Research Assistant (Executive Office Research) (R&D)

Who we are:

At the nonprofit Urban Institute, we believe in the power of evidence to improve lives and strengthen communities.  Our employees are empowered to open minds, shape decisions and offer solutions.  We encourage intellectual honesty, innovation, diversity, and mutual respect, and our analysis elevates the debate, wherever it takes place.

Urban's greatest asset is our people. We strive to attract and cultivate a vibrant, creative, and diverse community.  Our employees drive Urban's mission through entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership, effective communication, results-orientation, and relationship cultivation.  Our success depends on engaging individuals who possess and value these attributes. 

Urban recently launched WorkRise, a major, multi-year initiative focused on jobs, workers, and mobility, and is adding to the team that supports the research conducted, published, and sponsored by the initiative.

How you'll contribute:

The Urban Institute is seeking a talented Research Assistant who is interested in questions related to understanding and improving the economic stability and upward mobility of workers. We are looking for enthusiastic, intellectually curious candidates who want the opportunity to contribute to innovative research that will tackle foundational knowledge gaps in order to directly inform policies and practices that can promote economic security and opportunity for workers, especially low-wage workers.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct background research on a range of topics, including performing literature reviews and synthesizing qualitative and quantitative information.
• Assist with collecting, cleaning, and analyzing administrative and national survey data.
• Use statistical methods and software to summarize, describe, and display data.
• Apply other innovative techniques and software to support other research, data visualization, or presentation needs.
• Assist with the development of internal and public research products, including research reports and briefs, and other written materials.
• Support research and communications staff in preparing research content for the website, blog, and social media.
• Monitor economic data releases and track new research publications, working papers, and reports released by academic, think tank, and other research organizations.
• Assist with the organization, coordination, and management of research activities to advance the initiative's research agenda.

What you'll bring:

The successful candidate will:

• Have a bachelor's degree in economics, sociology, political science, public policy, mathematics, statistics or related fields (Required).
• Express a strong interest in economic and labor market policy and policy research on issues related to labor markets, employer practices, worker power, job search and training, and supportive services, as well as be flexible and willing to explore new policy areas.
• Exhibit strong organizational skills and be detail-oriented.
• Be self-motivated, capable of working independently and in teams, and able to juggle multiple projects and responsibilities simultaneously.
• Have attained prior experience with Stata, R or other statistical analysis software.
• Have familiarity with standard data sets and series used in the analysis of labor market trends and outcomes (Preferred).

What you'll experience:

Working in the Nation's Capital, the epicenter of public policy among a network of policy experts, you can expect to have an impact on policy areas you care about and work with great colleagues who are smart, mission-driven, and collaborative. You will blend academic rigor with on-the-ground collaboration, be encouraged and supported to fulfill your potential through meaningful work that matters, and enjoy a welcoming workplace free from harassment, discrimination and intolerance.

In addition, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes: medical, dental, disability, and life insurance coverage. Competitive paid time off allowance, and eligibility to participate in a generous retirement savings plan and reimbursable commuting expense program.   

The Urban Institute is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity without regard for race, ethnicity, gender, protected veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other protected status under applicable law.

The Urban Institute is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Minorities/Women/Disabilities/Veterans.