Education Policy Researcher: Education-to-Workforce Paths

Aefpweb; Santa Monica (CA); On-site; USD 111,000 - 212,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life and disability insurance

Savings plan

Paid time-off

Job summary

RAND Corporation in Santa Monica, CA, is seeking an Education Policy Researcher to apply rigorous quantitative methods to education-to-workforce transitions. You will collaborate within multidisciplinary teams to inform state policymakers and national stakeholders on pathways from education to careers.

The role emphasizes causal inference, analysis of linked administrative data, and communicating findings in peer-reviewed formats.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated training in quantitative research methods.
• Strong analytic skills and intellectual curiosity.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of inclusive, multidisciplinary teams.
• A strong commitment to RAND’s core values of quality and objectivity.
• Experience with career and technical education (CTE) policy, program design or evaluation.
• Experience with causal inference methods (e.g., diff-in-diff, IV, matching).
• Experience with linked administrative data and longitudinal analysis.
• Experience applying machine learning or data science to large-scale education/workforce data.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute rigorous empirical research studies on high school to postsecondary and workforce transitions.
• Link and analyze state administrative datasets spanning K-12, postsecondary, and workforce systems to track student pathways longitudinally.
• Apply causal inference and other advanced quantitative methods to evaluate programs on education to postsecondary and workforce transitions.
• Use cutting edge technologies like AI/ML responsibly to improve quality and efficiency.
• Communicate findings to policy audiences through peer-reviewed publications, reports, and presentations to state agencies and funders.
• Contribute to business development efforts, including proposal writing and cultivating relationships with state agencies, IES, and private funders.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to a collaborative, inclusive research environment.

Skills

Quantitative research methods

Analytic skills

English communication

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Quality & objectivity

Education

PhD in economics

PhD in policy analysis

PhD in statistics

PhD in sociology

PhD in related field

Job description

RAND Corporation in Santa Monica, CA, is seeking an Education Policy Researcher to apply rigorous quantitative methods to education-to-workforce transitions. You will collaborate within multidisciplinary teams to inform state policymakers and national stakeholders on pathways from education to careers.

The role emphasizes causal inference, analysis of linked administrative data, and communicating findings in peer-reviewed formats.