At the Urban Institute, we believe in the power of evidence to improve lives and strengthen communities. As a nonprofit focusing on social and economic policy, our researchers and policy entrepreneurs open minds, shape decisions, and identify transformative solutions to the most pressing issues of our time.
Our Mission
To open minds, shape decisions, and offer solutions through economic and social policy research.
Collaboration, Equity, Inclusivity, Independence, and Integrity. For more information on the Urban Institute, please visit https://www.urban.org.
The Urban Institute Health Policy Center seeks a Research Assistant to contribute to research projects related to health care access and use, maternal and child health, and sexual and reproductive health.
The Health Policy Center provides research, evaluation and technical assistance on the implementation of health-related policies at the federal, state, and local levels. Researchers also assess the impact of these policies on various stakeholders and communities, and seek to understand how policies can better meet their needs.
The Urban Institute's Health Policy Center is looking for a Research Assistant to support senior researchers on a large research project studying reproductive health access and experiences and other projects related to reproductive and maternal health. Project work will include a variety of general and qualitative research and analytic assignments.
Responsibilities include:
Perform general research support, involving but not limited to conducting comprehensive literature reviews and policy scans
Assist in the preparation for and conducting of follow-up interviews with survey participants
Provide scheduling, outreach, and recruitment assistance to support site visits
Analyze qualitative data with NVIVO software
Work closely with senior researchers and contribute to research papers and peer-reviewed publications
Support project management activities such as scheduling and taking notes at team meetings, creating and maintaining structures for organizing files, and tracking project progress
The successful candidate will possess:
Possess a Bachelor's degree in public policy, public health, sociology, political science, the liberal arts/ humanities, or related fields and 0-2 years of experience in a research or analyst role
Approach research with an attitude of cultural humility given the nature of qualitative research and working with and on behalf of vulnerable populations
Possess relevant substantive knowledge related to reproductive health
Demonstrate the ability to conduct qualitative research; prior experience in similar settings, including working with focus groups and interview data, as well as substantive knowledge and interest in health policy or related fields are preferred
Demonstrate the capacity to appropriately discuss sensitive topics (including abortion) with research study participants
Exhibit excellent oral and written communication skills
Show strong organizational skills and ability to successfully multitask
Be detail-oriented, self-motivated; work both independently and as part of a team
Applications must include all of the following:
Resume
Cover letter
The recruitment process for the selected candidates is as follows:
Phone Screen
Panel interviews (if selected to proceed)
No matter your role with Urban, you will contribute to meaningful work that makes a difference for people and communities across the country. We are committed to working in a manner defined by our mission and values.
Urban’s greatest asset is our people.
The target salary range for this position is Min $52,000 - Mid $58,500- Max $65,000 and median $53,963.90. Salary offered is commensurate with experience and considers internal comparisons. Salaries are just one component of Urban Institute’s total compensation package. Urban is committed to supporting our staff’s physical, emotional, and financial well-being through a robust benefits package for yourself, eligible dependents, and domestic partners. It includes generous paid time off, including nine federal holidays, medical (including prescription), dental and vision insurance, and transit benefits. Urban is unique in that we offer 403(b) retirement plan participation immediately after you’re hired and a generous employer contribution after six months of service and 500 hours, with immediate vesting. You’ll also have access to a health advocate, personal finance coaching, an Employee Assistance Program, and educational assistance for undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
The Urban Institute has formally recognized the Urban Institute Employees’ Union, which is part of the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU). Urban management and the Union work together in good faith and are motivated by a shared commitment to this institution. This position is included in the Union-represented collective bargaining unit, and specific employment terms and conditions are subject to collective bargaining negotiations.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the people assigned. This posting is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and requirements. Urban management reserves the right to amend and change duties, responsibilities, and requirements to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.
The Urban Institute is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender or gender identity, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, veteran status, pregnancy or family responsibilities, matriculation, disability, political affiliation, or any other protected status under applicable law.
We are committed to equal employment opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. If you have a physical and/or mental disability and are interested in applying for employment and need special accommodations to use our website to apply for a position, please contact Human Resources at humanresources@urban.org. Reasonable accommodation requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.