Data-Driven Human Services Researcher

Mathematica, Inc.; Princeton (NJ); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee ownership (ESOP)

Competitive salaries

Coworking spaces where available

Job summary

Mathematica in Princeton, New Jersey seeks researchers to join our Human Services department, supporting project teams in planning and evaluating programs for clients such as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, state agencies, and foundations.

Our ESOP-owned workplace emphasizes evidence-driven policy and program improvement. The role focuses on designing and carrying out research and evaluation, advising on strategy and policy, and linking data to answer policy-relevant questions,

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Masters with equivalent experience in public policy, social work, sociology, psychology, education, economics, statistics, data science/data analytics, demography, or related field.
• Candidates with evidence of strong quantitative research skills will be prioritized. This includes experience with research design and analysis of primary, secondary, administrative, or survey data; knowledge of What Works Clearinghouse evidence standards; mixed-methods experience valued.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including ability to translate complex research methods for practitioners and policy audiences.
• Willingness to learn and apply new techniques or technology, including AI.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams and contribute flexibly.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical assistance to projects and ensure evaluation capacity building for programs serving youth and families.
• Apply new methods and AI-enabled tools, data visualization platforms, and emerging analytic approaches.
• Design rigorous mixed-methods evaluations with primary and secondary data collection.
• Assess study designs and summarize diverse research through systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
• Advise policymakers on evidence-based program selection and adaptation.
• Synthesize and present data in accessible formats, including briefs, reports, blogs, and dashboards.

Skills

Quantitative research

Communication of methods

Team collaboration

Willingness to learn AI

Education

Ph.D. or Master’s with equivalent experience

Job description

Mathematica in Princeton, New Jersey seeks researchers to join our Human Services department, supporting project teams in planning and evaluating programs for clients such as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, state agencies, and foundations.

Our ESOP-owned workplace emphasizes evidence-driven policy and program improvement. The role focuses on designing and carrying out research and evaluation, advising on strategy and policy, and linking data to answer policy-relevant questions,