Research Associate – Data Governance and Privacy (Center on Labor, Human Services, and Population) 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.

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 and social policies on the well-being of families and individuals, with a special focus on understanding outcomes for vulnerable populations and historically underserved or disadvantaged groups. 

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 Data Governance and Privacy Practice Area is seeking a full-time research associate who will be responsible for helping manage and conduct 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, strong written and verbal communication skills, and proficiency in R programming.

Applications will be accepted until December 13, 2024.

What You’ll Do:

• Conducting research that harnesses technology, data science, and statistical methods, including data imputation, synthetic data generation, and formal privacy, to answer questions about practical social and economic policy topics.




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




• Assembling and analyzing complex data, completing sophisticated programming tasks, and debugging programming problems using R, familiarity with Stata is a plus.




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




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




• Using statistical knowledge to create insights from data.




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




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




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




• Supporting 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.




• Communicating, educating, and translating complex data privacy concepts to various stakeholders.

Who You Are:

The successful candidate will have:

• 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.




• Be a U.S. citizen or have the ability to obtain a federal government clearance.




• Experience assembling and analyzing complex data.




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




• Ability to apply and implement research principles and goals into R code.




• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage competing deadlines.




• Ability to communicate complex data privacy concepts effectively to various stakeholders through clear and concise messaging, education, and translation through multiple communication mediums, such as blogs, research reports, and technical briefs.




• Interest in domestic economic and social policy issues.




• Demonstrated 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.




• 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 target 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 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 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 humanresources@urban.org.  Reasonable accommodation requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.