Quantitative Policy Researcher in Human Services

Mathematica, Inc.; Chicago (IL); Remote; USD 100,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP (employee stock ownership)

Job summary

Mathematica, Inc. in Chicago seeks researchers to join the Human Services department to conduct quantitative policy research, focusing on TANF, employment, child welfare, early childhood, family strengthening, and economic mobility.

The role emphasizes rigorous causal inference, data-driven evaluation, and collaboration with project teams serving federal, state, and nonprofit clients. Strong programming skills and policy knowledge are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent in economics, psychology, sociology, statistics, data science/data analytics, demography, or a related field; Masters with coursework in causal inference considered equivalent
• Strong quantitative analytical skills; training in causal inference preferred
• Experience with programming languages such as R, Python, or STATA
• Willingness to learn and apply new techniques including AI
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to translate research for policymakers
• Understanding of federal human services policies is strongly preferred
• Experience with large-scale federal or administrative data sets is desirable

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with senior staff to apply rigorous quantitative methods including study design, causal inference, data management, and econometric analysis
• Learn and apply new methods and technologies including AI and data visualization tools
• Design rigorous mixed-methods evaluations with primary and secondary data collection
• Apply innovative research approaches and advanced statistical methods to policy questions
• Work with data scientists to link and analyze administrative data
• Help develop proposals for new research projects
• Guide program staff and policymakers in using evidence for decision-making
• Synthesize and present data in accessible formats and develop interactive dashboards and visualizations

Skills

Quantitative analysis

Causal inference

R/Python/STATA

Communication skills

Policy understanding

Large-scale data sets

AI familiarity

Education

Ph.D. or equivalent in a related field

Masters with causal inference coursework

Tools

R

Python

STATA

Job description

Mathematica, Inc. in Chicago seeks researchers to join the Human Services department to conduct quantitative policy research, focusing on TANF, employment, child welfare, early childhood, family strengthening, and economic mobility.

The role emphasizes rigorous causal inference, data-driven evaluation, and collaboration with project teams serving federal, state, and nonprofit clients. Strong programming skills and policy knowledge are essential for success.