Education Policy Researcher
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 applicants at all levels of experience for education policy research positions. Researchers at RAND work on collaborative and multidisciplinary research teams to solve real-world problems, producing objective, scientific analyses in peer-reviewed journals and technical reports to guide policymakers on a diverse set of issues. Researchers work in multidisciplinary teams that include health policy researchers, economists, natural scientists, epidemiologists, social scientists, and others with relevant training. They apply rigorous, empirical research designs to analyze education policy issues and evaluate programs. Staff are encouraged to collaborate on projects across various research topics including health, education, labor, social and economic wellbeing, national security, and homeland security. Staff members have opportunities to teach in the Pardee RAND Graduate School and to collaborate on projects across various research programs, including Health Care; Education and Labor; Homeland Security; and National Security.
Qualifications
Successful applicants will have demonstrated quantitative skills, strong analytic skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills, an interest in building an education policy research portfolio, the ability to work effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team, a strong commitment to RAND's core values of quality and objectivity, and intellectual curiosity and motivation to work on addressing critical policy challenges. A record of peer-reviewed publications and extramural funding consistent with experience is expected. Experience in implementation and/or evaluation is also valued.
Senior researchers are expected to show 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 and to policy-making audiences.
Salary is commensurate with experience.
RAND is particularly interested in applicants with quantitative skills and research interests in education equity, curriculum and instruction, mathematics education, early childhood education, post-secondary education, and educator quality.
Education Requirements
Doctoral degree in education policy, public policy, sociology, psychology, and related fields (you may also apply if you are at the dissertation stage and expect to complete your PhD within 12 months); or Master's degree in public policy, public health, or a technical discipline with 5+ years experience and demonstrable research leadership and proficiency in research methods.
Location
Pittsburgh, PA; Santa Monica, CA; Washington, DC; or Boston, MA
Application Materials
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CV, cover letter, and writing sample are required (PDF documents are preferred). One writing sample is sufficient if it is a published journal article from a refereed source, otherwise two writing samples are required (e.g., a draft first-authored journal article or a job market paper).
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References: For researchers with fewer than 3 years of experience post-PhD completion, 3 letters of recommendation are required at the time of application. Letters of recommendation should be emailed directly to [email protected]. Applicants with more than 3 years of experience will be asked to submit contact information for 3 references 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
Hiring ranges for Economists, Management Scientists and Physician Researchers are slightly higher than the ranges shown.
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 strong 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 January 15, 2025.
Equal Opportunity Employer: race/color/religion/sex/sexual orientation/gender identity/national origin/disability/vet
