Senior Researcher, Department of Labor

Job Description

Job Description

Dexis is a dynamic professional services firm dedicated to partnering with government and community leaders both in the U.S. and internationally to achieve critical social outcomes in a rapidly changing world.

At Dexis, you will experience a corporate culture of inclusiveness, respect, fairness, and trust. You will be given the means and mentorship needed to succeed, and your creativity will be rewarded.

About the Position

Dexis seeks an experienced Senior Researcher to support an anticipated project with the Department of Labor in the Office of Child Labor, Forced Labor and Human Trafficking (OCFT) to support communication, research and data analysis. The Department of Labor (DOL)/ILAB reports on child labor, forced labor, and human trafficking in accordance with Congressional Mandates and an Executive Order.

This position is based in Washington, DC and is contingent upon award.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of mixed-methods research—desk reviews, surveys, key-informant interviews, and statistical modeling.
• Ensure methodological rigor, data integrity, and ethical compliance (including IRB and trauma-informed practices) across all research activities.
• Conduct advanced quantitative and qualitative analyses, translating complex findings into clear, actionable insights for policy reports, briefs, and data visualizations.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to research analysts and junior staff, fostering a culture of analytical excellence and continuous learning.
• Coordinate data collection with U.S. government counterparts, international organizations, NGOs, and survivor networks, securing high-quality inputs on tight timelines.
• Draft and peer-review sections of ILAB's mandated reports, country profiles, and supply-chain studies, ensuring consistency with DOL style guides and quality standards.
• Collaborate with editors, graphic designers, and communications specialists to produce accurate, audience-focused research products for print, web, and mobile platforms.
• Identify research gaps, propose innovative analytic approaches, and contribute to adaptive work-planning and problem-solving with the Contract Manager and Project Director.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (Master's required; Ph.D. preferred) in economics, public policy, international development, labor studies, or a related field.
• Minimum of eight years leading complex, multi-country research or evaluation projects focused on labor rights, human trafficking, or international development.
• Demonstrated expertise in mixed-methods design and advanced statistical analysis using Stata, R, or Python and in qualitative tools such as NVivo or MAXQDA.
• Proven track record translating large datasets (e.g., ILOSTAT, UNESCO, trade data) into policy-relevant conclusions and data visualizations.
• Strong publication and technical writing history, with experience producing high-quality reports, briefs, and peer-reviewed articles under tight deadlines.
• Experience overseeing data quality assurance processes, including validation, triangulation, and adherence to citation and style standards.
• Skilled in stakeholder engagement and facilitation, with sensitivity to survivor-centered and trauma-informed research approaches.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, capable of presenting complex findings to senior government officials and diverse audiences.

Dexis is on a mission to help solve today's most pressing global political, social, and economic challenges and create a world where all people are safe and prosperous. As a Dexis employee, you will be challenged, empowered, and mentored. Our motto is "find a way or make a way" — that's how Dexis goes "all in." How will you?

If you are passionate about this opportunity, apply now!

Only those applicants who meet the above criteria will be contacted for interview.

Dexis is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, pregnancy, disability, age, genetic information, military service, veteran status, ethnicity, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, childbirth and related medical conditions, including lactation, or any other protected class under applicable law.

As part of a competitive benefits package for eligible employees, Dexis provides healthcare insurance in addition to other staff welfare benefits and perks.