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Policy Research Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

University of Utah

Research Associate

Salt Lake City, UT

$70K - $130K/yr

The Senior Research Associate will lead and contribute to projects (e.g., instrument development ... About the Utah Education Policy Center: The mission of the Utah Education Policy Center (UEPC) is ...

University of Utah

Research Associate

Campus, IL · On-site +1

$90K - $120K/yr

... Policy Location Campus City Salt Lake City, UT Type of Recruitment External Posting Pay Rate Range ... Position Summary PEARL is seeking a Senior Research Associate (SRA) with deep expertise in and ...

Rice University

Research Associate

Houston, TX

$60K/yr

The Baker Institute is seeking a Research Associate (RA) to support energy policy research in the institute's Center for Energy Studies (CES). The RA assists in conducting research, collecting data ...

Rice University

Research Associate

Houston, TX · On-site

$60K/yr

The Baker Institute is seeking a Research Associate (RA) to support energy policy research in the institute's Center for Energy Studies (CES). The RA assists in conducting research, collecting data ...

University of Utah

Research Associate

Campus, IL · On-site +1

$90K - $120K/yr

... Policy Location Campus City Salt Lake City, UT Type of Recruitment External Posting Pay Rate Range ... Position Summary PEARL is seeking a Senior Research Associate (SRA) with deep expertise in and ...

University of Utah

Research Associate

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site +1

$90K - $120K/yr

... Policy Location Campus City Salt Lake City, UT Type of Recruitment External Posting Pay Rate Range ... Position Summary PEARL is seeking a Senior Research Associate (SRA) with deep expertise in and ...

University of Utah

Research Associate

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

... Policy Location Campus City Salt Lake City, UT Type of Recruitment External Posting Pay Rate Range ... Position Summary PEARL is seeking a Senior Research Associate (SRA) with deep expertise in and ...

University of Utah

Research Associate

Campus, IL · On-site +1

$90K - $120K/yr

... Policy Location Campus City Salt Lake City, UT Type of Recruitment External Posting Pay Rate Range ... Position Summary PEARL is seeking a Senior Research Associate (SRA) with deep expertise in and ...

Keck Medicine of USC

Research Associate

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$70K - $76K/yr

A Research Associate position is immediately available in the laboratory of Dr. Ali Khoshnan. This ... Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen ...

Keck Medicine of USC

Research Associate

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$70K - $76K/yr

A Research Associate position is immediately available in the laboratory of Dr. Ali Khoshnan. This ... Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen ...

Genus PLC

Research Associate

Windsor, WI

$74K - $79K/yr

The Research Associate will execute formal and informal standard operating procedures and/or ... Wear appropriate PPE, promote a strong safety culture and follow all safety policies, procedures ...

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Policy Research Associate information

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How much do policy research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 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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What cities are hiring for Policy Research Associate jobs? Cities with the most Policy Research Associate job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Policy Research jobs? The most popular types of Policy Research jobs are:
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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:
Policy Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Policy Research Associate job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 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.
Research Associate

Research Associate

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT

$70K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 29 days ago

University Of Utah rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 157 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

337th of 544 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Details
Open Date 04/24/2026 Requisition Number PRN44737B Job Title Research Associate Working Title Senior Research Associate-Literacy Research & Educational Measurement Career Progression Track A00 Track Level FLSA Code Professional Patient Sensitive Job Code? No Standard Hours per Week 40 Full Time or Part Time? Full Time Shift Day Work Schedule Summary VP Area Academic Affairs Department 01323 - Utah Education Policy Center Location Other City Salt Lake City, UT Type of Recruitment External Posting Pay Rate Range $70,000 - $130,000 Close Date 07/25/2026 Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time) Job Summary
The UEPC seeks a full-time Senior Research Associate with expertise in literacy, science of reading, and educational measurement to join our research and evaluation team. This position will strengthen the Center's growing portfolio of literacy-focused research and evaluation work, including projects related to early reading, dyslexia screening and intervention, and educator professional learning. The Senior Research Associate will lead and contribute to projects (e.g., instrument development, intervention evaluations, professional learning design, and policy-relevant research) that directly inform how schools identify and support students in their academic learning.
About the Utah Education Policy Center: The mission of the Utah Education Policy Center (UEPC) is to bridge research, policy, and practice by conducting rigorous research, performing comprehensive program evaluations, and providing expert and research-informed technical assistance and professional learning. We empower educators, policymakers, and leaders to make research actionable and impactful to transform education across early childhood education, K-12 schools, and higher education.
As part of the University of Utah, we offer competitive benefits and access to resources. See https://benefits.utah.edu.
The University of Utah is not able to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
Responsibilities
  • Serve as a lead team member to coordinate and carry out research and/or evaluations in literacy.
  • Lead or co-lead the design, development, piloting, and psychometric validation of educational screening and assessment tools.
  • Design and implement rigorous research and evaluation on educational programs, including by conducting literature reviews and developing data collection (e.g., survey instruments, observation protocols, focus group protocols, and interview protocols), analysis, and reporting/communication plans.
  • Build and maintain collaborative relationships with UEPC external partners (e.g., state agencies, local education agencies), practitioners, and university faculty.
  • Facilitate working groups and serve as a project point of contact for key partners.
  • Prepare research and evaluation reports, interim and annual summaries, and presentations in user-friendly, accessible formats that meet clients' needs, as well as other scholarly publications.
  • Contribute to the design of sustainable professional learning in literacy.
  • Work collaboratively with others, meet project deadlines, and manage competing priorities.
  • Lead grant writing efforts and/or scopes of work for proposed literacy projects.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Doctoral degree in education, literacy, educational psychology, educational measurement, special education and/or a closely related field.
  • Five years of full-time experience leading and conducting program evaluations or research projects, with increasing independence and responsibility in projects.
  • Demonstrated expertise in science of reading, literacy development, and/or dyslexia.
  • Training in psychometrics, educational measurement, or test development (item writing, reliability/validity analysis, classical test theory and/or item response theory).
  • Track record of producing high-quality written deliverables (e.g., technical reports, research briefs, or peer-reviewed publications).
  • Excellent critical thinking, analytic, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to complete tasks for multiple, concurrent projects accurately and on time.
  • Understanding of local, regional, and/or national issues and policies affecting PK-16+ education.
  • Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication across research, practice, and policy audiences.

Preferences
  • 5 or more years of experience in conducting and reporting evaluation and research
  • Experience with mixed methods research, implementation evaluation, or longitudinal data analysis
  • Experience with quantitative data analysis (R, Stata, or equivalent)
  • Experience developing or validating educational assessments or screening tools
  • Knowledge of MTSS/RTI frameworks and early literacy intervention
  • Familiarity with structured literacy and evidence-based reading instruction
  • Experience with state education agencies or school districts
  • Knowledge of International Dyslexia Association Knowledge and Practice Standards
  • Experience working in K12, higher education, or an organization that works with K12 or higher education organizations
  • Experience applying for research and evaluation grants
  • Familiarity with FERPA and student data privacy requirements

Type Benefited Staff Special Instructions Summary
Please include in application materials:
  • A detailed cover letter that describes your interest and relevant experience and expertise for this position.
  • A current curriculum vitae or resume.
  • Two research or evaluation products that represent your individual contributions in a lead or primary role. At least one sample should demonstrate technical or methodological rigor (e.g., a psychometric report, validation study, evaluation with quantitative findings, or technical documentation). Suitable formats include reports, technical manuals, research briefs, peer-reviewed manuscripts, or presentation materials. For each sample, include a brief note (2-3 sentences) describing your specific role and contributions, particularly if the work was collaborative.
  • Contact information for three professional references who can speak to your research skills, project leadership, and ability to work across institutional boundaries. References will not be contacted prior to final consideration for the position. At least one reference should be someone who has directly supervised you on a research or evaluation project. If possible, include at least one reference from outside your home institution or organization.

Additional Information
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems ("URS"). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS' post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans' preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran's status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator's office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah NonDiscrimination page.
Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu

https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.

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About University of Utah

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The University of Utah is the state’s flagship institution of higher education, with 18 schools and colleges, more than 100 undergraduate majors and graduate programs, and an enrollment of more than 38,000 students. It is a member of the Association of American Universities—an invitation-only, prestigious group of 71 leading research institutions. The U is advancing a new national model for higher education that delivers societal impact through education, research, health care, and community service, while making social, economic, and cultural contributions that improve lives across Utah and around the world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Salt Lake City, UT, US

Year founded

1850

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