Research Manager Job Description

At Greener by Default, you will be working towards the ambitious goal of transforming institutional foodservice - and the food system as a whole - by making plant-based foods the default.

We recognize that the fate of humans, animals, and ecosystems are bound together, and strive to create solutions that will allow all life on earth to flourish. To achieve this vision, we develop and promote strategies rooted in behavior science to empower institutions to serve plant-forward menus sustainably, inclusively, and with confidence.

Position Objective:

The Research Manager will contribute to new and existing programs of research focused on advancing how we design, monitor, and position institutional foodservice interventions. This role involves frequent collaboration with our healthcare, university and corporate partners, and ideal candidates will possess a strong command over the existing dietary change literature as well as experiential knowledge of how these foodservice contexts differ from one another. The Research Manager will be responsible for facilitating collaborations, disseminating findings, and maintaining information systems that support our team’s ability to understand and apply the latest evidence. Individuals with expertise in choice architecture and implementation science are especially encouraged to apply.

Primary Responsibilities and Duties:

Facilitate research collaborations. Work with GBD’s Researcher Director to plan and coordinate studies both internally and in partnership with our network of external research partners.
Manage the research pipeline. Work closely with our project teams to assist with study design, data analysis, and manuscript and case-study writing.
Disseminate research findings. Engage in speaking opportunities that benefit our community of practice and represent GBD as a Menus of Change University Research Collaborative (MCURC) Research Partner.
Organize and manage information systems. Maintain and update our reference library to support our team’s ability to translate research to practice.
Lead discussions with our staff and Research Board. Periodically engage with our internal collaborators to ensure we are prioritizing research that has clear relevance for practice.

Individual Attributes Required:

Strategic Vision: Ability to develop a research strategy that aligns immediate study aims with broader organizational goals.
Diligence: Willingness to dive into the details while managing multiple projects simultaneously.
Scientific Rigor: Strong foundation in environmental or behavioral science, with the capacity to critically evaluate validity.
Adaptability: Ability to navigate complex problems and adapt research strategies to new developments in the field.
Effective Communication: Capable of distilling complex research findings into clear, actionable insights for diverse stakeholders.
Inclusion and Cultural Sensitivity: Commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, respecting diverse perspectives, and meeting people where they are.
Intellectual integrity: Committed to using best practices for conducting ethical and precise research.
Ambition: Boldly determined to drive change within institutional foodservice.
Open communication: Continuously seek out new information and dialogue, cultivate trust with staff and partners.
Growth mindset: See challenges and mistakes as opportunities to adapt and improve. Continuously strive to hone your expertise and refine your skills in order to best serve your personal goals, as well as the goals of the organization and our clients.

Position Requirements:

3+ years of full-time research experience (can include time spent working toward an advanced research degree)
Master’s degree in behavioral science, public health, psychology, or a similar field
Proficiencies in both quantitative and qualitative analysis and research design
Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple research projects simultaneously
Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex research into actionable insights
Strong understanding of food systems and the benefits of plant-forward dining
Ability to work collaboratively with a team

We prefer candidates who have the following:

PhD in behavioral science, public health, psychology, or a similar field
Strong connections in academia
Proficiencies in programming, emissions modeling, stakeholder mapping, and systems thinking
Prior experience working with foodservice operators

We strongly encourage people of every color, orientation, age, gender, origin, and ability to apply. Because we value a diverse workplace, we prioritize an inclusive climate during the application process and after you join the team. We encourage candidates with most of the above qualifications to apply; we do not expect all candidates to fit this job description 100%.

Reports to:

Kenjin Chang, Research Director

Compensation:

This is a salaried employee position paying $75,000-81,000 per year, depending on experience and credentials.

Benefits

Health, Dental & Vision Plan
401k plan, with a dollar for dollar employer match up to 3%
$150 monthly cell phone and internet expense reimbursement
$500 annual office equipment stipend (can be rolled over)
$1,000 bi-annual professional development stipend
20 vacation days per year, 14 paid federal holidays, 8 sick days and 1 personal day per year, to be used during your birthday month
Opportunity to earn a discretionary bonus based on company and individual performance

Location:

This is a remote position. We are currently only able to hire employees who can work in the U.S. for this position.

To Apply

In order to apply, please fill out the form. We will not consider any candidates who have not filled out the form. Please do not contact us via email or message to apply. Applications will be received on a rolling basis, with a priority for those received by August 10, 2026.

Greener by Default

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