Senior Research Scientist

If you’re passionate about building a better future for individuals, communities, and our country—and you’re committed to working hard to play your part in building that future—consider WGU as the next step in your career.

Driven by a mission to expand access to higher education through online, competency-based degree programs, WGU is also committed to being a great place to work for a diverse workforce of student-focused professionals. The university has pioneered a new way to learn in the 21st century, one that has received praise from academic, industry, government, and media leaders. Whatever your role, working for WGU gives you a part to play in helping students graduate, creating a better tomorrow for themselves and their families.

The salary range for this position takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs.

At WGU, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their position, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is:

Grade: Technical 409

Pay Range: $127,700.00 - $191,500.00

Job Description

Make an Impact at WGU Academy

The Senior Research Scientist plays a critical role in WGU Academy’s culture of data driven continuous improvement. This role is ideal for a curious, skeptical, and detail oriented scientist who thrives on leading rigorous research from idea to insight. You will design and execute studies that inform strategy, validate research questions, and translate complex findings into clear, actionable recommendations for diverse audiences.

What You’ll Do

• Independently plan and execute research projects from conceptualization through data collection, analysis, and dissemination

• Determine and apply appropriate research methods, including qualitative studies, secondary data analysis, quasi-experimental designs, and randomized controlled trials

• Collect, combine, clean, and manage data from multiple sources

• Access and analyze large datasets using statistical software such as R, SPSS, or SAS

• Design and deploy surveys using tools such as Qualtrics

• Perform advanced quantitative and qualitative analyses and create compelling data visualizations

• Produce high-quality, client facing reports and presentations and represent WGU Academy at conferences and internal events

What You’ll Bring

• Expert ability to independently define, design, and conduct original scientific research

• Strong data manipulation skills using SQL and Python

• Data visualization experience using tools such as Python and Tableau

• Deep expertise in qualitative and quantitative primary research methods

• Proven ability to lead research projects, including scope, cost, resources, timelines, compliance, and reporting

• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills

• Ability to translate complex research findings for both technical and non-technical audiences

• Demonstrated thought leadership and subject matter expertise

• A collaborative mindset and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, creative environment

• Strong attention to detail and ownership over the quality of work and outcomes

Bonus Points

• Experience in education technology or a related field

• Experience presenting research to clients, top leaders, or industry conferences

• Experience partnering closely with cross-functional stakeholders

Experience in Lieu of Education

Education may substitute for a portion of the required professional experience.

What to Expect

At WGU, our mission drives everything we do, including how we hire. Our interview experience is designed to give qualified candidates the opportunity to show their best work through meaningful conversations and collaboration.
We thoughtfully review every application and invite forward the candidates whose experience and potential best align with the role and our mission.

Interview Steps

• Introductory call

• Hiring manager interview

• Short project/Team interview

Work Location

This is a full-time, in-office position at WGU’s office in Salt Lake City, Utah. Travel up to 5% may be required.

Visa Sponsorship

While we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, WGU is not able to provide visa sponsorship for this role.

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Position & Application Details

Full-Time Regular Positions (classified as regular and working 40 standard weekly hours): This is a full-time, regular position (classified for 40 standard weekly hours) that is eligible for bonuses; medical, dental, vision, telehealth and mental healthcare; health savings account and flexible spending account; basic and voluntary life insurance; disability coverage; accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity supplemental coverages; legal and identity theft coverage; retirement savings plan; wellbeing program; discounted WGU tuition; and flexible paid time off for rest and relaxation with no need for accrual, flexible paid sick time with no need for accrual, 11 paid holidays, and other paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave.

How to Apply: If interested, an application will need to be submitted online. Internal WGU employees will need to apply through the internal job board in Workday.

Additional Information

Disclaimer: The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. It’s not all-inclusive.

Accommodations: Applicants with disabilities who require assistance or accommodation during the application or interview process should contact our Talent Acquisition team at [email protected].

Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic as required by law.