Policy Researcher with Security Clearance

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Job description

Job Type: Regular 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 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

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