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People Research Scientist

Wealthfront· People Ops
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Hybrid (Palo Alto, CA), Hybrid (San Francisco, CA)$140k - $155kFull-timePosted 3mo ago

About the role

Wealthfront seeks a People Research Scientist to study how employees perform, what enables success, and what environments and practices promote development. The role collaborates with People Operations leadership and function leaders to translate research into programs, design and launch initiatives, and measure impact.

Responsibilities

  • Run qualitative and small-N quantitative research on performance, career progression, manager effectiveness, and retention, using interviews, focus groups, surveys, and our people data.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to turn findings into programs. Design and launch new programs in partnership with function leaders, measure their results, and iterate to improve.
  • Partner with People Operations leadership on organizational design, leveling, and career pathways, and set clear expectations for success at each level for individual contributors and managers.
  • Build the first-time manager program that turns strong ICs into confident Coaches, and the early career pipeline that grows our next generation of homegrown talent.
  • Help launch a mentorship program that accelerates employee development.
  • Strengthen our assessment process to improve how we attract, develop and retain top talent.
  • Analyze the data behind talent decisions, and present findings to senior leadership with clear recommendations.

Qualifications

  • A PhD in industrial-organizational psychology, organizational behavior, sociology, quantitative psychology, behavioral economics, or a related field.
  • Evidence of putting theory into practice: published research or a dissertation with practical business implications, a program you designed and put into practice, or an analysis that changed how an organization operates.
  • Depth in research methods, including interview and survey design, qualitative data analysis (coding), and some statistical analysis.
  • A commitment to evidence-based practice, capable of separating scientifically sound methodology from superficial industry trends.
  • Working proficiency in R or Python. Familiarity with SQL is a plus (or a strong willingness to learn it).
  • A preference for building the program yourself over handing your findings off to someone else.
  • Readiness to support People Ops leadership in advising senior leaders on what the data does and does not support.
  • Clear writing across research briefs, program plans, and company communications.
  • Discretion with sensitive employee data.
  • An affinity for personal finance and investing, and the appetite to become an expert in our industry.

Skills

Required:Qualitative research methodsQuantitative research methodsProgram design and implementationCommunication and writingData analysis and interpretationR or Python
Nice to have:Organizational design and career pathways

Benefits

  • comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • a 401(k) with company match
  • an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
  • generous time off
  • parental leave
  • wellness reimbursements
  • professional development
  • an employee investing discount
Last updated Oct 21, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.
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