Hybrid Research Assistant
MDRC is a leading education and social policy research organization. We are currently seeking a Technical Research Assistant to join our Center for Applied Behavioral Science (CABS), which assesses individual and organizational behavior to identify areas amenable to low-cost, high-impact interventions. CABS combines MDRC’s policy and evaluation expertise with insights from behavioral science. Since launching the first major project to apply a behavioral research lens to human services programs that serve low-income families in the United States, CABS has developed numerous projects in child support, child welfare, welfare-to-work, workforce development, K-12 education, and higher education. Our research draws upon behavioral science, predictive modeling, and other advanced quantitative techniques. Research Assistants within CABS work as a part of multidisciplinary teams on current social policy issues in a dynamic and challenging environment, alongside leading public policy experts.
Roles and Responsibilities:
The new Research Assistant will have a range of technical and nontechnical responsibilities, including:
- Assistance in all stages of program and evaluation design and implementation
- Involvement in various stages of producing reports, proposals, and papers (coordinating across authors; memo writing; literature searches; preparing figures, charts, and tables; fact-checking and documentation)
- Statistical programming using SAS and/or R: data collection, data cleaning, and converting data files received in a variety of formats to a form that is that is useful for answering research questions
- Participation in quantitative analyses
- Participation in qualitative research, such as coding and organizing and attending site visits to conduct interviews with staff and program participants
- Participation in operations work, including recruitment of, outreach to, and coordination with program sites
- General support for multiple projects, including management of evaluation activities, scheduling meetings, taking notes, and managing project organization databases
Qualifications:
- BA/BS in mathematics, statistics, economics, education, public policy, psychology, sociology, or related social science field
- Demonstrated interest in behavioral science and social policy issues
- Basic understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methods
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to multi-task and work efficiently
- Comfortable working in a team-oriented, fast-paced environment
- Very strong writing and verbal communication skills
- Ability to collaborate and work well with program teams comprised of senior and junior staff and demonstrated sensitivity to conducting research in communities that serve traditionally underrepresented groups
- Demonstrated experience with a statistical or database programming language (e.g., SAS, R, SPSS, STATA, SQL)
- Previous experience working in a nonprofit setting or as a research assistant is a plus, but not required
The Research Assistant position is based in MDRC’s New York City office.
Some on-the-job training is provided. We offer excellent fringe benefits, including generous paid vacation and personal days and comprehensive health insurance, among others. Salary will be commensurate with experience.
When applying, please include a programming and writing sample. Only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.
MDRC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. MDRC does not discriminate, and all qualified applications will receive consideration without regard to race; color; national origin; religion; creed; sex or gender (including sex stereotyping and gender identity or expression); sexual orientation; citizenship status; pregnancy; disability; age; military or veteran status; marital or partnership status; genetic information, genetic predisposition, or carrier status; prior unemployment status; consumer credit history; status as a victim of domestic violence, sex offenses, or stalking; or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Legal work authorization is required.