Research Assistant, Justice Policy & Data for Impact

The Urban Institute; Washington (Washington County); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Nine federal holidays

Medical insurance

Dental & vision insurance

Transit benefits

401(k) retirement plan

Employee assistance program

Educational assistance

Job summary

The Urban Institute seeks a Research Assistant to join the Justice Policy Center, supporting research, evaluation, and technical assistance on safe communities and an equitable criminal legal system. You will conduct literature reviews, manage data, assist with surveys and interviews, and help prepare reports and briefs.

The role offers hybrid work arrangements and a strong benefits package, with a focus on evidence-based policy.

Qualifications

• Strong research and analytical skills with ability to conduct literature reviews.
• Experience with data collection, management, and analysis of quantitative and/or qualitative data.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Conduct literature reviews and background research on criminal legal system and public safety topics.
• Collect, clean, manage, and analyze data (quantitative/qualitative).
• Support data collection activities (surveys, interviews, focus groups, site visits).
• Assist with statistical analyses using Stata, R, Python, SAS, or similar tools.
• Draft reports, briefs, memos, and presentations.
• Develop tables, figures, and data visualizations of findings.
• Participate in project meetings and support coordination and tracking.
• Contribute to proposal development and environmental scans.
• Support translation of findings for policymakers and stakeholders.
• Collaborate across disciplines and project teams.

Skills

Research skills

Analytical ability

Written communication

Verbal communication

Team collaboration

Detail orientation

Education

Bachelor’s or AS with experience

Job description

The Urban Institute seeks a Research Assistant to join the Justice Policy Center, supporting research, evaluation, and technical assistance on safe communities and an equitable criminal legal system. You will conduct literature reviews, manage data, assist with surveys and interviews, and help prepare reports and briefs.

The role offers hybrid work arrangements and a strong benefits package, with a focus on evidence-based policy.