Job Description
JOB OPENING: Survey Scientist
Location: Washington, DC or Montgomery, AL preferred; remote candidates considered
Reports to: Chief Data Science and Innovation Officer
Salary: $75,000–$95,000 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. This is a role for someone early in their career who wants to develop 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, data engineer, and research team to support methodological research, build analytical products, and apply data science techniques to survey and voter file data.
What You'll Do:
• Support methodological research projects on survey quality (sampling, weighting, response rates, mode effects)
• Build and validate statistical models using polling data, voter file data, and external datasets
• Work with voter files (Catalist, TargetSmart, DNC) to create sampling frames and append data
• Conduct analytical projects that answer client questions using our data infrastructure
• Assist in developing tools and workflows that make advanced methods accessible to the broader team
• Write clear documentation of analytical approaches and findings
• Stay current with academic research and industry best practices in survey methodology
Qualifications We're Looking For
· 2-4 years of experience in survey research, political data, statistics, or a related quantitative field; OR postgraduate degree (Master's or PhD) in a quantitative field with demonstrated applied research experience
· SQL skills for working with structured data
· Proficiency in R or Python for statistical analysis and modeling
· Experience with predictive modeling or machine learning
· Experience with survey data, polling, or public opinion research
· Strong written communication skills—you'll document your work and explain findings clearly
· 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
Preference given to candidates who possess a mix of the following:
• 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
Why Impact Research
• Mission-driven work: Help elect Democrats and advance progressive causes
• Learn and grow: Develop expertise in survey methodology and political data science
• R&D exposure: Work on methods development alongside client-facing projects
• New team: Join a newly formed data science team with room to shape how we work
• Collaborative environment: Work alongside a senior analyst, data engineer, and broader research team
• Competitive compensation: Salary plus profit sharing, full benefits, and flexibility
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. 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.