Hybrid Water Policy & Infrastructure Research Specialist

University of Pennsylvania; United States; Hybrid; USD 59,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Tuition benefits

Retirement plans

Flexible work hours

Job summary

The Water Center at the University of Pennsylvania seeks a Research Specialist C to lead and execute applied research and policy initiatives. You will design projects, produce analytical deliverables, and translate complex water issues into actionable insights for diverse stakeholders.

A graduate-level background in environmental policy or water resources is required, with a hybrid work arrangement of three days on-site.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field with 3–5 years of experience; Master's preferred.
• Experience conducting applied research, including surveys or interviews, and translating findings into policy or practice.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for diverse audiences across reports, presentations, and digital content.
• Experience with water systems management or environmental policy is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead applied research projects from design to delivery, including reports, surveys, and stakeholder presentations.
• Analyze data on water infrastructure and policy challenges across drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems.
• Evaluate emerging contaminant policies and translate findings for policy, technical assistance, and outreach.
• Collaborate with Communications Manager and external stakeholders to translate research into policy/practice.

Skills

Strong written and verbal comms

Applied research

Translate complex topics

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Job description

The Water Center at the University of Pennsylvania seeks a Research Specialist C to lead and execute applied research and policy initiatives. You will design projects, produce analytical deliverables, and translate complex water issues into actionable insights for diverse stakeholders.

A graduate-level background in environmental policy or water resources is required, with a hybrid work arrangement of three days on-site.