Technical Research Analyst (7102-35)
MDRC is seeking a Technical Research Analyst with experience with public policy research, data management, and quantitative analysis to join the Postsecondary Education policy group. MDRC is a nonprofit, nonpartisan research organization that uses experimental studies to build knowledge in the social and education policy fields. The Postsecondary Education policy area conducts research to gauge the effectiveness of programs designed to help low-income students succeed in community colleges. Our research includes multisite random assignment trials involving thousands of college students across the country, and draws upon behavioral science, predictive modeling, and other advanced quantitative techniques. Technical Research Analysts in the Postsecondary Education group have the opportunity to work as a part of multidisciplinary teams on current social policy issues in a dynamic and challenging environment, alongside leading public policy experts.
Responsibilities:
The Technical Research Analyst will be heavily involved with quantitative analysis and will contribute broadly to the development, production, and dissemination of MDRC’s community college research. Key responsibilities include:
- Overseeing the collection, processing, and analysis of a variety of data sets, including project management responsibilities and supervising junior staff members
- Active involvement in various stages of research projects, from proposals to project design to analysis and reporting
- Writing and reviewing SAS code to clean and analyze data; running statistical models and performing data analysis to identify the impacts of social programs
- Contributing to analytical sections of research reports
- Developing management information systems (MIS) and providing support for system users
- Opportunities to present research findings to practitioner, researcher, and policymaker audiences
- Possible travel to visit research sites in the field
Qualifications:
We are looking for candidates with strong academic backgrounds and work experience in quantitative research, data management, or both. The ideal candidate will be a passionate problem solver ― someone who relishes the intricacies of writing code to clean and manage difficult data. This role is a fit for someone who loves data and thrives on engaging in the intellectual puzzle of solving data problems with code. A strong candidate will have:
- A master’s degree in economics, public policy, statistics, mathematics, or social science, or a bachelor’s degree plus equivalent work experience
- A demonstrated interest in policy research
- Experience with a statistical programming or database programming language, such as SAS (preferred), R, STATA, SPSS, or SQL
- Experience with Microsoft Office (especially Word and Excel)
- Data management experience
- Experience with CRM software (for example, Microsoft or Salesforce)
- Strong communication and writing skills
- Excellent attention to detail
Please attach a programming sample to your application.
The Technical Research Analyst position is based in MDRC’s New York office. Some on-the-job training is provided. We offer excellent fringe benefits including generous paid vacation and personal days, comprehensive employer-subsidized health insurance, and flexible scheduling, among others. Salary is commensurate with experience.
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.