About Urban Institute:

At the Urban Institute, we believe in the power of evidence to improve lives and strengthen communities. As a nonprofit focusing on social and economic policy, our researchers and policy entrepreneurs open minds, shape decisions, and identify transformative solutions to the most pressing issues of our time.

Our Mission

To open minds, shape decisions, and offer solutions through economic and social policy research.

Our Values

Collaboration, Equity, Inclusivity, Independence, and Integrity

For more information on the Urban Institute, please visit https://www.urban.org.

The Opportunity:

Central to Urban’s mission is fostering a truly inclusive community that ensures ongoing relevance to a changing world. Within the Urban Institute, the Center on Labor, Human Services and Population (LHP) conducts research that informs and evaluates policies and programs that affect the well-being of children, youth, families and individuals. LHP’s diverse group of policy researchers use a wide-ranging set of disciplinary and methodological expertise used to study the effects of programs, social policies, and the labor market on the well-being of families and individuals, with a special focus on understanding outcomes for vulnerable populations and historically underserved or disadvantaged groups.

The Center on Labor, Human Services, and Population is seeking a full-time research associate who will be responsible for managing and conducting research and technical assistance related to data privacy, statistical methods, and quantitative research. Areas of study include statistical data privacy, statistical modeling, survey analysis, and quantitative analysis on economic issues. The position will also contribute and potentially lead the development of proposals, responses to solicitations, and other business cultivation activities related to statistical data privacy. The ideal candidate will bring subject matter expertise in statistical data privacy, a solid track record of conducting moderately complex statistical data privacy methods, and proficiency in R programming.

What You’ll Do:

• Conduct research utilizing technology, data science, and statistical methods, including data imputation, synthetic data generation, and formal privacy, to address questions about practical social and economic policy topics.

• Contribute to the development of proposals, responses to solicitations, and other meaningful business cultivation activities.

• Assemble and analyze complex data, complete sophisticated programming tasks, and debug programming problems using R; familiarity with Stata is a plus.

• Analyze data using techniques and platforms such as big data, machine learning, and cloud computing technology.

• Develop open-source R packages for data science and statistical methods via distributed version control with Git and GitHub.

• Use statistical knowledge to derive insights from data.

• Take the initiative to suggest improvements or innovations of methods or processes.

• Work with confidential administrative data that requires a background investigation.

• Co-author research reports, briefs, blogs, presentations, visualizations, and other written materials for external audiences.

• Support overall project management and team performance, including directly managing assistants and analysts; monitoring project progress, budget, and schedule; and implementing strategies to successfully complete project tasks.

• Communicate effectively with multiple research teams and project leaders.

Who You Are:

• Possess a Master’s with at least 3 years of experience in Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, or a related field.

• Hold a Ph.D. (preferred) or possess equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Have experience assembling and analyzing complex data.

• Possess advanced knowledge of statistical and econometrics methods, especially in statistical data privacy.

• Demonstrate the ability to apply and implement research principals and goals into R code.

• Exhibit strong organizational skills and the ability to manage competing deadlines.

• Have the ability to communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Have an interest in domestic economic and social policy issues.

• Demonstrate the ability to think strategically about a research and policy agenda, interact with staff at all levels, work independently and on team projects, and assist with project management agendas and business development efforts.

• Show respect for diverse perspectives and value collaborating with colleagues to create a mutually respectful work environment.

What You’ll Experience:

No matter your role with Urban, you will contribute to meaningful work that makes a difference for people and communities across the country. And whether you call the Washington, DC area or elsewhere home, you can expect to be part of a welcoming and hybrid workplace. We are committed to cultivating a community and working in a manner defined by collaboration, equity, inclusivity, independence, and integrity.

Urban’s greatest asset is our people.

The Urban Institute has formally recognized the Urban Institute Employees’ Union, which is part of the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU). Urban management and the Union work together in good faith and are motivated by a shared commitment to this institution. This position is included in the Union-represented collective bargaining unit, and specific employment terms and conditions are subject to collective bargaining negotiations.

The salary range for this position is Min $83,381 – Mid $ 113,710 – Max $ 142,786. Salary offered is commensurate with experience and considers internal equity. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. 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, and requirements to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.

The Urban Institute is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender or gender identity, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, veteran status, pregnancy or family responsibilities, matriculation, disability, political affiliation, or any other protected status under applicable law. The Urban Institute is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Minorities/Women/Disabilities/Veterans.