Senior Research Analyst

Texas 2036; Waco (TX); Hybrid; USD 105,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

Cell phone stipend

401K matching

Paid time off

Parental leave

Job summary

Texas 2036 is seeking a Senior Research Analyst to conduct policy-relevant research across education, workforce, healthcare, infrastructure and economic development in Texas.

The role requires strong quantitative skills, experience with large datasets, and the ability to translate findings into accessible insights for policymakers and the public. Hybrid work with in-office Austin days and occasional travel during legislative sessions.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in economics, public policy, statistics, or related quantitative field.
• 5+ years of applied research or policy analysis experience.
• Experience with large administrative datasets and policy evaluation.
• Proficiency in R, Python, Stata or similar tools.
• Ability to communicate findings clearly to non-technical audiences.
• Strong collaboration and project-management skills.
• Interest in Texas policy and the 2036 initiative.

Responsibilities

• Conduct policy-relevant research across education, workforce, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development.
• Analyze administrative, survey, and public datasets to derive policy insights.
• Apply econometric techniques to evaluate policy questions.
• Develop data visualizations, briefs, and narrative insights for policymakers.
• Provide rapid-turn analysis aligned with legislative timelines.
• Review research quality and collaborate with external partners.
• Identify emerging policy questions and data opportunities for strategic priorities.

Skills

R

Python

Stata

Econometrics

Policy analysis

Data visualization

Quantitative reasoning

Education

Master’s degree in economics or related quantitative field

Tools

R

Python

Stata

Job description

About Texas 2036

Texas 2036 is a nonprofit public policy organization building long-term, data-driven strategies to improve the lives and opportunities of all Texans. We are a dynamic, rapidly growing organization seeking energetic individuals passionate about identifying and developing data-driven, pragmatic solutions to address the critical issues that matter most to all Texans.

join our team

Senior Research Analyst

About the Role

The Texas 2036 Data and Research Department ensures that the organization’s work is grounded in credible, disciplined evidence that informs policy development, legislative decision-making, and public understanding of the future of Texas. The team conducts applied research, analyzes complex datasets and translates findings into clear insights for policymakers, stakeholders and the public.

Texas 2036 seeks a Senior Research Analyst to conduct policy-relevant research across key issue areas including education, workforce, healthcare, infrastructure and economic development. The analyst will work closely with policy teams and other departments to frame research questions, analyze complex datasets and translate findings into clear, credible insights.

This role requires strong analytical judgment, the ability to work independently and a commitment to producing work that is both methodologically sound and accessible to non-technical audiences. The position offers the opportunity to shape research that informs major policy decisions affecting the future of Texas.

Responsibilities

• Conduct applied research and analysis related to Texas policy priorities, including education, workforce, healthcare, infrastructure and economic development.
• Analyze administrative, survey and publicly available datasets to generate policy-relevant insights.
• Apply appropriate quantitative methods to evaluate policy questions and interpret relationships within complex social and economic systems.
• Develop data visualizations, briefs, reports and narrative-ready insights that translate research findings for policymakers and public audiences.
• Provide rapid-turn analysis aligned with legislative timelines, exercising sound judgment to deliver decision-ready insights when working with incomplete or evolving data.
• Contribute to research design, methodological review and analytical quality assurance across major research efforts.
• Review internal and external research and data products for methodological rigor and relevance.
• Support collaborations with academic researchers, policy organizations and external research partners.
• Identify emerging policy questions, data opportunities and analytical needs to help anticipate areas where research can inform Texas 2036’s strategic priorities.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in economics, public policy, statistics, public health or a related quantitative field; or equivalent professional experience.
• 5+ years of applied research or policy analysis experience. Experience working with economic, labor market or healthcare datasets is a plus.
• Demonstrated experience working with complex or large administrative datasets and translating analysis into policy‑relevant insights, including policy evaluation, applied econometric analysis or similar quantitative approaches.
• Experience conducting quantitative analysis using statistical tools such as R, Python, Stata or similar platforms.
• Experience developing clear data visualizations or analytical outputs that communicate findings to non‑technical audiences.
• Strong quantitative reasoning and the ability to communicate complex findings clearly to non‑technical audiences.
• Comfort working across disciplines and collaborating with policy professionals.
• Intellectual curiosity, sound judgment, humility and the ability to navigate complex policy environments with awareness of stakeholder perspectives.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities in a fast‑paced policy environment.
• Desire to see Texas be the best place to live, work and raise a family through 2036 and beyond.

Location

This is a hybrid role based in Austin and the Senior Research Analyst will be expected to be in the Austin office two to three days a week on average to foster collaboration with other teams. Additional office days and/or hours outside of standard office hours may be necessary during business peaks, particularly during the state legislative sessions. Occasional travel within Texas may be required to participate in meetings, research collaborations, presentations or stakeholder discussions. Travel is expected to be limited and tied to major research projects, external partnerships and conferences, or organizational events.

Compensation and Benefits

Texas 2036 offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience. The target salary range for this position is $105,000 – $130,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

• Employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including health, vision and dental insurance with employee premiums paid by Texas 2036, a cell phone stipend and a 401K matching program.
• Additionally, employees enjoy generous paid time‑off and paid parental leave policies.

Applicants for employment with Texas 2036 must have work authorization that does not now or in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment in the United States.