Senior Principal Subject Matter Expert (Job 895)

DLH delivers improved health and national security readiness solutions for federal programs through science research and development, systems engineering and integration, and digital transformation. Our experts in public health, performance evaluation, and health operations solve the complex problems faced by civilian and military customers alike by leveraging advanced tools – including digital transformation, artificial intelligence, data analytics, cloud enablement, modeling, and simulation, and more. With over 3,200 employees dedicated to the idea that “Your Mission is Our Passion,” DLH brings a unique combination of government sector experience, proven methodology, and unwavering commitment to innovation to improve the lives of millions.

Overview

We are seeking a Senior Principal Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Survey Methodology to provide high-level technical consultation on federal and public health research proposals and project designs. This role supports the strategic development of rigorous survey-based methodologies and strengthens the scientific credibility of complex, multidisciplinary evaluations and studies.  The SME will advise on study design, sampling strategies, instrument development, data collection modes, and methodological justifications across a portfolio of proposal efforts. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in both classic and emerging survey methodologies, experience with federal contract proposals, and a strong publication or project record in applied public health or social research.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert consultation during proposal development, including drafting and reviewing methodological sections, sampling plans, and evaluation frameworks.
• Collaborate with proposal teams to design scientifically sound, feasible, and cost-effective survey strategies tailored to each solicitation.
• Review and refine data collection instruments to ensure alignment with research objectives, target populations, and best practices in measurement.
• Advise on survey mode selection (e.g., web, CATI, CAPI, mixed-mode), recruitment approaches, and strategies to address nonresponse bias.
• Contribute to the design of analytic plans, weighting schemes, and statistical justification for methodology.
• Serve as a methodological reviewer or quality control resource on active projects, if needed.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Survey Methodology, Statistics, Social Science, Epidemiology, or a related field.
• PhD (preferred) or equivalent advanced degree in Survey Methodology, Statistics, Social Science, Epidemiology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 15 years of applied experience in survey design and implementation, with an emphasis on large-scale, federal, or public health surveys.
• Demonstrated experience contributing to federal research proposals (e.g., CDC, NIH, AHRQ, CMS, VA).
• Strong technical writing and communication skills.
• Proven ability to work in a collaborative, fast-paced proposal environment with tight deadlines.

Preferred Experience

• Prior collaboration with government contractors or public health research organizations.

Basic Compensation: $62.50 - $86.54 per hour

The salary offered within this range will be based on the selected candidates’ skills, experience, education, market data, and internal parity. DLH may offer other rewards that may include performance incentives and program-specific awards. An applicant’s salary history will not be used to determine compensation.

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