Overview
The Field Research Lead conducts cutting-edge retail, consumer and operations research at Halverson Group. Field Research Leads work with our team of Ph.D. level behavioral scientists to collect high quality data using the latest technology in retail and laboratory settings. Our researchers use mobile eye tracking glasses, audio/video equipment, iPads and other advanced technologies in our work with some of the most well-known brands in retail, fashion, electronics and food service.
Principal Accountabilities
Principle accountabilities include, but are not limited to:
Data Collection and Management
- Working under the direction of a Research Operations Manager, accurately executes field research protocols in retail or laboratory venues
- Participates in training sessions and team meetings to prepare for field research initiatives
- Collects accurate and complete data in the field including, but not limited to, mobile eye tracking, customer intercepts surveys and interviews, in-store ethnography and audio/video data capture to meet project quotas
- Manages research technologies that are required for a project to ensure that they are secure at all times
- Backs up data daily and archives data upon project completion
- Maintains organized records of research activities while in the field (e.g. incentive records, release forms )
- Schedules research participants and makes reminder calls as needed
- Supports Research Operations Manager in screening and recruiting research participants
- Provides recommendations for enhancements to data collection process as appropriate
Field Team Management
- Works with Research Operations Manager to train field researchers to follow protocols and use technology for data collection
- Acts as point of contact for client and store management while in the field
- Manages field intercept tactics (e.g. where field researchers stand, how researchers engage participants, how researchers dress)
- Responsible for managing field researchers daily schedules while on assignment (e.g. arrival time, scheduling tasks, managing travel to/from research site)
- Responsible for tracking and meeting daily research quotas
- Responsible for distributing incentives and maintaining accurate records of distribution
- Provides daily progress updates to Research Operations Manager and escalates any issues as necessary
Quality Assurance
- Proofs research protocols, surveys and other research instruments
- Conducts quality checks to ensure accurate and complete data capture in the field
- Transfers all data completely and accurately to the Research Operations Manager at the completion of data collection efforts
Technology Management
- Uses inventory tool to track and reserve equipment for upcoming projects
- Charges batteries, formats memory cards, installs software and performs other maintenance tasks to ensure equipment is ready for fielding
- Responsible for packing technology kits for field projects
- Works with internal technology team to replace broken or missing equipment
- Identifies new opportunities to use technology in research
Confidentiality
- Maintains strict confidentiality related to Halverson Group’s proprietary research methodologies and tools and client findings
Brand Ambassadorship
- Displays a professional demeanor while working with all Halverson Group team members, client contacts, shoppers and retail personnel
- Provides accurate and professional summaries of research objectives and methodologies to retail personnel as required
Data Coding and Synthesis
- Works with Project Lead to prep data for analysis
- Accurately codes quantitative and qualitative data following procedures developed by Project Lead
- Pulls video clips based on Project Lead’s requirements
- Maintains accurate record of coding progress
- Provides Project Leads with insightful feedback on key project results and themes
Scheduling
- Works with Halverson Group Research Operations Manager (Should this be the Research Operations Manager) to keep accurate record of availability for upcoming research projects
- Works with Halverson Group Administrative Manager to make all travel and scheduling arrangements for upcoming research projects
Expense Management
- Keeps accurate records of all expenses incurred on research efforts including airfare, car rental, meals, lodging, and research materials.
- Submits accurate and timely expense reports for processing
Position Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in social sciences or retail and consumer sciences (e.g. psychology, sociology, marketing)
- Experience leading a small team or laboratory (e.g. store manager, undergraduate psychology lab manager)
- Willingness to learn and develop skills as a researcher
- Strong organizational skills
- Comfort working with or learning cutting edge research technologies (e.g., iPad surveys, mobile eyetracking, etc.)
- Strong team player with “can do” attitude
- Willingness to travel domestically
- Ability to work nights and weekends on an as needed, project basis
- Valid Driver’s License
- Multilingual skills a plus
- Ability to work on your feet for extended periods of time
- Comfort working on-site in retail or laboratory environments as part of a Halverson Group Team
- Comfort engaging with shoppers and client representatives on-site in retail establishments
- Willingness to submit to a background check
This is a full-time, on-site position based in Oak Park, IL. Relocations packages are not offered for this position.
