Neyir Zerey

As a sociologist with a Ph.D. in Sociology, and a market and social researcher with extensive professional experience in both conducting on-field research and project management, I bring a unique set of qualifications to any job. 

Throughout my career, I have excelled in managing multi-country market research projects. I have been responsible for defining research objectives, designing research plans, coordinating with local partners, and ensuring data quality and analysis. In my role as a Research Director, I have successfully coordinated and managed both qualitative and quantitative market research and ethnographic projects. I have designed research plans, developed research instruments, conducted in-depth interviews, supervised surveys, and integrated qualitative and quantitative data for comprehensive analysis. I have delivered insights and recommendations to stakeholders for projects in UX research and ethnographic researches.

My experience also extends to project coordination in the non-governmental sector. As a project coordinator at SPoD, I was responsible for defining project objectives, engaging stakeholders, organizing training sessions, and establishing data collection processes for the SPoD Municipal Equality Index Project. I have effectively communicated findings and recommendations through a comprehensive report.

In addition to my research expertise, I have contributed to academic conferences and seminars, presenting papers on topics such as LGBTI+ rights, urban challenges, and police violence. I have also organized academic seminars, demonstrating my ability to plan and execute successful events.

With advanced skills in Microsoft Office, SPSS, InDesign, and fluent proficiency in English and French, I am well-equipped to handle diverse tasks and collaborate effectively.

Overall, my academic achievements, research experience, project management skills, and dedication to social issues make me a strong candidate for various job positions. I am confident that my expertise and passion for sociology will bring valuable contributions to any organization.

• Freelance Researcher at Habitus Research (Feb. 2020-Dec. 2022): Coordinated and managed multi-country market research projects, including defining research objectives, developing research plans, designing research instruments, coordinating with local partners, collecting and analyzing data, and presenting findings. Projects conducted for Evyap, Tetra Pak, Miro, Coca-Cola, and Mey İçki-Diageo.
• Research Director at Habitus Research (Nov. 2017-Jan. 2020): Responsible for coordination and management of qualitative and quantitative market research and ethnographic research projects. Developed research plans, designed research instruments, conducted interviews and observations, supervised surveys, integrated qualitative and quantitative data, prepared comprehensive reports, and made strategic recommendations. Projects included PRYSTINE and NewControl Projects, UX research for Ford Otosan, qualitative and quantitative projects for Evyap, and ethnographic research for Sanofi.
• Project Coordinator at SPoD (Social Policies, Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Studies Association) (Oct. 2016-Oct. 2017): Managed the SPoD Municipal Equality Index Project, including defining project objectives, engaging stakeholders, organizing meetings and training sessions, designing and implementing an M&E framework, supervising data collection, analyzing data, preparing project reports, and presenting findings.
• Freelance Researcher at Habitus Research (Mar. 2016-Sept. 2016): Focused on qualitative research project management for various brands in Turkey, including the Fiat Egea Customer Research project.
• Project Executive at Social Research Institute // Ipsos Public Affairs (Sept. 2013-Sept. 2015): Managed social research projects for ministries, academic groups, universities, and NGOs. Defined research objectives, formed research teams, developed research plans, conducted fieldwork, coordinated data collection, analyzed data, prepared reports, and presented findings. Projects included research on divorce, impact analysis of laws, family structure, youth and social media, and declining fertility rates.
• Project Assistant at Social Research Institute, Ipsos Public Affairs (Apr. 2012-Sept. 2013): Assisted in coordinating and managing social research projects, supported the research team in administrative tasks, conducted literature reviews, assisted in preparing research materials, recruited research participants, collected data, assisted in report preparation and presentation.
• Intern at TNS PIAR (May 2006-June 2010): Assisted in market research projects, including in-depth interviews, focus groups, and data analysis. Projects included research on child abuse and domestic violence in Turkey for UNICEF.

• Ph.D. in Sociology from Middle East Technical University (2022): Specialized in Sociology with a focus on LGBTI+ resistances and spatial productions in Istanbul, exploring the path towards the right to the city.
• Master's Degree (MSc) in Sociology from the University of Amsterdam, Graduate School of Social Sciences (2011): Specialized in Gender, Sexuality, and Society. Passed the examination in sociology with distinction (Cum Laude). Master's thesis focused on examining police brutality towards trans sex workers in Istanbul, supervised by François Bonnet and Gert Hekma. Received the National ARC-GS Prize for the best Social Science Master Thesis in Gender and Sexuality in 2011.
• University Diploma (B.A.) from Galatasaray University, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Science (2008): Major in International Relations.