Research Scientist; TxBSPI

Research Scientist (TxBSPI)

We are seeking a Research Scientist to join Texas Behavioral Science and Policy Institute (TxBSPI) with a primary focus on producing high‑quality publications based on ongoing NSF‑funded projects and existing datasets. The Research Scientist will work closely with Dr. David Yeager to advance the scientific goals of the institute and disseminate findings through peer‑reviewed journals, policy briefs, and other scholarly outlets.

• Lead and co‑author peer‑reviewed journal articles, reports, and policy briefs derived from existing NSF‑funded studies and longitudinal datasets.
• Collaborate with Dr. Yeager and the research team, including data scientists, on study design, analysis plans, and interpretation of findings to ensure rigor and publication readiness.
• Guide the analysis process; provide insight on modeling strategies, interpretation, and data visualization to support manuscripts.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior researchers, postdocs, and graduate students in scientific writing, data interpretation, and research methods.
• Facilitate workshops and trainings on research best practices and manuscript preparation.
• Contribute to project management activities, including organizing team meetings, reviewing protocols, and supporting project timelines.
• Perform additional related duties as assigned.

• Ph.D. in Psychology, Sociology, Economics, Education, Population Studies, Epidemiology, Neuropsychology, Computer Science, or related field.
• Demonstrated record as an independent researcher with peer‑reviewed publications.
• Expertise in quantitative research using large population‑representative datasets, including multiple modeling strategies.
• Strong experience authoring journal articles and technical reports.
• Proficiency in Stata; familiarity with R or Python is a plus.
• Minimum of five years of relevant research experience.

• Research experience in education, inequality, cognition, or intervention design.
• Extensive experience with longitudinal studies and large‑scale, population‑representative datasets.
• Experience working in interdisciplinary, collaborative research projects in academic or applied settings.
• Strong collaborative skills and experience mentoring junior researchers.
• Highly motivated by leading publications and advancing a research agenda through writing.

• $65,000 + depending on qualifications

• Typical Office Environment

• $65,000 + depending on qualifications

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.