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Contract Think Tank Researcher Jobs in Riverside, CA

Cie

Product Designer (UX/UI) - Contract

Irvine, CA · On-site

... research, interaction design, and visual design. As a UX Designer at Cie, you will work closely ... Think through and visualize all paths, not just the happy path: edge cases, error states, and the ...

Cie

Product Designer (UX/UI) - Contract

Irvine, CA

... research, interaction design, and visual design. As a UX Designer at Cie, you will work closely ... Think through and visualize all paths, not just the happy path: edge cases, error states, and the ...

PDS Health

Corporate Counsel, Real Estate

Irvine, CA · On-site

$169K/yr

... services contracts and other commercial agreements. * Manage real estate transactions with ... Research, anticipate and provide guidance in limiting PDS' legal risks. * Manage external law firms ...

PDS Health

Corporate Counsel, Real Estate

Irvine, CA · On-site

$169K - $227K/yr

... services contracts and other commercial agreements. * Manage real estate transactions with ... Research, anticipate and provide guidance in limiting PDS' legal risks. * Manage external law firms ...

Boldyn Networks

Sr. Technical Accountant

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

$90K - $110K/yr

  • PTO

Technical Accounting Research & Policy Development * Perform technical accounting research and ... Support contract reviews, deal structuring, and transaction planning to ensure appropriate ...

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All JobsContract Think Tank Researcher JobsContract Think Tank Researcher Jobs in Riverside, CA

Contract Think Tank Researcher information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$31.3K

$118K

$171.6K

How much do contract think tank researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract think tank researcher in Riverside, CA is $117,995.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,900.00 and $160,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract think tank researcher?

Contract Think Tank Researchers are professionals hired on a temporary or project basis to conduct research, analysis, and reporting for think tanks—organizations that provide policy recommendations and expertise on various issues. Unlike full-time staff, contract researchers are often brought in for their specialized knowledge or to work on specific projects. Their work may involve gathering data, writing reports, and presenting findings to stakeholders. This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy flexible work arrangements and have strong analytical and communication skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract think tank researcher?

To thrive as a Contract Think Tank Researcher, you need strong analytical skills, subject-matter expertise, and a background in research methodologies, typically supported by an advanced degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with data analysis software (such as SPSS or Stata), citation management tools, and online research databases is highly valuable. Exceptional written communication, critical thinking, and the ability to work independently are crucial soft skills for success. These competencies enable researchers to produce rigorous, influential reports and insights that inform policy and drive organizational goals.

What are some typical challenges faced by contract think tank researchers, and how can they be managed?

Contract think tank researchers often juggle multiple projects with tight deadlines, requiring excellent time management and adaptability. Since much of the work is independent, remote collaboration with policy analysts, subject matter experts, and project managers is common, making clear communication essential. Navigating evolving project scopes and ensuring research aligns with client or organizational objectives can also be challenging, so maintaining regular check-ins and documenting progress is helpful. Embracing tools for virtual teamwork and proactively seeking feedback can make the role more manageable and rewarding.

What is the difference between Contract Think Tank Researcher vs Policy Analyst?

AspectContract Think Tank ResearcherPolicy Analyst
CredentialsMaster's degree or higher in political science, public policy, or related fieldsSimilar educational background, often with advanced degrees
Work EnvironmentResearch-focused, often in think tanks or research institutesPolicy development, government agencies, or advocacy groups
Employer & IndustryThink tanks, research organizations, non-profitsGovernment agencies, think tanks, consulting firms
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding research roles in think tanksComparing policy analysis careers

Contract Think Tank Researchers primarily focus on conducting in-depth research within think tanks, often producing reports and policy briefs. Policy Analysts, while also involved in research, tend to work more directly on policy development, advising government or organizations. Both roles require strong analytical skills and similar educational backgrounds, but their work environments and primary objectives differ.

What are popular job titles related to Contract Think Tank Researcher jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Contract Think Tank Researcher jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Think Tank Researcher jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Think Tank Researcher jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Contract Think Tank Researcher jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Contract Think Tank Researcher job openings:

Contract Think Tank Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Think Tank Researcher job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,995 per year, or $56.7 per hour.

Product Designer (UX/UI) - Contract

Cie

Irvine, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Our Creative team is working on the next big startups and tech innovations, and we're in search of a Contract Product Designer (UX/UI). Cie is looking for someone who can contribute to all aspects of product strategy and design, including ideation, research, interaction design, and visual design.
As a UX Designer at Cie, you will work closely with our partners to translate big vision into reality. You will be responsible for bringing a unique perspective to our current UX practices and continuously raise the bar to deliver an experience that exceeds expectations. You will collaborate with the engineering, product, design, and project management teams to build outstanding and innovative products. This is a high-autonomy role owning design strategy and delivery outcomes. We're especially looking for a product designer who reaches for AI and LLM powered tools to move from idea to working proof of concept, fast.
Who you are:
  • Empathic: Adept at understanding user needs, pain points, and expectations.
  • Innovative: A creative thinker with the confidence to bring forward fresh perspectives and push the envelope.
  • Master Storyteller: You can mesmerize an audience with intuitive designs.
  • Energetic Team-Player: Happy to jump in and support when you're needed - around you the team feels like every day is a Friday.
  • Problem-Solver: Insightful when it comes to recognizing user needs and skilled in turning those into a seamless user experience.
  • Detail-Oriented: If a pixel is at #FEE900 instead of #FFEA00, you will notice.
  • Insatiably Curious: Always learning, asks thoughtful questions, and unafraid to challenge the status quo.
  • Never Just Checks the Box: The obvious solution is your starting point, not the finish line.
  • Open-Minded: Welcomes diverse perspectives and feedback to create superior project outcomes.
  • Data-Driven: Data guides your design (but you know when to break the rules).

What you'll do:
  • Collaborate with product managers on product concept ideation and development.
  • Develop conceptual diagrams, interaction flows, wireframes, visual mockups, and interactive prototypes.
  • Think through and visualize all paths, not just the happy path: edge cases, error states, and the messy real world flows users encounter.
  • Design UI architecture, interface, and interaction flow of web and on-device software.
  • Conceptualize and bring to life the visual aesthetic of digital projects.
  • Conduct user research and testing to validate designs and prototypes.
  • Identify and apply market trends to design recommendations.
  • Present design work and lead review discussions with the project team.

What you need to succeed:
  • A portfolio featuring your design work
  • Experience as a user experience designer, interaction designer, information architect, or similar UX-related role
  • Experience in interaction design, usability, visual design, prototyping, and research
  • Hands on experience using AI and LLM tools (prompting, AI design and coding assistants, rapid prototyping platforms) to build functional prototypes, not just static mockups
  • Experience with designing for multiple types of devices
  • Understanding of composition, balance, symmetry, and white space
  • Ability to use human-centered product discovery methods to infer product design
  • Experience building products in an Agile software development environment
  • Demonstrated experience incubating and commercializing new ideas, working closely with technical teams from concept generation through implementation
  • Ability to build trusted partnerships and work seamlessly across internal and external teams
  • Strong consumer product instincts and a pragmatic design philosophy
  • Strong leadership skills to drive projects to completion
  • Ability to juggle multiple priorities and make things happen in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
  • Proficiency in Figma and other design tools

Apply