Research Assistant (Health Policy Center) at The Urban Institute in Washington, Washington DC

Job Description:

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.  The Urban Institute's Health Policy Center is looking for a Research Assistant to support senior researchers on projects related to health equity, Medicare and Medicaid programs and payment policy, private health insurance reforms, Health Information Technology, and other efforts to improve access and quality of care.

What you’ll do:

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  Collaborate on projects that include a variety of research and analytic assignments related to health and health care of vulnerable populations, the reform of health care financing and delivery, and the effects of social, environmental, and policy factors on population health

  
  


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  Work on assignments that include largely quantitative research tasks, such as collecting, organizing, and analyzing data, as well as qualitative research tasks, such as reviewing literature, web sites, and documents and transcribing and coding interviews.

  
  


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  Write Stata, SAS, and/or R code to manage complex datasets, create files ready for statistical analysis, and conduct statistical analyses

  
  


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  Summarize findings and present information effectively in multiple formats

  
  


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  Work closely with senior researchers and often contribute to research papers and peer-reviewed publications

  
  

Who you are:

The successful candidate will:

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  Possess a bachelor's degree (as of summer 2024) in economics, political science, public policy, public health, sociology, mathematics, statistics, data science, or related fields and at least one year of academic or work experience in research and data analysis

  
  


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  Approach research with an attitude of cultural humility, given the nature of research and working with and on behalf of vulnerable populations

  
  


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  Have experience with data analysis software packages such as Stata, R or SAS

  
  


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  Demonstrate strong mathematical and statistical skills, preferably with knowledge of basic econometric methods

  
  


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  Exhibit strong oral and written communication skills, as well as strong organizational skills

  
  


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  Be detail-oriented and self-motivated with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team while contributing to and managing workflows on multiple projects

  
  

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 Minimum $50,000—mid $57,557—max $65,113. The salary offered is commensurate with experience and considers internal equity. Most candidate salaries will fall between the base and midpoint of this range. 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 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

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 www.urbancareers.org Reasonable accommodation requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.

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