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:

The Health Policy Center provides research, evaluation and technical assistance on the implementation of health-related policies at the federal, state, and local levels. Researchers also assess the impact of these policies on various stakeholders and communities, and seek to understand how policies can better meet their needs.

HPC researchers address issues that arise from the inevitable trade-offs among health care costs, access, and quality. The center's focus has been on Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance markets and health care reform. We study disparities in access to care—by race and ethnicity and socioeconomic status, across states, and between public and private insurance—identifying where gaps exist and how to close them.

HPC is currently looking for a Research Associate to contribute to research projects that address the issues that arise from the inevitable trade-offs among health care costs, access, quality, and broader investments in social services. Projects will include a variety of research topis and analytic methods related to health care access and use, maternal and child health, and sexual and reproductive health.

What You’II Do:

• Conduct health policy research and report findings; write papers and briefs addressing critical health policy topics
• Contribute to the development of research approaches and data collection instruments.
• Collect qualitative data and systematically analyze findings from interviews and focus groups using rigorous qualitative analysis methods.
• Summarize and present results related to maternal and child health and sexual and reproductive health topics.
• Develop new research ideas and contribute to preparing responses to existing solicitations or developing proposals for funders.

Who you are:

The successful candidate will:

• Possess the combination of the qualitative, analytical, and writing skills, relevant substantive knowledge, and social policy research experience needed to perform the duties described above, or the academic knowledge of and research experience in a discipline that is generally associated with the attainment of the Ph.D. or with the attainment of a Masters degree with 3 years of relevant work experience and similar skills. Demonstrate experience using NVIVO or Dedoose to analyze qualitative data.
• Display excellent presentation, written and oral communication skills.
• Exhibit successful publication of health policy research in reports, peer-reviewed articles, and/or blogs.
• Be detail-oriented, self-motivated; work both independently and as part of a team.

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 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.

We are committed to equal employment opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. If you have a physical and/or mental disability and are interested in applying for employment and need special accommodations to use our website to apply for a position, please contact Human Resources at urbancareers@urban.org. Reasonable accommodation requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.

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.