Job Description

Researcher in Applied Microeconomics and Quantitative Public Policy Salary: $95,000.00 - $124,000.00 Annually Application Deadline: May 1, 2025 About the California Policy Lab The California Policy Lab generates research insights for government impact. Through hands-on partnerships with government agencies, CPL performs rigorous research across issue silos and builds the data infrastructure necessary to improve programs and policies that millions of Californians rely on every day. CPL’s UCLA site is a dynamic and growing organization with nearly 20 full-time employees, half a dozen graduate student researchers, and numerous faculty affiliates. CPL recognizes the value of having a diverse staff at all levels of the organization. We are looking for equity-minded applicants who represent and understand the diverse racial and ethnic, gender identity, sexual orientation, educational, socioeconomic, cultural, and disability backgrounds present in California. When you join our team, you can expect to be part of an inclusive and equity-focused community. The role This is an exciting role for an early- or mid-career researcher who wants to design and conduct policy-relevant research with administrative data in California. Our team works closely with policymakers and people with lived experience of homelessness to develop our research agenda, and we leverage unparalleled access to administrative microdata to help inform solutions to homelessness. The ideal candidate has expertise in homelessness, health policy, or the social safety net. The Researcher conducts independent quantitative and mixed-methods research, including conceptualizing research questions and designs; overseeing the requesting, receiving, and cleaning of data files; creating and overseeing the implementation of analysis plans; conducting quality assurance reviews; summarizing results in documents for both academic and policy audiences; and generating replicability documentation. The Researcher can implement and defend multiple causal research designs, including randomized control trials, quasi-experimental designs, and non-experimental designs. The Researcher will also design, supervise, and implement descriptive analyses and other observational statistical analyses. The Researcher will supervise junior research staff, write grant proposals to support research tasks, and contribute to grant reporting. A successful candidate has demonstrated experience managing research projects and assigning and supervising tasks. The position will report to the Research Director, and will work directly with leading social policy researchers at UC and beyond, state and local government agency staff, and CPL’s leadership team. Researcher job title and campus title will be based on experience and qualifications. This position could be fulfilled either remotely, or in a hybrid manner, with some in-person meetings. Conduct independent quantitative research, including conceptualizing research questions and design; creating and implementing analysis plans; requesting, receiving, and cleaning data files; conducting quality assurance reviews; summarizing results in documents for both academic and policy audiences; and generating replicability documentation. Annually publish multiple reports and policy briefs based on research. Implement multiple research designs and analysis techniques, including but not limited to randomized control trials, quasi-experimental designs, and non-experimental designs, including descriptive and correlational analyses. Lead research projects with small teams, write proposals to support research projects, and ensure timely and high-quality completion of research tasks. Mentor other research staff, provide feedback on performance. Partner effectively with state and local agency staff to build a joint research agenda. Required Qualifications Ph.D. in economics, public policy, social sciences, statistics, or equivalent experience. Knowledge of research or public policy in at least one of the following areas: homelessness, health, mental health, or the social safety net. Extensive experience in computer programming for statistical analysis, including fluency in data-analysis packages from at least one commonly used programming language like Stata, R, Python, SAS, or SQL. Experience working with large and complex datasets, including how to optimize analysis for efficiency. Experience writing research results for both technical and non-technical audiences. Strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work both independently and as a team member. Knowledge of data management systems, practices, and standards. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to multi-task with demanding timeframes. Ability to work discreetly with sensitive and confidential data. Preferred Qualifications Five or more years of professional experience, including three or more years of relevant post-baccalaureate research experience. Knowledge of research or public policy in two or more of the following research areas: homelessness, health, mental health, the social safety net, substance use, labor and employment, or criminal justice. Record of independent research and publication, including leading research design and analysis and writing for both academic and policy audiences. A demonstrated commitment to advancing racial equity and inclusion through research, organizational culture, and external partnerships. Experience writing grant proposals, communicating with funders, and managing grant reporting. Experience managing research projects in an academic or think-tank environment. Experience collaborating with government agency partners. Knowledge of social science research methods. How To Apply: All applicants must apply online at UCRecruit by searching for position # JPF10133. Candidates who pass an initial resume review will be contacted for additional pre-interview screening. #J-18808-Ljbffr Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management fall conference.

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