Education Policy Scientist: CTE & Education-to-Work

RAND Corporation; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 111,000 - 183,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life and disability insurance

Savings plan

Paid time off

Job summary

RAND Corporation seeks Education Policy Researchers to contribute to research on career and technical education (CTE) and education-to-workforce transitions. You will lead and contribute to multidisciplinary studies using state data linking K-12, postsecondary, and workforce records, informing policymakers and funders.

The role involves rigorous empirical work, causal inference, and communicating findings through publications and briefings.

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 in multidisciplinary teams.
• Commitment to RAND's core values of quality and objectivity.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute rigorous empirical research on high school to postsecondary and workforce transitions.
• Link and analyze state administrative datasets spanning K-12, postsecondary, and workforce systems.
• Apply causal inference and other quantitative methods to evaluate programs.
• Use AI/ML responsibly to improve quality and efficiency.
• Communicate findings to policy audiences through reports and presentations.
• Contribute to proposals and build relationships with state agencies and funders.
• Mentor junior researchers and foster an inclusive research environment.

Skills

Quantitative research methods

Analytical skills

Verbal and written communication

Team collaboration

Commitment to quality and objectivity

Education

PhD in economics, policy analysis, statistics, sociology, or related field

PhD in progress or 1–4 years post-graduate experience

Job description

RAND Corporation seeks Education Policy Researchers to contribute to research on career and technical education (CTE) and education-to-workforce transitions. You will lead and contribute to multidisciplinary studies using state data linking K-12, postsecondary, and workforce records, informing policymakers and funders.

The role involves rigorous empirical work, causal inference, and communicating findings through publications and briefings.