Education Policy Researcher

Job Type:

Diversity at RAND

Diversity, equity, and inclusivity are essential operating principles at RAND. We are committed to maintaining a collegial environment that respects the contributions and dignity of all staff, where individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person's talents and strengths. This commitment is guided by an organization-wide framework for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, and paired with significant investments to sustain and center these principles in leadership, research, and community and stakeholder engagement. An advisory council comprised of staff at all levels provides critical feedback and perspective on the organization's diversity, equity, and inclusion plans and activities. Employee Resource Groups are staff-driven grassroots communities that seek to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion at RAND by facilitating community, connection, and a greater sense of belonging and well-being among colleagues. In our recruitment and retention efforts, we seek unique backgrounds, original views, and diversity in academic training, work experience, and ideological outlook.

Position Description

RAND is seeking applicants at all levels of experience for education policy research positions. Researchers at RAND work on collaborative and multidisciplinary research teams to solve real-world problems, producing objective, scientific analyses in peer-reviewed journals and technical reports to guide policymakers on a diverse set of issues. Researchers work in multidisciplinary teams that include health policy researchers, economists, natural scientists, epidemiologists, social scientists, and others with relevant training. They apply rigorous, empirical research designs to analyze education policy issues and evaluate programs. Staff are encouraged to collaborate on projects across various research topics including health, education, labor, social and economic wellbeing, national security, and homeland security. Staff members have opportunities to teach in the Pardee RAND Graduate School and to collaborate on projects across various research programs, including Health Care; Education and Labor; Homeland Security; and National Security.

Qualifications

Successful applicants will have demonstrated quantitative skills, strong analytic skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills, an interest in building an education policy research portfolio, the ability to work effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team, a strong commitment to RAND's core values of quality and objectivity, and intellectual curiosity and motivation to work on addressing critical policy challenges. A record of peer-reviewed publications and extramural funding consistent with experience is expected. Experience in implementation and/or evaluation is also valued.

Senior researchers are expected to show a demonstrated ability to conceptualize research studies, obtain extramural funding, mentor and develop junior staff members, lead and direct multi-disciplinary teams, set project standards and monitor progress, and communicate interim and final results to the RAND community and to policy-making audiences.

Salary is commensurate with experience.

RAND is particularly interested in applicants with quantitative skills and research interests in education equity, curriculum and instruction, mathematics education, early childhood education, post-secondary education, and educator quality.

Education Requirements

Doctoral degree in education policy, public policy, sociology, psychology, and related fields (you may also apply if you are at the dissertation stage and expect to complete your PhD within 12 months); or Master's degree in public policy, public health, or a technical discipline with 5+ years experience and demonstrable research leadership and proficiency in research methods.

Location

Pittsburgh, PA; Santa Monica, CA; Washington, DC; or Boston, MA

Application Materials

• CV, cover letter, and writing sample are required (PDF documents are preferred). One writing sample is sufficient if it is a published journal article from a refereed source, otherwise two writing samples are required (e.g., a draft first-authored journal article or a job market paper).

• References: For researchers with fewer than 3 years of experience post-PhD completion, 3 letters of recommendation are required at the time of application. Letters of recommendation should be emailed directly to bpscts@rand.org. Applicants with more than 3 years of experience will be asked to submit contact information for 3 references if selected to interview.

Salary Range: $100,000 - $262,500

Associate Researcher: $100,000 - $154,200

Full Researcher: $115,400 - $190,000

Senior Researcher: $152,700 - $262,500

Application Deadline

Review of applications will be ongoing through January 15, 2025.

Equal Opportunity Employer: race/color/religion/sex/sexual orientation/gender identity/national origin/disability/vet