Head of Quantitative Research

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Smith Hanley Associates
United States, US (Remote)
  • Consulting
  • FullTime
  • Applications have closed

Head of Quantitative Research

Behavioral Science & AI-Enabled Insights Firm

Remote — U.S. (No California-based candidates)

Compensation: Commensurate with Experience (plus bonus & shares)

Contact: Lindsey Bartlett – lbartlett@smithhanley.com

The client is a fast-growing, AI-enabled behavioral science and insights firm helping organizations better understand human decision-making and behavior. Our work sits at the intersection of behavioral science, advanced analytics, and modern research technology; allowing clients to uncover deeper insights and make smarter strategic decisions.

The company is experiencing significant growth and continues to invest in expanding its quantitative capabilities as a core pillar of the business. With a collaborative, fully remote team distributed across the U.S. and Canada, we are building a modern insights organization designed for the future of research.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Head of Quantitative Research to lead and scale the company’s quantitative research practice. This individual will oversee the quant team, drive product innovation within quantitative methodologies, and play a key role in growing the firm’s quantitative business.

This is a seller-doer leadership role:someone who can both guide strategy and actively engage in client work. The ideal candidate is commercially minded, comfortable managing projects and teams, and excited to build and expand a growing quant practice within a behavioral science environment.

You will partner closely with leadership, product, and innovation teams to shape the future of quant research offerings while ensuring strong execution across client engagements.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and Scale the Quantitative Practice

  • Lead and develop a growing quantitative research team (currently 4 direct reports)
  • Oversee quantitative project delivery while ensuring high methodological rigor
  • Help scale the quant practice as a major growth engine within the business

Drive Business Growth

  • Contribute to revenue growth for the quantitative business, which is projected to grow significantly in the coming year
  • Act as a seller-doer, supporting business development and client relationship growth
  • Work closely with senior client teams to design and deliver impactful research programs

Quant Product Development

  • Partner with the innovation and development teams to define and build new quantitative research products
  • Help determine where the firm should invest in new quant capabilities, tools, and methodologies
  • Translate emerging research and AI capabilities into scalable client offerings

AI & Modern Research Innovation

  • Champion the use of AI and advanced analytics in quantitative research
  • Identify opportunities to leverage automation, AI-driven analysis, and new technologies to modernize research delivery
  • Act as an internal advocate for innovation within the quant practice

Client Leadership

  • Work directly with clients to design research programs and translate findings into strategic insights
  • Ensure the quantitative work complements and integrates with the firm’s strong qualitative and behavioral science capabilities
  • Maintain a hands-on presence in projects, particularly at the strategic and design levels

What We’re Looking For

Deep Industry Expertise:

  • Strong understanding of the primary research landscape within pharmaceutical, biotech, or life sciences, including how insights teams and commercial organizations leverage research to inform strategy and decision-making.

Experience

  • ~8–15 years of experience in quantitative market research, analytics, or insights
  • Experience working within market research, insights consulting, or behavioral science environments
  • Track record of leading or building quantitative research teams or practices
  • Experience managing complex research programs for clients

Commercial & Leadership Mindset

  • Strong business acumen and client-facing skills
  • Comfortable contributing to revenue growth and supporting new business efforts
  • Ability to balance leadership responsibilities with hands-on project involvement

Innovation & AI Orientation

  • Strong interest in AI-enabled research, analytics, and automation
  • Curiosity and enthusiasm for integrating emerging technologies into research methodologies

Ideal Profile

  • A rising leader with strong upside and growth potential
  • Someone excited to help scale and shape a fast-growing research organization
  • A collaborative leader who believes in the power of behavioral science-driven insights
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