Research Associate - PEER Center
About The Position
The School of Public Affairs (SPA) at American University is seeking applications for a full-time Research Associate to begin in December 2026 or as soon as possible. The Research Associate will conduct rigorous and timely policy research and analyses to support the work of the Postsecondary Education & Economics Research (PEER) Center. The PEER Center, led by Professors Jordan Matsudaira at SPA and Stephanie Cellini at George Washington University, generates actionable research to promote more equitable outcomes in education beyond high school. The PEER Center also works to train higher education researchers to more effectively engage with and impact state and federal policy. PEER Center staff engage in research related to postsecondary costs, accountability, value, and student success; and engage in efforts to connect this work directly to the policymaking process. The Research Associate will engage in rapid-response analysis to inform timely state and federal policy development, as well as having the opportunity to participate in longer-term research. This is a term faculty, non-tenure track position with the rank of Research Assistant Professor and the title of Research Associate. The initial appointment is for 12 months, beginning on or around December 1, 2026, and can be renewed annually, subject to external funding. American University is a private institution within easy reach of the many centers of government, business, research, and the arts located within the nation’s capital. Established in 1934, the School of Public Affairs offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the departments of Government; Justice, Law, Criminology, & Security; and Public Administration & Policy.
Requirements
- Master’s degree in economics, public policy, data science, or a related field.
- Successful track record of empirical analysis.
- Demonstrated data skills.
- Familiarity with quantitative methods for policy analysis.
- Familiarity with higher education and workforce data and research (including Stata and/or R).
- Strong communication and writing skills.
Nice To Haves
- Understanding of key legislative and regulatory policy levers.
- Applying academic research to policy problems.
- Relevant work experience in federal and/or state higher education policy.
Responsibilities
- Conduct rigorous and timely policy research and analyses to support the work of the Postsecondary Education & Economics Research (PEER) Center.
- Engage in rapid-response analysis to inform timely state and federal policy development.
- Participate in longer-term research.
- Generate actionable research to promote more equitable outcomes in education beyond high school.
- Train higher education researchers to more effectively engage with and impact state and federal policy.
- Engage in research related to postsecondary costs, accountability, value, and student success.
- Engage in efforts to connect this work directly to the policymaking process.
Benefits
- Competitive benefits package.
- Unique benefit options.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
