Researcher, Kinder Institute Urban Research

Position Summary

The Kinder Institute for Urban Research is seeking a full‑time Researcher or Senior Researcher (depending on experience) for the Center for Housing and Neighborhoods. The researcher will oversee research produced in cooperation with partner organizations in and around the Houston region on topics such as housing affordability, homelessness, community development, housing and health, housing quality, evictions, gentrification, and segregation. The researcher will develop community‑informed research projects, identify funding, and execute collaborative projects.

In addition to externally facing work, the researcher will build internal capacity by mentoring, leading, and motivating a team of researchers.

This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining in‑office and remote work (3 days in‑office / 2 days remote). Work arrangements may be subject to change.

This is a full‑time, benefits‑eligible position, with a proposed salary of $81,000 – $84,000 annually (Exempt salary). Positions are salaried and not eligible for overtime.

• Bachelor’s Degree (or foreign equivalent) in housing‑related fields such as urban studies, urban planning, geography, public policy, sociology, public health, economics, or another social science field.
• 4+ years of experience in a combination of the following:
  • Data maintenance and analysis
  • Quantitative methodology in Stata, SAS, or R
  • GIS using the ESRI suite, Python, and/or R
  • Interviews, focus groups, ethnography, or discourse analysis

• Proficiency in statistical analysis, data interpretation, and critical thinking to extract 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 integrity and confidentiality.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for reports, presentations, and other media.
• Ability to lead and manage multiple research projects simultaneously, including planning, coordination, and timely execution while ensuring adherence to deadlines and budget constraints.
• Experience working collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams, stakeholders, and external partners.
• Support for junior staff in research and professional growth.

• PhD degree (or foreign equivalent) in housing‑related fields. An MA will be considered.

• Design, plan, implement, and conduct independent and team-based research studies.
• Conduct comprehensive data collection, management, interpretation, and analysis of complex datasets.
• Apply advanced statistical and analytical methods to extract actionable insights.
• Translate research findings into clear, accessible products for diverse audiences.
• Prepare detailed reports summarizing findings, methodologies, and implications.
• Communicate effectively and build collaborative relationships with community organizations and stakeholders.
• Supervise junior research staff and support professional development.
• Attend meetings with stakeholders and community engagement events.
• Respond to media inquiries as appropriate.
• Assist in identifying and supporting research grants and funding opportunities.
• Stay current on emerging trends and best practices in research and data analysis.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Please contact Rice University’s Human Resources Office at facstaffada for support.