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 junior and senior policy researchers with strong methodological skills to conduct research on high-priority policy problems. Researchers at RAND work on collaborative research teams, producing objective, scientific analyses in peer-reviewed journals and technical reports to guide policymakers on a diverse set of issues. Staff members have opportunities to teach in the Pardee RAND Graduate School and to collaborate on projects across various research topics including health, education, labor, social and economic wellbeing, commerce, defense, national security, and homeland security.

Specializations of interest include:

• Economics

• Labor

• Workforce development

• Racial equity

• Commerce and trade

• Health services and delivery

• Organization and financing of care

• Health equity/health disparities

• Precision medicine

• Emerging health technologies

• Quality measurement

Qualifications

All research positions require:

• Demonstrated training in either quantitative or qualitative research methods

• Strong analytic skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Intellectual curiosity and motivation to work to address critical policy challenges

• An interest in building a policy research portfolio

• The ability to work effectively as a member of inclusive, multidisciplinary teams

• A strong commitment to RAND's core values of quality and objectivity

Applicants must have demonstrated experience in two or more of the following areas:

• Experimental and quasi-experimental study design

• Analyzing qualitative data using coding software

• Advanced statistical analysis, such as methods that support causal inference, multi-level modeling, growth modeling, factor analysis, etc.

• Analysis of secondary data, including longitudinal cohort studies and/or administrative databases

• Application of machine learning/artificial intelligence methods

In addition, senior-level research positions require 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 as well as to policy-making audiences.

Education Requirements

Ph.D., or Master's degree with 5+ years of relevant research experience, is required in one of the social or physical sciences or other discipline closely related to the topics outlined in the Position Description above. You may also apply if you are at the dissertation stage and expect to complete your PhD within 12 months.

Experience

Positions are available at all levels of experience. A record of peer-reviewed publications or research reports consistent with experience is expected.

Location

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

Application Materials

• A CV, cover letter, and writing sample (pdf documents preferred) are required when applying. One writing sample is sufficient if it is a published journal article or report that has gone through quality assurance, otherwise two writing samples are required (e.g., a draft first-authored journal article, report, or a job market paper).

• References: For researchers with fewer than 5 years of experience post-PhD completion, 3 letters of recommendation are required at the time of application. These should be emailed directly to essrecruit@rand.org with a note referencing the Policy Researcher position. Applicants with more than 5 years of experience will be asked to submit contact information for referees 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

RAND considers a variety of factors when formulating an offer, including but not limited to, the specific role and associated responsibilities; a candidate's work experience, education/training, skills, expertise; and internal equity. Successful candidates will be offered employment as an Associate, Full, or Senior researcher in a specific title, as determined by the candidate's education and experience. The salary range includes base pay plus RAND's sabbatic pay (which provides additional compensation above base pay when vacation is taken). In addition, RAND provides comprehensive benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, paid time-off and more.

Application Deadline

Review of applications will be ongoing through December 31, 2024.

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