Senior Researcher

We are seeking a Senior Researcher to lead and elevate research initiatives that inform our work across architecture, interiors, and urban design. In this role, you will partner with designers, strategists, and clients to uncover insights, translate complex data into actionable strategies, and help define design solutions that are evidence‑based and forward‑thinking. This is an opportunity for a passionate, collaborative leader who thrives at the intersection of research, design, and impact.

• Principal investigator on a single research project, consistently owning significant portions of research investigations that inform our design practice and advance the field.
• Strong collaborator with deep domain knowledge in a specific field aligned with the firm’s research goals and strategic agenda.
• Direct project, providing subject matter expertise and supporting business objectives.
• Collaborates with design and research project teams to establish new and evolve existing knowledge, methodologies, and tools.
• Serves as an internal expert, translating research into practice; guides and builds capacity for staff across studios to implement research in our design work.
• Develops specific research questions and agendas in collaboration with project directors.
• Identifies methodologies to respond to research questions and proposed research projects.
• Conducts research through various analytical and qualitative methods.
• Influences and contributes to the development of research, education, and project collateral with a focus on distilling complex information into engaging, accurate, and accessible content.
• Champions innovation and exploration of innovative tools, technologies, methods, and products.
• Strengthens research connections across firmwide initiatives, practice areas, and studios.
• Builds relationships with industry partners, organizations, clients, and researchers to develop shared methodology to enhance collective impacts.
• Contributes to pursuits, proposals, award submissions, publications, and public engagement.
• Compiles, publishes, and presents completed research work in peer‑reviewed journals, external publications, and conferences.
• Identifies and pursues grant funding for targeted research projects.
• Develops educational resources, presentations, and translational design guides.

• Experience in research methods, data analysis, and report writing.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear and actionable insights.
• Proficiency in relevant research methods and tools, such as surveys, interviews, and data analysis software.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Robust verbal, visual, and written communication skills.
• Demonstrate a strong drive for change‑making through design and implementation.
• Ability to self‑manage a varied schedule that includes one research project at a time.
• Engage problems that are unique and abstract in nature and that span disciplines.
• Value diversity and contribute to an inclusive environment.
• Ability to collaborate with teams in a positive and proactive manner.
• Experience working with teams across time zones.
• Ability to travel to various Perkins&Will offices as needed.
• Ability and interest to learn data visualization, computer‑aided programming, and fabrication tools to engage automated and innovative design workflows.
• Becoming recognized as a thought leader; developing reputation as demonstrated by regional or local presentations, peer‑review publications, and/or related committees.
• Actively engaged as a subject matter expert in relevant industry or academic communities.

• Strong computer skills, including statistical and geospatial software, and familiarity with design and presentation platforms.

• Master’s Degree from an accredited program is required.
• Licensure, PhD, or equivalent experience in relevant expertise domain.
• Experience teaching in university or professional settings.
• Published research and/or writing.

At the time of posting, the annual pay salary range for this position in Boston is between $95,000 and $105,000.

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