Research Associate - PK-Education

Position Summary

The Research Associate role is an extraordinary opportunity to join the Public Policy Institute of California, a unique organization that believes in the power of good information to build a brighter future. As a Research Associate you will play a crucial role within the PK12 Education research team to help deliver objective, non-partisan work that meets PPIC’s high standards for excellence, relevance, and transparency.

This team focuses on conducting research to inform long-term and real-time education policy issues in California. As a Research Associate I or II, you will provide foundational analytical support to PPIC research projects, under the close direction and with the guidance of at least one senior research colleague. You will gain exposure and an understanding of your policy area while also learning how to consistently meet PPIC’s high standards for excellence in the quality of our research.

Includes but is not limited to the following work activities; time estimates are provided as general guidelines and may vary throughout the research process and across individuals according to strengths.

• Assemble, manipulate, code, and analyze both quantitative and qualitative data with an emphasis on accuracy
• Conduct statistical analysis with guidance from senior research colleagues using statistical software
• Use and expand agility with and understanding of the analytical tools that support PPIC’s work, and when appropriate share that expertise with the wider PPIC research community
• Consult the research literature, perform searches, prepare bibliographies, abstract source materials, stay informed on developments in the literature
• Collect policy and budget information and stay informed on developments in the policy environment
• Track progress and prioritize activities to meet key deadlines

• Writing:
  Draft sections of written research publications (typically technical appendices), and draft and/or update short products for a PPIC audience, with guidance from senior research colleagues
• Public Speaking:
  Deliver research presentations to internal and external audiences, typically short and related to specific research projects

• Media:
  Engagements with the media not expected, but gains exposure with senior research colleagues as appropriate
• Networking and Outreach:
  Participate in outreach and engagement, with guidance from senior research colleagues
• Funding:
  Provide support for funding proposals
• Institutional Engagement:
  Participate in institutional efforts, with guidance from senior colleagues

Education
:
Bachelor’s degree in public policy, economics, sociology, political science, demography, data science, or related field that includes training in quantitative and qualitative analysis, or equivalent experience.

Relevant experience
:
Experience conducting policy research and working with large data sets, preferably using at least one statistical software package, along with outstanding analytical ability. Demonstrated interest in applied policy research in topics relevant to PPIC’s research objectives.

Computer Skills
:
Knowledge of Stata, SAS, R or another statistical software program (Stata or R is preferred). Familiarity with Microsoft Office 365 and ability to learn other software programs.

Project Management skills
:
Attention to detail and accuracy; strong organization skills to manage complex tasks and verbal instructions, ability to prioritize work effectively and adjust to multiple demands.

Verbal Communication
:
Able to develop clear and concise verbal communications with colleagues across the institute.

Written Communication
:
Able to develop written communications with strong editing abilities and presentation skills.

Collaborative Style
:
Adept at building relationships and work collaboratively with diverse groups of colleagues across the institute. Able to effectively manage key internal relationships. Committed to delivering high quality output in a timely manner to enhance the success of the team and the institute. Able to act with integrity, responsibility, and dependability.

Resourceful:
Able…