Qualitative Researcher – Contract Role

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in New York.

📋 Description

• Conduct virtual one-on-one interviews utilizing structured guides and generate high-quality video recordings.

• Facilitate small-group interviews and lead focus groups.

• Perform extensive document analysis and review findings for triangulation purposes.

• Consistently apply CDI’s qualitative research protocols and procedures.

• Identify research risks or deviations from protocols and recommend suitable adjustments.

• Create clear, well-organized interview summaries that require minimal revisions.

• Synthesize interview data across participants to uncover patterns, themes, and significant insights.

• Tag and categorize qualitative data according to an established coding framework.

• Submit research materials adhering to established naming conventions and documentation standards.

• Maintain rapport, neutrality, and professionalism when engaging with skeptical or challenging participants.

• Provide support for qualitative research initiatives for CDI’s Culture Change Team.

• Potentially assist with user experience research and exploratory/discovery studies.

⛳️ Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years of practical qualitative research experience, including interviewing and small group moderation.

• Familiarity with campus life, institutional culture, organizational development, intergroup dialogue, civic education, and/or civic engagement in the context of higher education.

• Proficient in conducting high-quality interviews and facilitating focus groups using structured guides while demonstrating flexibility.

• Capable of producing clear interview summaries that synthesize key insights in accordance with CDI’s format.

• Comfortable interacting with skeptical or high-status stakeholders, including faculty, senior leaders, and students.

• Previous experience as a contractor or freelancer.

• Ability to meet scoped deliverables during designated project timelines.

• Reliable management of calendar and availability, punctuality, clear communication, secure handling of data, and adherence to deadlines.

• Access to a computer, stable internet connection, and a quiet, private, professional setting for interviews.

• Proficient in using Zoom.

• Availability during standard U.S. business hours.

• Availability from October 2026 to May 2027.

• Experience with Dovetail is advantageous.

• Experience with video transcript tagging through a research repository like Dovetail is a bonus.

🏝️ Benefits

• Long-term engagement opportunities.

• Ongoing work with potential positions available at the beginning of each semester.

• Fully remote work environment.

• Part-time schedule aligned with U.S. time zones.

• Episodic workload with clearly defined project timelines.

• 1099 independent contractor arrangement.

• Opportunity to support additional qualitative research initiatives.