Associate Director, Research

At Spectrum Science, our mission—connecting humankind to its best healthlife—comes to life through a culture rooted in curiosity, collaboration, and innovation. We believe breakthrough ideas happen when diverse perspectives are embraced and people are empowered to challenge what’s possible.

Join our team of award-winning health-focused experts across advertising, clinical trial experience, communications, consulting, media, medical communications, and patient engagement. Together, we create the momentum that moves science, brands, and careers forward.

The Associate Director is responsible for the work of an expanded set of existing accounts and new business initiatives. Working closely with analytics, strategy, and interwoven client teams, this role defines how digital research is used to uncover opportunities, sharpen decision-making, and measure business impact. They deliver integrated analyses and insight-led recommendations that connect performance across channels, identify areas for optimization, and influence strategic direction for both internal and external stakeholders. The Senior Research Manager translates complex data into clear, compelling narratives, guides multiple workstreams simultaneously, and elevates the company’s approach to research and insights.

Job Responsibilities

• Manage multiple primary and secondary research projects from start to finish simultaneously,  including:
  • Primary research initiatives, such as quantitative surveys, in-depth interviews (IDIs), and focus groups
  • Media and social listening analyses across traditional, digital, and social channels
  • Competitive, landscape, and whitespace assessments
• Synthesize complex datasets from multiple research methodologies and sources into clear, actionable insights and compelling narratives for internal and client stakeholders.
• Develop client-ready presentations and reports that leverage data visualization and storytelling techniques to communicate findings and strategic implications effectively.
• Present research findings and recommendations to clients and internal teams, tailoring communications to diverse audiences.
• Serve as a day-to-day client lead, managing communications, understanding client needs, providing strategic counsel, and ensuring high-quality project execution and client satisfaction.
• Design measurement frameworks and define key performance indicators (KPIs) that align research activities with business objectives, while overseeing ongoing tracking, analysis, and reporting.
• Clearly define project objectives, scopes, timelines, and deliverables for internal teams, cross-functional partners, and external vendors to ensure efficient execution and high-quality outputs.
• Collaborate with strategy, analytics, media, and client service teams to align research initiatives with broader business goals and translate findings into strategic recommendations.
• Manage vendor relationships, project timelines, budgets, and quality assurance processes to ensure projects are delivered on time and within scope.

Desired Skills and Qualification

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Data Management, Statistics, Mathematics, or related major
• At least 4 years of agency and/or marketing experience, healthcare experience is a plus 
• Highly self-motivated with the ability to work independently and as part of a team 
• Strong working knowledge of research methodologies and digital landscape, including social media, search, paid and earned media tactics 
• Creative thinker who is willing to think outside of the box and consistently look for opportunities to improve current capabilities and processes 
• Have solid experience with social listening tools such as NetBase Quid, Brandwatch, Talkwalker, or Meltwater 
• Knowledge of analytics tools including Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, Tableau, or other analytics/data visualization tools 
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, Word) 
• Experience with influencer identification and marketing is a plus 
• Data science, statistical analysis, research, or programming experience is a plus 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 

The anticipated salary range for this position will be $95,000-$120,000. Salary is based on job-related factors such as: years of relevant experience, qualifications and/or certifications. Spectrum reserves the right to modify this pay range at any given time.

We want to ensure our employees are living their best (health and professional) life and offer a variety of benefits and perks which support our flexible work environment.

• All positions are remote friendly. At Spectrum, you choose where you work. We are a hybrid work environment with options to work in one of our three offices (D.C., New York, and Chicago), remotely from anywhere in the United States, or a combination.
• No matter where you work, you’ll benefit from the monthly cell phone reimbursement.
• Flexible time off. Take the time you need in addition to company holidays, voting time, jury duty and bereavement. We also offer a Sabbatical Program after 7 years of service.
• 13 weeks paid Parental Leave, inclusive of adoption and foster care placement.
• Continuous learning and development through Greatest Potential Self (proprietary talent program), tuition reimbursement programs, and in-house 1:1 coaching with access to talent and productivity-based assessments.
• Bring your friends to work at Spectrum and earn a generous referral bonus.
• Medical concierge service to assist with scheduling appointments, finding care, estimating and resolving claim issues, etc.
• Thorough onboarding including accessible conversations with leadership.
• 401k with company match and 1:1 Financial Coaching and Education.
• Wellness benefits including medical, dental, vision, as well as science-backed meditation and mindfulness tools through Headspace.

Spectrum is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Spectrum is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact [email protected]