I have been meeting with a lot of academics to chat about potential research careers outside the academy. They are often really surprised how research works in an industry setting 📈

So, here's a brief thread on what the process looks like from the other side:

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A project starts out when I receive a research request from a business partner (can be internal or external to my org). I work with that partner to pull the ask into scope of my team's aims, and help turn the ask into a testable research question.

Next, I put out bids for proposals from external research vendors. I will typically reach out to 2-3 per project. These vendors basically help me collect the type of data I need. I will also work with the vendor to figure out an analytic plan to address the questions I'm asking.

After accepting a proposal, I pull money from my research fund. For anything over $100K, I write a contract for and get it approved by our legal team. For anything less than $100K, I just need approval from the vendor. Getting contracts buttoned up and approved takes 1-2 days.

I then will work with a given vendor to formulate all research materials (screeners, surveys, discussion guides, etc.). We also work together on pre-registrations. After finalizing materials, the vendor will run the study for me, regardless of whether it is qual/quant focused.

After collecting data, the vendor sends me over both raw and cleaned data files so I can conduct my own analyses. They also send over a top-line report summarizing the main findings. I'll supplement this report with additional findings that come out of my own analyses.

Typically a "report" = a PowerPoint, but the deliverable format changes based on client needs. Can also be something like a brief report or a white paper.

After finishing a report, I'll meet with my clients and teammates to help them understand our findings and plan next steps.

I typically lead between 6-8 projects at a time and serve as a research consultant on 1-2 "side" projects. (There is still no such thing as a side project!) The avg life cycle for projects range. Some finish in as little as 2-3 weeks; some are set to finish in 4-5 months.

A few caveats: this process is describing n=1 job at n=1 company, so this may not capture what the process is like everywhere else.

But hopefully this can shed some like on what the research process looks like in a different domain for those who are interested!

Some parts of the process are super similar to academic research (i.e., using theory to guide questions being answered, study design, etc.). Others are different (i.e., timelines are quicker and more firm). Both industries have their pros and cons, but cool nonetheless! 🤓
#altac

Oh, and for context: within my org, I will accept asks typically centering around understanding people’s health/wellness attitudes, health interventions, DE&I initiatives, patient-provider interactions, and how people navigate through the medical digital landscape!