Researcher, Research​/Development, Research Scientist

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants should attach a resume and cover letter in PDF format to the Supporting Documents section of the application.

Boasting a 300-acre tree‑lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student‑to‑faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lecture series, courses and student government. Developing close‑knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice’s culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name — RICE — Responsibility, Integrity, Community and Excellence.

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.

• Occasional travel
• Evening and/or weekend work as needed
• 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.

This is a full‑time, benefits‑eligible position, and the proposed salary range is $81,000 to $84,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience.
* Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

• 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…