People Research Scientist

The role

Study how employees perform, grow and succeed, with a focus on managers and senior individual contributors. Turn research findings into programs, launch them and measure their impact with People Operations leadership and function leaders.

What you will do

• Run qualitative and small-N quantitative research on performance, career progression, manager effectiveness and retention.
• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to turn findings into programs.
• Design and launch new programs with function leaders, measure results and iterate.
• Partner with People Operations leadership on organizational design, leveling and career pathways.
• Build the first-time manager program and the early career pipeline.
• Help launch a mentorship program that accelerates employee development.
• Strengthen the assessment process to attract, develop and retain top talent.
• Analyze data behind talent decisions and present findings with clear recommendations to senior leadership.

Required qualifications

• A PhD in industrial-organizational psychology, organizational behavior, sociology, quantitative psychology, behavioral economics, or a related field (candidates graduating now are welcome).
• Evidence of putting theory into practice: published research or a dissertation with practical business implications, a program designed and implemented, or an analysis that changed how an organization
• Depth in research methods, including interview and survey design, qualitative data analysis (coding) and some statistical analysis.
• A commitment to evidence-based practice.
• Working proficiency in R or Python.
• A preference for building programs yourself rather than handing findings off.
• Readiness to advise People Ops leadership on what the data does and does not support.
• Clear writing across research briefs, program plans and company communications.
• Discretion with sensitive employee data.
• An affinity for personal finance and investing.

Nice to have

• Familiarity with SQL (or a strong willingness to learn it).

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision coverage.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).
• Generous time off.
• Parental leave.
• Wellness reimbursements.
• Professional development.
• Employee investing discount.

Before you apply

• Equal opportunity employer: does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability status.

About the company

Wealthfront's mission is to create a financial system that favors people, not institutions, using technology to build low-cost, easy-to-use financial products. The company offers cash, automated investing, brokerage and mortgage products, with over 1.5 million funded clients.