Researcher, Kinder Institute for Urban Research

Rice University•Houston, TX

5h•$81,000 - $84,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Kinder Institute for Urban Research (KIUR) at Rice University is seeking a full-time Researcher to join its Houston Population Research Center (HPRC). The HPRC houses the Kinder Institute’s demography and survey work, which includes the Greater Houston Community Panel and the Kinder Houston Area Survey - the longest-running survey of any major metropolitan area in the nation. Recent HPRC research includes the 2025 Kinder Houston Area Survey, an Achievement Study examining outcomes across Houston communities, and a Disaster Recovery Study focused on post-storm impacts and recovery. The Researcher will work with the survey team on a statewide panel, as well as coordinate with research happening locally in the Houston area. The Researcher may also supervise junior research staff. Individuals with experience and expertise in designing and programming surveys, cleaning and curating survey data, and developing and conducting survey research projects are encouraged to apply. The Kinder Institute for Urban Research aims to improve lives through data, research, engagement, and action. The institute is currently working to build out five research centers focused on critical aspects shaping the social and cultural landscape of the Houston area. The five centers will research housing, education, community and public health, economic mobility and inequality, and population dynamics. Each center will investigate its particular topic area and will work across centers. To achieve this, each center is building interdisciplinary teams specializing in solutions-oriented research while using a research-practice partnership (RPP) model to jointly design, develop, and conduct research that values diversity in expertise and prioritizes the community in identifying and addressing some of the most pressing questions and challenges facing Houston and surrounding areas to inform decision-making and bring about systemic change Ideal candidates work well in a team environment, actively collaborate, and can motivate others. The researcher should have superior scientific and numerical skills, as well as meticulous attention to detail and accuracy. Spanish language proficiency is preferred. This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work within Harris County and surrounding counties to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (or foreign equivalent) in sociology, economics, public health, or a related field, and completion of a university-level course, thesis, or dissertation
4+ years of experience in the following:
Data maintenance and analysis
Maintaining quality control standards
Quantitative methodology
Stata, SAS, or R
Proficiency in statistical analysis, data interpretation, and critical thinking to extract meaningful insights from complex datasets
Strong understanding of research methodologies, including qualitative and quantitative approaches, survey design, and experimental techniques
Ability to collect, organize, and manage large datasets efficiently while maintaining data integrity and confidentiality
Excellent written and verbal communication skills to articulate research findings effectively through comprehensive reports, presentations, and other media
Capability to manage multiple research projects simultaneously, including planning, coordination, and timely execution while ensuring adherence to deadlines and budget constraints
Ability to work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams, stakeholders, and external partners to achieve research objectives and foster a collaborative work environment

Nice To Haves

PhD and experience with statewide survey panels, locally focused survey research, and survey design, programming, and data management
Experience developing and managing research projects, managing data, and conducting quantitative and qualitative analyses, such as multilevel modeling, causal modeling, quasi-experimental methods, survey design, and interviews
Ability to conduct and lead quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods research
Ability to oversee multiple research projects while managing and mentoring other research staff
Ability to interact effectively with internal and external stakeholders

Responsibilities

Design and program surveys, clean and curate survey and administrative data, and develop and conduct survey-based research projects
Design, plan, implement, and conduct independent and team-based research studies and specialized research projects
Conduct comprehensive data collection, management, interpretation, and analysis of complex datasets from diverse sources
Apply advanced statistical and analytical methods to extract actionable insights, develop predictive models, and support trend analysis
Work with the survey research team to gather input from community organizations and leaders on topics to include in survey collection
Contribute to the development and refinement of research methodologies and analytical frameworks to improve data quality and analytical processes
Translate research findings into clear, accessible products for diverse audiences, including research briefs, reports, academic papers, presentations, and data dashboards
Prepare detailed and comprehensive reports summarizing research findings, methodologies, and implications for stakeholders and decision-makers
Communicate effectively and build collaborative relationships with community organizations, stakeholders, and research partners
Supervise junior research staff by providing direction on research activities and supporting their professional development
Assist in identifying and supporting research grant and funding opportunities
Stay current on emerging trends, methodologies, and best practices in research and data analysis to enhance skills, improve processes, and support organizational learning and innovation
Perform all other duties as assigned