Research Associate

Central to the work of SMGC is the compassion quotient (CQ), which is a measurable metric of compassionate action and compassionate intelligence. To develop this work, SMGC aims to undertake in-depth research, inviting international experts to work alongside an in-house team. Research will also be informed by practitioners of compassion in action, ranging from youth leaders in SMGC s compassionate communities to well-known figures who have dedicated their lives to effecting change through compassionate action. The objective is to enhance active learning and practice, creating training programmes based on our research and cultivating outreach and advocacy strategies focused on placing compassion in action at the heart of national and international policy.

Research activities will include monitoring, evaluation, and learning on the effectiveness of compassion-based interventions and programmes and contribute to the evidence base for compassionate action.

Proposed areas of focus include:

• Compassion Quotient (CQ): measurement of compassionate intelligence (feeling, motivation to action, knowledge to deliver positive impact) to develop the theory for CQ.
  
• Neurobiology of compassion: exploration of neural mechanisms around compassion, altruism, pro-social behaviour.
  
• Psychology of compassion: investigation of the cognitive and emotional processes that contribute to compassionate intelligence.
  
• Social and cultural influences on compassion: examinations of social norms, cultural contexts, and power dynamics and their impact on compassionate intelligence.
  
• Technology and compassion: the role of technology in supporting the development of compassionate intelligence and promoting compassionate communication and collaboration.
  
• Training and education: develop educational resources and deliver in-person and virtual training programmes, seminars, and international conferences. These will focus on cultivating compassionate intelligence, targeting community leaders, business leaders, international organisations, and governments.
  

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning:

Collaborate with stakeholders to identify research priorities aligned with organizational needs.

Contribute to the development and execution of the organizations research strategy, ensuring alignment with objectives and resource allocation.

Research Design and Implementation:

Lead the development and execution of primary and secondary research by utilizing experimental design, observational studies, and other relevant methodologies.

Design experiments, surveys, training material and other interventions.

Literature Review and Synthesis:

Stay abreast of relevant developments in social sciences, psychology, and behavioral sciences.

Conduct comprehensive literature reviews to identify gaps in current knowledge and propose innovative research directions.

Data Collection and Analysis:

Oversee data collection and analysis using a variety of research methods, including statistical analyses and qualitative assessments.

Serve as the key research advisor to the Chairperson and the leadership team, providing insights and recommendations based on the latest research and industry trends.

Maintain the highest standards of research quality and ethical conduct, guiding the research team and ensuring compliance with regulations.

Publication and Dissemination:

Prepare and explore opportunities to publish in peer-reviewed journals at various national and internal forums.

Effectively document research findings through reports, presentations, and other dissemination channels.

Qualifications & Skills:

Masters or Ph.D. degree in a relevant field (e.g., psychology, sociology, market research, business administration) preferred.

Minimum of 1 0 years of hands-on experience in conducting research, with a focus on both qualitative and quantitative methodologies.

Proven expertise in designing and implementing research studies, including primary data collection and secondary data analysis.

Proficiency in statistical analysis software and qualitative analysis tools.

Experience in writing case studies.

Strong analytical skill s and the ability to interpret complex data sets to generate actionable insights and recommendations.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present research findings clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.

Demonstrated project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.