals for externally funded research, and collaborating effectively with interdisciplinary teams and external partners. Strong written and oral communication skills are essential, as is the ability to translate complex research findings into practical insights for policymakers, practitioners, and other stakeholders.

Learn more about IPPRA at ou.edu/ippra.

Supervision: May supervise research staff, postdoctoral researchers, and student researchers in support of sponsored research projects, as appropriate.

Job Duties:

• Lead and manage interdisciplinary, externally funded research projects from project conception through dissemination, including study design, implementation, analysis, and reporting.
• Design, implement, and oversee quantitative and qualitative research activities, including surveys, interviews, focus groups, and other data collection and analysis efforts.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and prepare policy reports, technical reports, briefing materials, and other products that translate research into practice
• Lead and contribute to the development of competitive proposals for external research funding.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with academic, government, industry, and community partners to ensure research addresses real-world policy and decision-making needs.
• Plan, organize, and facilitate meetings, workshops, and stakeholder engagement activities with local, state, and federal officials and other partners.
• Present research findings to academic, professional, and public audiences, including conferences, workshops, and stakeholder meetings.
• Mentor and provide research guidance to research staff, postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and undergraduate students, as appropriate.
• Identify new research opportunities and contribute to the strategic growth of IPPRA’s externally funded research portfolio.
• Develop decision-support tools, policy recommendations, and other research products that improve public policy and practice.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support project and Institute goals.

Preferred Skills and Attributes:

• Experience developing competitive proposals for externally funded research.
• Experience working on applied research that informs public policy and decision making.
• Experience translating research findings into policy briefs, decision-support tools, or other products for policymakers and practitioners.
• Experience building and sustaining collaborative research partnerships with academic, government, industry, or nonprofit organizations.

Qualifications

Minimum Required Education and Experience:

• Ph.D. in Public Policy, Political Science, Economics, Public Affairs, or a closely related social science field.
• Experience designing and conducting independent social science research using quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods.
• Record of publishing research in peer-reviewed academic journals.
• Experience collaborating with interdisciplinary research teams and external partners, including government agencies, nonprofit organizations, industry, or community stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple research projects and deadlines in a collaborative research environment.

Application Instructions

Please submit (1) a cover letter describing your interest in the position and relevant qualifications, (2) a curriculum vitae, and (3) the names and contact information for three professional references via Interfolio: https://apply.interfolio.com/191914 and to Dr. Joseph Ripberger (jtr@ou.edu).

The University of Oklahoma is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, gender identity/expression (consistent with applicable law), age (40 or older), religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, housing, financial aid, and educational services.

Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma

The University of Oklahoma values our community's unique talents, perspectives, and experiences. At OU, we aspire to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere. You Belong Here!

Mission of the University of Oklahoma

The Mission of the University of Oklahoma is to provide the best possible educational experience for our students through excellence in teaching, research and creative activity, and service to the state and society.