Research Specialist C, The Water Center
About The Position
The Water Center Research Specialist leads and executes the Center’s applied research and policy initiatives, reporting to the Director of Applied Research and Policy. The role designs and advances research projects, produces analytical and communications deliverables, and translates complex water infrastructure and policy issues into actionable insights for diverse stakeholders. The Specialist works with Water Center staff and collaborators across Penn to advance interdisciplinary efforts and extend the impact of the Center’s work. The Water Center is a community-focused research center working to find integrated solutions to challenges facing water systems and watersheds, with the goal of accelerating water equity. This is a hybrid position requiring three days per week in the Water Center offices in Philadelphia.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree and 3 to 5 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Education or experience in environmental policy, water resources, environmental studies, environmental engineering, and/or water system management.
- Experience conducting applied research, including designing surveys or interviews, analyzing qualitative and quantitative data, and synthesizing findings to inform policy or technical assistance.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex water infrastructure topics clearly and accessibly to diverse audiences through reports, presentations, and digital content.
- Graduate-level training or equivalent subject matter expertise in environmental policy, water resources, or environmental studies.
Nice To Haves
- Master's degree.
- Demonstrated experience in water systems management and community water infrastructure.
Responsibilities
- Lead applied research projects from design through delivery, including writing reports, developing surveys and interviews, creating public-facing materials, and presenting findings to stakeholders.
- Research water infrastructure technical assistance and emerging water policy challenges by collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data and evaluating policies across drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems.
- Research emerging contaminant policy by collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data and evaluating the impacts of existing policies.
- Collaborate with the Communications Manager, Penn partners, and external stakeholders—including utilities, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations—to translate research into strategic communications, inform policy and practice, and support interdisciplinary initiatives.
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits.
- Flexible spending accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses.
- Tuition assistance for employees, spouses, and dependent children at Penn; dependent children may also receive assistance at other institutions.
- Basic, matching, and supplemental retirement plans.
- Substantial time away from work during the year.
- Long-term care insurance.
- Wellness and work-life programs and resources.
- Professional and personal development resources.
- Access to University libraries, athletic facilities, arboretum, galleries, and cultural and recreational activities.
- Discounts on arts, entertainment, transportation, mortgages, goods, and services.
- Flexible work options and hours.
- Forgivable homeownership loan for eligible employees buying a home or residing in West Philadelphia.
- Adoption assistance reimbursement for eligible expenses.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
