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.

Westat is committed to building a diverse workforce and a culture of inclusivity, belonging and equity for all. We believe that our greatest strength draws on the different backgrounds, cultures, perspectives and experiences of our employees.

Westat has an immediate opening for a Principal Research Associate to join our team of leading food and nutrition researchers, evaluators, policy analysts, and technical assistance providers. Our work supports the USDA Food and Nutrition Service in the administration of federal nutrition assistance programs, in addition to other federal, state, and nonprofit clients. As a Principal Research Associate at Westat, you will direct projects, design, and carry out research and evaluation, contribute to the strategic direction of the team, and build new business. The successful candidate will have demonstrated expertise in research on food and nutrition assistance programs in a federal government contract setting. 

This is a full-time telework position, however, some travel for team meetings, project work, and conferences may be required.

Job Responsibilities:
•    Lead qualitative and/or quantitative research, including study design, instrument development, data collection, analysis, and report writing.
•    Serve as a subject matter and/or methodological expert across projects.
•    Oversee the work of food and nutrition team members and ensure the highest quality for deliverables.
•    Oversee and monitor project costs and financial performance.
•    Manage client relationships.
•    Lead and participate in business development activities, including capture planning and proposal development and delivery.

Basic Qualifications:
•    Typically requires a master’s degree in public policy, public health, social science, or a related field and 8 years of relevant experience; or a Ph.D. in public policy, public health, social science, or a related field, and 5 years of relevant experience. 
•    Experience managing federal contract budgets, schedules, and project teams.
•    Experience collecting and analyzing qualitative and/or quantitative data.
•    Demonstrated experience working with SNAP, WIC, NSLP/SBP, and other federal nutrition assistance programs.

Preferred Qualifications:
•    Strong writing skills with substantial track record of publications and presentations in the areas of food and nutrition 

Minimum Qualifications:
•    Demonstrated communication skills
•    Collaboration with teams, managers and/or clients
•    Organization skills, including time management ability
•    Detail oriented

Westat offers a well-rounded and comprehensive benefits program focused on wellness and work/life balance. Subject to plan requirements, employees may participate in:

Employee Stock Ownership Plan401(k) Retirement PlanPaid Parental LeaveVacation Leave (20 days per year)Sick Leave (10 days per year)Holiday Leave (7 government holidays and 2 floating  holidays)Professional DevelopmentHealth AdvocateEmployee Assistance ProgramTravel Accident InsuranceMedical InsuranceDental InsuranceVision InsuranceShort Term Disability InsuranceLong Term Disability InsuranceLife and AD&D InsuranceCritical Illness InsuranceSupplemental Life InsuranceFlexible Spending AccountHealth Savings Account

This opportunity will be posted for a minimum of 5 days and applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis.

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.

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