Research Scientist, Demography and Survey Sciences

Meta Meta · Big Tech · Menlo Park, CA +2

Meta is seeking quantitative social scientists with expertise in survey methodology and causal inference to join their Demography and Survey Science team. The role involves end-to-end ownership of research projects, from design and methodology to data analysis and communication of results, aimed at improving decision-making and measuring impact within Meta. The ideal candidate will have experience with large datasets, relational databases, and statistical inference, and will also be expected to integrate and develop skills in AI tools for workflow optimization.

What you'd actually do

  1. Help shape the research agenda and drive research projects from end-to-end
  2. Collaborate with product teams to define relevant questions about survey methodology and quantitative measurement
  3. Deploy appropriate quantitative methodologies to answer those questions
  4. Develop novel approaches where traditional methods won't do
  5. Provide teams with usable measurement strategies and methodologies to meet their product and business decision needs
  6. Deliver insights and recommendations clearly to relevant audiences

Skills

Required

  • quantitative research
  • survey methodology
  • causal inference
  • econometrics
  • regression modeling
  • exploratory data analysis
  • mathematical demography
  • quantitative research methods
  • large datasets
  • relational databases
  • bias correction
  • sampling
  • methodological rigor
  • communication skills
  • research design choices
  • Python/R
  • SQL
  • measurement
  • survey design and analysis
  • experiment design
  • measurement models
  • data collection
  • log data
  • statistical inference
  • causal inference
  • Bayesian inference
  • machine learning
  • qualitative methods
  • focus groups
  • in-depth interviews
  • cognitive testing
  • online survey panel vendors
  • responsible, ethical AI practices
  • AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows
  • prompt/context engineering
  • agent orchestration

Nice to have

  • AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows
  • prompt/context engineering
  • agent orchestration

What the JD emphasized

  • 15+ years of experience in quantitative research, survey methodology, or a related field
  • Demonstrated experience in designing original research to address complex questions
  • Demonstrated expertise in data manipulation and analysis software and programming languages (Python/R, SQL)
  • Expertise and applied experience in measurement (e.g., survey design and analysis, experiment design, bias correction, measurement models, data collection, log data) and statistical inference (e.g., causal, Bayesian, machine learning)
  • Experience initiating and driving research projects to completion with minimal guidance
  • Demonstrated experience in distilling and communicating research insights to influence the thinking, decision-making, and actions of diverse audiences
  • Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)
  • Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements)
  • Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies