Research Fellow, Center for Data Analysis

Title:                           Research Fellow, Center for Data Analysis

Reports to:              Director, Center for Data Analysis

Job Summary:          The Research Fellow conducts rigorous quantitative modeling and statistical analysis to support policy development across a wide range of issue areas, including fiscal policy, education, health, election integrity, family policy, and energy and the environment. The position places particular emphasis on technology policy and the future of work, including the implications of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies. The Research Fellow produces high-quality empirical research, authors publications, and provides data-driven analysis in support of Heritage’s policy priorities. This role bridges technical research and public-facing policy engagement, translating complex data insights into clear, actionable analysis for policymakers, stakeholders, and the public.

Job Duties:

• Manage and maintain datasets that support the Center’s policy research and analysis.
• Write and edit code for statistical analysis, modeling, and data visualization.
• Ensure analytical workflows are well-documented, reproducible, and consistent with data governance.
• Author data-driven research reports, including Heritage reports, peer-reviewed publications, issue briefs, and background papers.
• Write op-eds that communicate research findings to broad audiences in response to current events.
• Collaborate with the Marketing department to prepare and produce publication-quality charts, graphics, and other visual assets for Heritage websites and other multimedia platforms.
• Promote research through participation in speaking engagements, private meetings, and conferences.
• Collaborate across the Heritage enterprise to support cross-departmental research initiatives and integrate data-driven insights into policy development.

Qualifications:

Education:             Ph.D. in statistics, economics, or mathematics, or related level of experience

Experience:           10+ years of research and writing experience, demonstrated coding capabilities and ability to use calculus, linear algebra, econometrics, probability, and mathematical statistics

Communication:    Accomplished writer and influential public speaker; able to communicate policy positions in multiple media

Technology:          Microsoft Suite; Expert knowledge in Python, MATLAB, Stata, and/or R

Other Requirements:           

• Understand and support the Heritage mission and vision for America, and the department’s goals and objectives.
• Promote policies consistent with Heritage’s priorities; speak with one voice.
• Ability to identify and produce data analysis that will drive national conversation. 
• Recognized as an authority with a demonstrated track record in quantitative modeling and statistical analysis.
• Professionalism: highest possible degree (adaptability, maturity, integrity and accountability).
• Initiative: highest possible, requiring only general guidance with high degree of independent action.
• Innovation: good entrepreneurial skills and willingness to take initiative.

Benefits and Salary:

The Heritage Foundation offers a highly competitive benefits package that includes, but is not limited to, best-in-class health care, vision, and dental insurance, employer-sponsored retirement funding, “take what you need” PTO and sick leave, 14 weeks of paid leave for new moms and 6 weeks of paid leave for new dads, among other programs.

The salary range for this role is $128,000 - $157,000 annually. This range is a good-faith estimate, and the final salary offered to a selected candidate depends on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, education, and other qualifications; internal and external market pay for comparable jobs; and level of hire based on aforementioned qualifications.