People Research Scientist

About the Role

Wealthfront is looking for a People Research Scientist to join our Organizational Performance group and study how employees perform, what enables success, and what environments and practices are most conducive to development. You will work closely with People Operations leadership and function leaders across the company.

You will study the career progression of managers and senior individual contributors to identify what helps them grow. Rather than just delivering insights, you will collaborate to turn findings into practices and programs—designing, launching, and measuring the impact of new initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Run qualitative and small-N quantitative research on performance, career progression, manager effectiveness, and retention, using interviews, focus groups, surveys, and people data.
• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to turn findings into programs; design, launch, measure, and iterate on programs.
• Partner with People Operations leadership on organizational design, leveling, and career pathways, setting clear expectations for success at each level.
• Build the first-time manager program that turns strong ICs into confident coaches, and the early career pipeline that grows homegrown talent.
• Help launch a mentorship program that accelerates employee development.
• Strengthen the assessment process to improve attraction, development, and retention of top talent.
• Analyze the data behind talent decisions and present findings to senior leadership with clear recommendations.

Qualifications

• A PhD in industrial-organizational psychology, organizational behavior, sociology, quantitative psychology, behavioral economics, or a related field (open to new graduates as well as those with a couple of years of industry experience).
• Evidence of putting theory into practice: published research or a dissertation with practical business implications, a designed and executed program, or an analysis that changed organizational operations.
• Depth in research methods, including interview and survey design, qualitative data analysis (coding), and statistical analysis.
• A commitment to evidence-based practice and scientifically sound methodology.
• Working proficiency in R or Python.
• Familiarity with SQL is a plus (or a strong willingness to learn it).
• A preference for building programs directly rather than handing off findings.
• Readiness to support People Ops leadership in advising senior leaders based on data.
• Clear writing across research briefs, program plans, and company communications.
• Discretion with sensitive employee data.
• An affinity for personal finance and investing.