Technical Research Assistant (9102-05)
MDRC is seeking a Technical Research Assistant to join our Family Well-Being and Child Development policy area in the New York office. MDRC technical researchers have the unusual opportunity to work as part of multidisciplinary teams on current social policy issues in a dynamic and challenging environment. The successful candidate will work under the guidance and supervision of leading public policy researchers as well as leading researchers in the fields of developmental psychology, education, economics, and sociology.
This position will initially focus on collecting, cleaning, processing, and analyzing data for a large-scale evaluation of supplementary parenting and employment services in responsible fatherhood programs.
Technical researchers help MDRC maintain the highest standards of data quality and integrity. MDRC receives data files from a variety of sources and in a variety of formats. Technical researchers convert these data files to a form that is useful for answering research questions and participate actively in quantitative analysis.
The Technical Research Assistant will have a range of technical and nontechnical responsibilities, including:
- Data collection,
- Coordinating work with external partners,
- SAS computer programming to create outcome measures, restructure data files, perform data-cleaning operations, create public use files, and perform various forms of statistical and data analysies,
- Writing technical memos that document data processing decisions and summarize the quality of data, and
- Running statistical models to identify the impacts of social programs.
Minimum Qualifications:
- BA/BS in public policy, psychology, sociology, education, mathematics, statistics, economics, computer programming, or related social science field
- Demonstrated interest in social policy issues affecting low-income children
Preferred Qualifications:
- Strong research and technical writing skills
- A good understanding of quantitative research methods and experience applying quantitative methods
- Experience with a statistical programming or database programming language (SAS preferred)
- Comfortable working in a team-oriented and fast-paced environment
The position is based in MDRC’s New York City office. On-the-job training is provided. Salary will be commensurate with experience. Comprehensive fringe benefits offered.
Only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.
Please attach a programming sample to your application.
MDRC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. MDRC does not discriminate, and all qualified applications will receive consideration without regard to race; color; national origin; religion; creed; sex or gender (including sex stereotyping and gender identity or expression); sexual orientation; citizenship status; pregnancy; disability; age; military or veteran status; marital or partnership status; genetic information, genetic predisposition, or carrier status; prior unemployment status; consumer credit history; status as a victim of domestic violence, sex offenses, or stalking; or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Legal work authorization is required.