Education Policy Researcher

RAND • Washington, DC

1d • $110,900 - $183,300

About The Position

RAND's Economics, Sociology and Statistics (ESS) department is hiring Education Policy Researchers to conduct rigorous, objective research on career and technical education (CTE) and education-to-workforce transitions. Researchers work on multidisciplinary teams studying how secondary CTE programs affect students’ postsecondary and labor market outcomes. Current work includes multi-year state CTE alignment studies and program evaluations supported by funders including Arnold Ventures and the Institute of Education Sciences. The role involves extensive use of state administrative data linking K-12 records with postsecondary enrollment and workforce wage data.

Researchers design and conduct empirical studies, analyze linked longitudinal data, apply quantitative and causal inference methods, and communicate findings to policymakers and other audiences. They also contribute to proposals and business development, build relationships with agencies and funders, mentor junior researchers, and support an inclusive collaborative research environment. RAND offers a nonpartisan research setting, multidisciplinary project opportunities, and work intended to inform policy on pathways from education to careers.

The preferred candidate has a PhD in a relevant field and is currently completing a PhD or has 1 to 4 years of post-graduate experience in a research setting. Candidates are hired as an Associate or Full Researcher depending on education and experience. The position may be based in Santa Monica, Washington, DC, Pittsburgh, or Boston. Applications require a CV, cover letter, peer-reviewed writing sample of at least three pages, and three letters of recommendation. Candidates invited to interview must present a seminar describing recent research.

Requirements

• Demonstrated training in quantitative research methods.
• Strong analytic skills and intellectual curiosity.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of inclusive, multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong commitment to RAND's core values of quality and objectivity.
• Demonstrated expertise in at least one content area: CTE policy, program design, or evaluation; secondary and postsecondary education policy and student outcomes; education-to-workforce transitions; state longitudinal data systems linking education and workforce records; or labor market analysis and workforce development policy.
• Experience with at least two quantitative research areas: causal inference methods; analysis of linked administrative data; multilevel or longitudinal statistical modeling; or machine-learning/data-science methods applied to large-scale education or workforce data.
• Strong evidence of research experience, demonstrated through academic publications, conference presentations, or prior professional reports.
• Ability to conceptualize new research studies, contribute to proposals, and communicate findings to non-technical policy audiences.
• Currently completing a PhD or possessing 1 to 4 years of post-graduate experience in a research setting.

Nice To Haves

• PhD in economics, policy analysis, statistics, sociology, or a closely related field (preferred).
• Experience working directly with state education or workforce agencies.
• Experience working on externally funded research grants.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute rigorous empirical research on transitions from high school to postsecondary education and the workforce.
• Link and analyze state administrative datasets spanning K-12, postsecondary, and workforce systems to track student pathways longitudinally.
• Apply causal inference and other advanced quantitative methods to evaluate education-to-postsecondary and workforce programs.
• Use AI and machine-learning technologies responsibly to improve research quality and efficiency.
• Communicate findings to policy audiences through peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and presentations to state agency partners and funders.
• Contribute to business development, including proposal writing and cultivating relationships with state agencies, IES, and private funders.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to a collaborative, inclusive research environment.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Savings plan
• Paid time-off
• Sabbatic pay, providing additional compensation above base pay when vacation is taken

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree