Principal Research Associate Policy

What You’ll Do Research and Policy

• Conduct social policy research, using a variety of research methods.
• Provide subject matter expertise and technical assistance to a wide variety of researchers, policymakers, nonprofit organizations and other stakeholders working to understand the extent of food insecurity and its causes and consequences.
• Bring in-depth knowledge of methods and limitations for the analysis of survey data and program administrative data.
• Author reports and present data and findings to internal and external audiences.

• Serve as the primary technical advisor and research project director related to food security measurement.
• Ensure the successful completion of projects, including overseeing project budgets, workplans, deliverables, and staffing.
• Supervise project teams and early career staff.
• Communicate with external stakeholders and funders.

• Contribute to the development of research ideas.
• Contribute to and lead proposals for new research projects and funding.
• Train and contribute to the development of early and mid-career staff.

• Possess a graduate degree (master’s degree or PhD), or equivalent, in a field related to social science (e.g. public policy, political science, sociology, or economics).
• Have at least 10 years (with a master’s degree) or at least 8 years (with a PhD) of professional work experience in the area of social policy research, including leading research projects and teams.
• Have demonstrated knowledge of food security measurement, including the underlying research science, and extensive experience with food security data analysis.
• Have a track record of publishing on food security measurement and analysis in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Demonstrated experience providing technical assistance to researchers and to other stakeholders on food security measurement and analysis.
• Prior experience with Current Population Survey or American Community Survey‑based modeling is a plus.
• Have demonstrated ability to think strategically about a research agenda and interact with staff at all levels. Prior research proposal development and fundraising experience is a plus.
• Be detailed‑oriented and self‑motivated with the ability to work on multiple priorities, work independently and as part of a team, and communicate effectively. Have excellent organization skills.
• Exhibit strong analytical and quantitative research skills, including prior experience with SAS, R, or similar software.
• Show outstanding writing and presentation ability.
• Have prior experience supervising staff.

No matter your role with Urban, you will contribute to meaningful work that makes a difference for people and communities across the country. We are committed to cultivating a community and working in a manner defined by collaboration, fairness, inclusivity, independence, and integrity. Urban’s greatest asset is our people.

The target salary range for this position is $139,582 - $244,269. Salary offered is commensurate with experience and considers internal comparisons. Salaries are just one component of Urban Institute’s total compensation package. Urban is committed to supporting our staff’s physical, emotional, and financial well‑being through a robust benefits package for yourself, eligible dependents, and domestic partners. It includes generous paid time off, including nine federal holidays, medical (including prescription), dental and vision insurance, and transit benefits.

Urban is unique in that we offer 403(b) retirement plan participation immediately after you’re hired and a generous employer contribution after six months of service and 500 hours, with immediate vesting. You’ll also have access to a health advocate, personal finance coaching, an Employee Assistance Program, and educational assistance for undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the people assigned. This posting is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and requirements. Urban management reserves the right to amend and change duties, responsibilities,…