Chief Methodologist

Title: Chief Methodologist

State Role Title: Chief Methodologist

Hiring Range: $120,000 - $150,000

Pay Band: UG

Agency: Joint Legis Audit & Review Com

Location: JLARC Office

Agency Website: https://jlarc.virginia.gov/04-employment-methodologist.asp

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Job role
As the Chief Methodologist at the Virginia General Assembly’s research and oversight agency, JLARC, you will consult and advise research teams on technical aspects of research, ensuring rigor, objectivity, and quality. You will meticulously review the research design and analysis approach for 5 to 8 major research projects each year. You will periodically do complex quantitative analyses yourself and guide analysts doing complex analysis of their own. You will interact regularly with all JLARC analysts, providing one-on-one and group training to enhance their research skills. As a member of JLARC's internal quality assurance team, you will help ensure our findings are well supported by evidence and that analysis results are accurately interpreted.

Primary job responsibilities
• Consult and advise study teams on research design, ensuring the most appropriate quantitative and qualitative methodologies are used;
• Serve as a member of JLARC’s internal quality assurance team, reviewing progress at multiple points in every study;
• Conduct complex quantitative analyses using appropriate statistical software;
• Review survey design, develop sampling plans, and advise on survey administration;
• Train and coach JLARC analysts as needed to strengthen their research skills; and
• Conduct quick turnaround, complex reviews of fiscal or racial impacts of proposed legislation during the legislative session.

Minimum Qualifications

Required
• Advanced degree in research methods, economics, public policy, program evaluation, statistics, data science, or other quantitative social science discipline;
• At least five years of applied research experience in a policy-related area;
• Superior technical competence in research design, statistical modeling, and causal inference;
• Experience with survey design, sampling, and administration;
• Expert-level data analysis and data management skills, including working with very large data sets;
• Expert-level knowledge of statistical analysis software such as Stata or SAS; and
• Highly effective interpersonal skills.

Preferred
• 10+ years experience in similar or identical role; and
• Experience mentoring and training less experienced researchers.

Additional Considerations

About JLARC
The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) is a highly respected agency that has been providing nonpartisan program evaluation for the Virginia General Assembly for 50 years. We were recognized in 2020 by the National Legislative Program Evaluation Society for our organizational excellence. You can learn about our agency and the impact we have had improving state government on our website.

JLARC’s success is based on a highly collegial and supportive work environment that prioritizes teamwork. Our core values are integrity, rigor, objectivity, and nonpartisanship. Our skilled staff are driven by our mission to serve the public interest by making government work better.

What we offer
• Starting salary range of $105,000 to $130,000 (negotiable for very highly qualified applicants), with opportunities for future salary increases for strong performance;
• Good work-life balance, including teleworking two days per week when work demands permit; and
• Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, paid holidays, leave, and retirement plan.

Location
Richmond, Virginia, the state capital, is known for its beautiful neighborhoods, arts scene, outdoor recreation opportunities, and outstanding dining and breweries. VCU, a major research university and health system, is located downtown. The Blue Ridge mountains, beautiful beaches, and the nation’s capital are each within a two-hour drive.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

To apply
Send a cover letter and resume to jlarc.jobs@jlarc.virginia.gov and state “Methodologist” in the subject line.

JLARC is an equal opportunity employer. The position will remain open until filled.

Contact Information

Name: JLARC Recruiting Team

Phone: 804-371-0101

Email: jlarc.jobs@jlarc.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.