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Policy Research Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Title Senior Research Associate Agency Texas A&M University Department Public Policy Research Institute Proposed Minimum Salary $4,584.00 monthly Job Location College Station, Texas Job Type ...

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Policy Research Associate information

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How much do policy research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 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 common challenges policy research associates face when working on multiple projects?

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 skills and qualifications are needed to be a policy research associate?

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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What are the most commonly searched types of Policy Research jobs?

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What states have the most Policy Research Associate jobs?

States with the most job openings for Policy Research Associate jobs include:

Infographic showing various Policy Research Associate job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,685 per year, or $32.5 per hour.

Senior Research Associate

Texas A&M University

College Station, TX

$45K - $63K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago


Texas A&M University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

229th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Title

Senior Research Associate

Agency

Texas A&M University

Department

Public Policy Research Institute

Proposed Minimum Salary

$4,584.00 monthly

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Here's a Glimpse of the Job

Texas A&M University's Public Policy Research Institute (PPRI) is seeking a Senior Research Associate to support Principal Investigators in conducting research activities, including program evaluation and survey research. This role involves coordinating with sponsors to identify research needs and objectives, managing project activities, collecting and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data, and conducting qualitative analyses using interview and observational data as well as statistical analyses of quantitative data, preferably using Stata. The Senior Research Associate will prepare presentations and research reports that summarize study goals, methodologies, and findings, while also contributing to proposal development for independent research projects and funding opportunities. Additional responsibilities include collaborating with project teams and performing other duties as needed to support successful research outcomes.

Opportunities to Contribute

  • Collects, manages, and analyzes qualitative and quantitative data using interviews, focus groups, observational methods, and statistical software to support research objectives and reporting needs.

  • Maintains project databases, records, and documentation to ensure data integrity, organization, and compliance with research and contract requirements.

  • Assists the Principal Investigator with research activities, including project planning, sponsor coordination, data collection efforts, meeting participation, and overall project administration.

  • Collaborates with internal and external research teams to support project goals, address research needs, and facilitate successful project execution.

  • Develops reports, presentations, and data visualizations by writing, editing, formatting, and preparing materials for sponsors, stakeholders, and other audiences.

  • Maintains knowledge of current research methodologies, data analysis tools, and best practices to strengthen qualitative and quantitative research capabilities.

  • Participates in the preparation of grant proposals and other funding-related submissions to support research initiatives.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

  • Four years of related experience.

A well-qualified candidate for this position will also possess:

  • Master's degree or Ph.D. in social sciences or related field (criminal justice, political science, public health, economics, education, statistics, psychology or sociology)

  • Experience in public policy (program evaluation and political analysis) and project management.

  • Experience in focus group management, regression techniques and application, and multivariate analysis and interpretation.

  • Strong knowledge of/proficiency with Stata.

  • Experience using software such as R.Experience with ArcGIS, LaTeX, and text analysis software.

  • Experience drafting research proposals and/or reports.

  • Experience working with research project sponsors.

  • Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

Salary: $45,000-$63,000 yearly

Please note: This position is grant funded; future employment may be contingent upon future funding.

Schedule: Ability to travel across the State where overnight stay is required. (Site visits, focus groups, training, meetings, and conferences.)

What you need to do

Apply!Submit a cover letter,CV/Resumeto assist us with the review process. You may upload these documents on the application under CV/Resume.

Why Texas A&M University?

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

Established by the Texas State Legislature in 1983 at Texas A&M University, the Public Policy Research Institute (PPRI) serves as a leading interdisciplinary government and social policy research organization. Since inception, PPRI has secured external research contracts totaling $140 million for providing scientific research and evaluative services to more than 90 public and private sponsors engaged in formulating public policy. We invite you to explore our website to learn more. https://ppri.tamu.edu/

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration. Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you. Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes.

  • Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts, and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums

  • 12-15 days of annual paid holidays

  • Up to eight hours of paid sick leaveand at leasteight hours of paid vacationeach month

  • Automatic enrollment in theTeacher Retirement System of Texas

  • Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time

  • Professional Development: All employees have access to freeLinkedIn Learningtraining, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more

  • Educational release time and tuition assistancefor completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee

  • Living Well, a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees

Instructions to Applicants: Applications received by Texas A&M University must either have all job application data entered, or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to prepopulate the online application.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution's verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.


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