Senior Researcher

Integrated Business & Technical Consultants, Inc. (IBTCI), a U.S. based international development consulting company established in 1987, has worked in over 100 countries and implemented over 300 projects. IBTCI serves government agencies, private sector companies, and several donor agencies. IBTCI specializes in monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning (MERL) and institutional support across many areas and sectors including, but not limited to, conflict and crisis, democracy and governance, agriculture, economic growth, food security, education, environment, and global health.

Position Title: Senior Researcher

Department: Institutional Support Program Implementation (ISPI)

Location: Washington, DC / Vienna, VA Hybrid / Remote

Report To: Project Director / Principal Investigator

Type: Part-time (Estimated 1,100 hours/year under BPA Schedule)

Classification: Exempt

Overview:

IBTCI seeks a Senior Researcher for an anticipated multi-year Clearinghouse for Labor Evaluation and Research (CLEAR) Project funded by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Chief Evaluation Office (CEO). The position is contingent upon contract award.

General Duties and Responsibilities:

The Senior Researcher will serve as a lead technical methodologist and domain expert responsible for executing systematic evidence reviews, conducting causal study assessments against rigorous standards, developing comprehensive evidence syntheses, and mentoring analytical review teams across diverse labor domains.

Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead the design and execution of systematic evidence reviews across assigned DOL topic areas (e.g., RESEA, youth employment, apprenticeships, reentry, adult worker training), adhering strictly to CLEAR review protocols, causal evidence guidelines, and Study Review Guides (SRG).

• Critically review, rate, and synthesize experimental and quasi-experimental impact evaluation studies (including RCTs, regression discontinuity, difference-in-differences, matched comparison groups, and instrumental variables) to evaluate causal validity and determine study confidence ratings.

• Evaluate evidence regarding Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) interventions against statutory criteria (SSA Section 306), assigning high/moderate effectiveness ratings to support state grant investments.

• Author high-impact evidence syntheses, including full narrative synthesis reports, topic-focused synthesis briefs, core components analyses, and evidence gap maps to translate complex evaluation literature for policymakers and practitioners.

• Prepare and audit exhaustive Study Review Guides (SRGs) and clear, plain-language study profile summaries detailing study interventions, sample characteristics, causal findings, and implementation considerations for web dissemination.

• Engage with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and Technical Working Groups (TWGs) to refine evidence standards, address methodological challenges, and coordinate cross-clearinghouse harmonizations.

• Provide technical guidance and oversight to Research Analysts (I & II), conducting internal peer audits and quality control checks to ensure scoring reliability across reviewer teams.

Minimum Education / Experience:

• A minimum of (10) years of progressively responsible professional experience in designing, executing, or systematically reviewing complex social science research and program evaluations, with substantial focus on labor, workforce development, or social welfare programs.

• Demonstrated expertise in rigorous evaluation methodologies, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-experimental designs (QEDs), regression discontinuity designs (RDD), and systematic evidence review frameworks.

• Demonstrated experience with systematic evidence clearinghouses (e.g., CLEAR, What Works Clearinghouse, CrimeSolutions, Results First) and deep familiarity with applying systematic evidence review protocols.

• Substantive subject matter knowledge of Department of Labor programs, particularly ETA initiatives, RESEA, WIOA frameworks, or registered apprenticeships.

• Proven track record of publishing scholarly reports, peer-reviewed evaluation studies, or public policy evidence syntheses.

• Ph.D. in Economics, Public Policy, Education, Sociology, Statistics, or a related quantitative social science field, OR a Master’s degree with a minimum of twelve (10) years of relevant research and evaluation experience.

Operational & Working Conditions:

• Work is conducted at the Contractor's office (Home Office) or remotely

• Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing at a desk, operating computer systems, speaking, hearing, seeing, and occasionally lifting light files up to 20 lbs.

• Technical leadership and mentoring of Research Analysts; no direct administrative supervisory responsibility unless delegated by Project Director.

• Occasional domestic travel may be required

Pay Transparency & Benefits:

We are dedicated to ensuring a thoughtful, compliant, and equitable approach to employment compensation. Our commitment includes conducting a comprehensive salary analysis that considers individual skill sets, qualifications, business needs, internal compensation data, and industry and labor market surveys. The anticipated pay range for this position is $134,000 - $180,000 USD annually (or commensurate hourly consulting rate based on 1,100 annual hours).

Benefits (Applicable to Employees only, eligibility may vary for part-time employees):

• Annual Leave

• Sick Leave

• Federal Holidays (12 observed DOL holidays)

• Medical Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

• Life Insurance

• Disability Insurance

• 401(k) Retirement Plan

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Legal & Compliance Notices:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

IBTCI is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. This means that IBTCI is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity for all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex (gender and gender identity), sexual orientation, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disabled status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable anti-discrimination laws. We prohibit discrimination and harassment in all employment practices and decisions, and we comply with all applicable federal, state, and local nondiscrimination laws.

If you are an applicant with a disability that requires a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process or are limited in the ability, or unable to use the online application system and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact Talent Acquisition at talentacquisition@ibtci.com.