Research Associate - Startup Leadership Analytics

The Research Associate works closely with senior researchers to advance Post-Pandemic Leadership Research Institute's research initiatives on leadership, organizational performance, and sustainability in startups operating across virtual, hybrid, and technology-enabled environments in Silicon Valley and beyond. This role involves contributing to rigorous data analysis, applied analytics, and the development of insights that inform both academic research and practical guidance for startups.

The project is supported by contributions from mature startups in Silicon Valley.

• Conduct quantitative analyses of structured datasets on leadership traits, behaviors, team dynamics, and organizational sustainability, employing descriptive statistics and exploratory data analysis.
• Support the development and application of analytical frameworks to study organizational decision-making, uncertainty, and technology adoption in startup leadership contexts.
• Assist in reviewing and validating data for studies involving AI-supported leadership and decision-making tools, ensuring data quality, consistency, and accuracy under supervision.
• Prepare and transform datasets, construct analytical variables, and organize survey and operational data for research on leadership and organizational outcomes.
• Leverage Python and Excel to perform data processing, maintain reproducible research workflows, and document analytical procedures in accordance with internal research standards.
• Collaborate with senior researchers to refine research questions, evaluate analytical outputs, and integrate feedback to enhance the rigor, clarity, and reliability of findings.
• Produce high-quality tables, charts, and concise analytical summaries to support internal research discussions, nonprofit reporting, and educational or training materials designed for startups.

• Master’s degree or higher in a quantitative or analytical field, including Data Analytics, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Finance, or a related area, with relevant research experience.
• Demonstrated proficiency in quantitative reasoning, data analysis, and statistical methodologies, acquired through academic coursework or applied research projects.
• Skilled in Python and Excel for data processing, exploratory analysis, and preparing reproducible analytical reports.
• Experience working with structured datasets and following documented analytical procedures under supervision.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to clearly document analytical steps, assumptions, and findings to support rigorous research.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a research team environment.
• Commitment to contributing to research initiatives that advance understanding of business and organizational leadership, performance, and sustainability in startup environments.
• Demonstrates strong ethics, integrity, accountability, and honesty, which are essential traits for conducting research.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

This is a full-time, salaried position with flexible hybrid work, combining on-site and remote work. The annual salary for this role ranges from $60,000 to $68,000, depending on experience and qualifications, and is subject to standard payroll deductions and applicable taxes.

Please submit the following materials:

• Your resume
  .
• Research cases or examples of analytical or research work you have completed within the past two years.
• Your motivation for applying for this position,
• How you would leverage your experience to create shared value with our organization,
• Your career goals and future plans, and
• Your understanding of startup performance and sustainability.

Please send all application materials to:
we