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Policy Research Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tamus

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Bryan, TX · Hybrid

Job Title Postdoctoral Research Associate Agency Texas A&M Transportation Institute Department Air ... Policy, led by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, where we will assess how heat and air ...

NorthEastern

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Boston, MA · Remote

$60K - $85K/yr

Exploring gender, racial/ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities The Postdoctoral Research Associate will join an interdisciplinary team - including social epidemiologists, data scientists, and policy ...

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How much do policy research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for policy research associate in the United States is $32.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.20 and $37.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Policy Research Associates face when working on multiple projects simultaneously?

Policy Research Associates often juggle several projects at once, each with different deadlines, stakeholders, and areas of focus. Managing competing priorities and adapting to shifting policy landscapes can be challenging, especially when new research requests arise unexpectedly. Successful associates develop strong time-management and organizational skills, regularly communicate with team members, and remain flexible to adjust their workload as project needs evolve. Collaboration and clear documentation also help ensure research quality is maintained across all assignments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Policy Research Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Policy Research Associate, you need strong analytical abilities, research skills, and a relevant degree in public policy, political science, or a related field. Experience with data analysis tools, statistical software (such as SPSS or Stata), and policy databases is typically required. Exceptional written and verbal communication, attention to detail, and critical thinking are vital soft skills for this position. These skills are essential for producing accurate, influential policy analyses and supporting informed decision-making in government or nonprofit organizations.

What is the difference between Policy Research Associate vs Policy Analyst?

AspectPolicy Research AssociatePolicy Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in public policy, political science, or related field; some roles prefer master'sBachelor's or master's degree in public policy, political science, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch-focused, often in think tanks, NGOs, or government agenciesAnalysis and policy development, often in government, think tanks, or advocacy groups
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in research organizations, NGOs, government agenciesWidely used in government, think tanks, and policy consulting firms

Policy Research Associates primarily focus on gathering and analyzing data to support policy development, while Policy Analysts interpret data to recommend specific policy actions. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often work in overlapping environments, but their core functions differ in emphasis on research versus analysis.

What does a Policy Research Associate do?

A Policy Research Associate is responsible for gathering, analyzing, and presenting data and information related to public policies. They support policy development by conducting research on social, economic, or political issues, evaluating policy impacts, and preparing reports or briefs for stakeholders. Their work helps organizations, government agencies, or advocacy groups make informed decisions and craft effective policies. They often collaborate with experts, attend policy meetings, and stay updated on relevant legislation or trends.
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Policy Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Policy Research Associate job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,685 per year, or $32.5 per hour.
Policy Research Associate

Policy Research Associate

SRI International

Arlington, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Overview
QED-C®, the Quantum Economic Development Consortium, seeks an intellectually sophisticated and analytically rigorous Policy Research Associate to develop and contribute to a portfolio of projects at the intersection of technology policy, scholarship, and practice. QED-C is an industry association with the mission to grow the quantum economy through community-building and collaboration. QED-C serves member organizations operating in more than 20 countries. CHECK OUT QED-C! The portfolio includes member-funded and externally funded research and policy initiatives. The Policy Research Associate will conduct research that informs policy, strategy, and decision-making on issues of interest to the quantum industry and will work a hybrid schedule from the SRI International office in Arlington, VA.
The Policy Research Associate, working closely with QED-C management and volunteer leadership in a dynamic research environment that values intellectual rigor, perspective on emerging challenges, and collaboration will apply sophisticated methodologies, including quantitative and qualitative techniques, to develop findings and recommendations and convey them in a variety of formats. Reports to the QED-C Deputy Director.
You will contribute to proposal efforts to promote the development and sustainability of QED-C's research portfolio.
Responsibilities
Success in this role requires intellectual versatility, methodological rigor, and the ability to translate complex findings into actionable insights for policymakers, sponsors, and other audiences.
  • Contribute substantively to the conception, development, and dissemination of research and policy analysis. Support a portfolio of projects by conducting rigorous inquiry, produce high-quality and persuasive written analyses, engage with stakeholders, and assist in the development and stewardship of externally funded research awards.
  • Lead the production of a wide range of research products, including policy briefs, technical reports, white papers, journal articles, presentations, sponsor deliverables, and executive-level briefing materials.
  • Undertakes original research on issues of strategic importance, including identifying and evaluating relevant sources, conducting literature reviews, collecting and analyzing data, monitoring developments in relevant policy and technology domains, and synthesizing findings and recommendations.
  • Exercise independent judgment in framing research questions, assessing evidence, and identifying implications for policy and practice.
  • Expected to produce near-final publication, presentation, and proposal drafts that require minimal rework.
  • Support interviews and convenings designed to advance research objectives and inform policy discussions, including preparing background materials, summarizing discussions, capturing key insights, and cultivating productive relationships with collaborators and sponsors.
  • Contribute to the development and sustainability of QED-C's research portfolio.
  • Assist with proposal development, conduct background research for funding opportunities, prepare supporting materials for sponsor engagement, and contribute to the articulation of future research directions. Will translate ambiguous needs into structured work plans, clear research questions, and appropriate methodologies. Will proactively communicate risks and recommend mitigations to QED-C management.
  • Will support the dissemination and public impact of the institution's work, including assisting with presentation, marketing, and outreach activities designed to extend the reach and influence of research findings. May represent the organization in professional settings.

Qualifications
  • Must submit a cover letter, and a list of publications that illustrate a history of relevant themes in academic, governmental, nonprofit, consulting, or industry settings. Can be submitted with the resume or as a separate attachment.
  • Master's degree in economics, science & technology studies, international relations, security studies, or related interdisciplinary fields bridging technology and policy.
  • Experience selecting and implementing quantitative and qualitative methods to answer policy questions.
  • Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills to inform and persuade diverse audiences, including executives.
  • Ability to travel occasionally to QED-C and closely related meetings.
  • Ability to work a hybrid work schedule from the SRI office in Arlington, VA

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Demonstrated interest in addressing real-world technology policy challenges and have familiarity with proposal development activities.
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple concurrent workstreams.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a project-based research environment characterized by multiple stakeholders and evolving priorities shaping independent analysis.
  • Experience employing quantitative analytical tools and methods, including statistical analysis, econometrics, data visualization, or computational research techniques.
  • Experience mentoring junior staff and coordinating contributions across multidisciplinary teams
  • Familiarity with policy analysis frameworks and applied research methodologies.

- Writing samples will be requested during the interview process.
The salary range is: $63,873-$84,636. Salary ranges will vary and are based on several factors, including geographic location, market competitiveness and equity amongst internal employees in similar roles. Positions may also qualify for SRI's Pay for Outstanding Performance program or the annual Performance Based Compensation program. SRI also has a competitive benefits package, to view details please go to https://www.sri.com/resources/benefits/. SRI will accept applications until the position is filled.
SRI is an independent nonprofit research institute headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif., with a rich history of supporting government and industry. We create and deliver world-changing solutions for a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future. For more than 75 years, we have collaborated across technical and scientific disciplines to discover and develop groundbreaking products and technologies and bring innovations and ideas to the marketplace.

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