Policy Researcher
Company: RAND Corporation
Location: Washington
Posted on: October 23, 2024
Job Description:
Job Type: RegularDiversity at RANDDiversity, 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
DescriptionRAND 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 measurementQualificationsAll 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
objectivityApplicants 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
methodsIn 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
RequirementsPh.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.LocationPittsburgh,
PA; Santa Monica, CA; Washington DC; or Boston, MAApplication
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 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 - $262,500Associate Researcher:
$100,000 - $154,200Full Researcher: $115,400 - $190,000 Senior
Researcher: $152,700 - $262,500RAND 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 DeadlineReview of applications
will be ongoing through December 31, 2024.Equal Opportunity
Employer: race/color/religion/sex/sexual orientation/gender
identity/national origin/disability/vet
Keywords: RAND Corporation, Charlottesville , Policy Researcher, Other , Washington, Virginia
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