Principal Research Associate (Income and Benefits 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 Income and Benefits Policy Center seeks a principal research associate within the Income, Benefits, and Poverty practice area.  The principal research associate will contribute to and help lead research on social safety net programs and policies and their impacts on economic wellbeing.  Projects will include a variety of research topics and analytical methods, with a particular focus on microsimulation modeling.

The Income and Benefits Policy Center (IBP) at the Urban Institute analyzes family economic well-being from childhood through retirement and undertakes research on a wide range of issues.  The Income, Benefits, and Poverty practice area carries out research on a range of topics, including the social safety net, social insurance, taxes, and child support.  The team’s research includes projects that use microsimulation modeling to analyze the effects of different programs and policy alternatives, projects that track state policies for select safety net programs, and projects using program administrative data, survey data, and other methods.  The team works with federal and state agencies as well as non-profits and philanthropies, and has a strong reputation for fact-based, non-partisan research.

What You’ll Do:

Research and Policy

• Conduct social policy research, using a variety of research methods.




• Work with large simulation models (ATTIS and TRIM3) to estimate how changes to safety net policies affect families’ economic well-being.




• Provide subject matter expertise related to social safety net programs, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), child care subsidies, public and subsidized housing, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).




• Author reports and present data and findings to internal and external audiences.




• Bring in-depth knowledge of methods and limitations for the analysis of survey data and program administrative data

Project Direction and Management

• Serve as project director and manager on research projects.




• Ensure the successful completion of projects, including overseeing project budgets, workplans, deliverables, and staffing.




• Supervise project teams and early career staff.




• Communicate with funders and other stakeholders.

Strategic Planning

• Contribute to the development of research ideas.




• Contribute to and lead proposals for new research projects and funding.




• Train and contribute to the development of early and mid-career staff.

Who You Are:

The successful candidate will

• Possess a graduate degree (master’s degree or PhD), or equivalent, in a field related to social science (e.g. public policy, political science, sociology, or economics).




• Have at least 10 years (with a master’s degree) or at least 8 years (with a PhD) of professional work experience in the area of social policy research, including leading research projects and teams.




• Have demonstrated knowledge of the key programs that make up the US social safety net, with extensive research experience related to one or more social safety net programs and how they operate at the federal and state levels.




• Have prior experience with direct use of microsimulation models.  Prior experience with Current Population Survey or American Community Survey-based modeling is a plus.




• Have demonstrated ability to think strategically about a research agenda and interact with staff at all levels.  Prior research proposal development and fundraising experience is a plus.




• Be detailed-oriented and self-motivated with the ability to work on multiple priorities, work independently and as part of a team, and communicate effectively.  Have excellent organization skills.




• Exhibit strong analytical and quantitative research skills, including prior experience with SAS, R, or similar software. 




• Show outstanding writing and presentation ability.




• Have prior experience supervising staff.

Applications must include all of the following:

Resume Cover letter A sole-authored professional writing sample focused on quantitative analysis

The recruitment process for the selected candidates is as follows:

• Individual interviews with team members, not to exceed 3  hours of total time




• A job talk/presentation for Urban staff, if selected to proceed after the interview

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 $140,000 – Max $200,000. 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 humanresources@urban.org.  Reasonable accommodation requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.