Research Associate, Center for Applied Behavioral Science

About MDRC

MDRC is a nonprofit, nonpartisan education and social policy research organization dedicated to learning what works to improve programs and policies that affect individuals, families, and children with low incomes in the United States. We design promising new interventions, evaluate existing programs using the highest research standards, and provide technical assistance to build better programs and deliver effective interventions at scale. We work as an intermediary, bringing together public and private funders to test new policy-relevant ideas and communicate what we learn to policymakers and practitioners—all with the goal of improving the lives of low-income individuals, families, and children.

Research Associate, MDRC Center for Applied Behavioral Science  

MDRC’s Center for Applied Behavioral Science (CABS) invites applications for a Research Associate to lead program evaluations and help programs reimagine their processes and service delivery strategies. MDRC is a nonprofit social and education policy research organization dedicated to learning what works to reduce poverty. MDRC is committed to finding solutions to some of the most difficult problems facing the nation. CABS uses behavioral science and design thinking to create equitable solutions that meet people’s needs. We believe that to drive change, people receiving any given service should be engaged in program design. To learn more about CABS, visit https://cabs.mdrc.org/.

We are looking for candidates with strong academic backgrounds and work experience in quantitative research and behavioral science. The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge of behavioral insights, human-centered design, and equity-based approaches; significant experience applying those insights in field research with government agencies or nonprofit programs; a strong interest in social policy; and a desire to work in small teams to foster social innovation.

Responsibilities

·       Develop and lead rigorous evaluations and research plans. This role includes writing analysis plans, leading impact analyses, and writing reports summarizing the methodology and results of our evaluations.

·       Develop ideas for new behavioral projects and topic areas. Identify opportunities for additional evaluation and technical assistance work and build a portfolio of new projects.

·       Develop and manage relationships with government agencies, education institutions, and nonprofit organizations to participate in program evaluation and technical assistance projects.

·       Design creative and behaviorally informed solutions in partnership with implementing agencies to improve program outcomes.

·       Develop and lead strategies to disseminate results related to MDRC’s projects to funders, policymakers, practitioners, social scientists, and potential new audiences.

·       Track the latest developments in behavioral science, as well as in the technology and methodology of intervention development and evaluation.

·       Manage project staff, work plans, and budgets.

Qualifications

·       Candidates should have knowledge of research designs; communication, organizational, and analytical skills; the ability to lead and manage research projects involving external partners that include communities served or affected by the research; and interest and experience in explaining, teaching, or mentoring about behavioral science, human-centered design, research methods, and culturally responsive evaluation.

·       Ph.D., Ed.D., or equivalent with research expertise as evidenced through publications, presentations, and overall body of work.

·       Expertise and experience in applying behavioral insights or design thinking in field-based research.

·       Demonstrated ability to conduct research with an understanding of the lived experiences of participants, program staff, and research staff.

·       Publications and presentations about behavioral science or human-centered design research on programs and policies.

·       Relationship-driven, effective communicator and leader with strong interpersonal skills, desire to work in a team-oriented environment, and ability to collaborate with research team staff who have varied levels of experience.

·       Demonstrated ability to build relationships with external constituents, including funders, the research community, policymakers, practitioners, and participants.

What we offer: 

• Competitive salary and benefits

• Medical, vision, and dental coverage

• Retirement benefits

• Collaborative culture with career development opportunities

• Time off perks, including 10 paid holidays

Schedule: 5 days/wk.

Duration: Full-Time

Dress code: Business Casual

Job Code:

FLSA Exemption Status:  Exempt

The position is open to all MDRC office locations in NY, DC, LA, and Oakland, California. Some on-the-job training is provided.

If you want to be part of a diverse and multidisciplinary staff in a collaborative environment and values a meaningful career, then we want to work with you!

Instructions: This search is being managed by our Executive Search Partner, Insight Executive. For more information or to apply for the position, please contact Aaron Schmidt, President at [email protected]. When submitting your application, please include:

• Resume
  


• Cover letter
  


• Written research and programming sample
  

Only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted. Please note that the health and safety of our employees and candidates is very important to us and that interviews (when scheduled) will be conducted via video conferencing. As a Federally Contracted employer, MDRC is in full compliance with all applicable regulations including, but not limited to, recent changes that require vaccination of employees of federal contractors. All employees are required to be fully vaccinated with one of the available COVID-19 vaccinations, unless they have sought and received an exemption from this policy due to a disability or other medical condition, or because of a sincerely held religious belief. Accommodations are granted in accordance with applicable law and regulations. Applicants must submit proof of vaccination or request and submit an applicable request for accommodation during the offer stage.

MDRC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. No qualified applicant, employee, intern, volunteer, or apprenticeship trainee will be discriminated against on the basis of his, her, or their race (including traits historically associated with race, including but not limited to hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, national origin (including physical, cultural or linguistic characteristics), marriage to or association with persons of a national origin group, tribal affiliation, membership in or association with an organization identified with or seeking to promote the interests of a national origin group, name that is associated with a national origin group, accent, language use, immigration status, citizenship, possession of a driver’s license issued to persons unable to prove their lawful presence in the United States, and other definitions under California or other states’ laws, ancestry, creed, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), age, citizenship, veteran and/or military status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity (including transgender status), gender expression, gender transitioning or perceived gender transitioning, marital status or civil partnership/union status, physical or mental disability (actual or perceived), medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, protected medical leaves (requesting or being approved for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act) or similar state family medical leave laws, domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state or local law. Legal work authorization is required. To request a reasonable accommodation during any stage of MDRC&’s employment process due to a disability, please contact [email protected].

MDRC’s dedication to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion exceed compliance requirements. We believe that recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce of all backgrounds and perspectives improves the quality and relevance of our research, as well as the daily experiences of our staff. By fostering an equitable culture of inclusivity and belonging, we seek an environment in which staff feel welcomed, valued, and engaged in their work.