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Policy Research Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

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

$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

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 ...

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Policy Research Associate information

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How much do policy research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 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 highest salary for a policy analyst?

The highest salary for a policy analyst can reach over $100,000 annually, especially for those with extensive experience, advanced degrees, or working in high-cost regions. Senior or specialized policy analysts in government, think tanks, or large organizations tend to earn higher compensation, often supplemented with bonuses and benefits.

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? 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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,685 per year, or $32.5 per hour.
Research Associate I - Public Health Research - DC Hybrid Office

Research Associate I - Public Health Research - DC Hybrid Office

NORC at the University of Chicago

Washington, DC • On-site

$56K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Research Associate I - Public Health Research - DC Hybrid Office

Apply now Job no: 503824 Work type: Regular Full-Time Location: Washington, DC Capability Area: Public Health

JOB SUMMARY:

NORC at the University of Chicago is seeking a Research Associate I to support the Public Health Research Department. The Public Health Research team conducts work on a variety of public health topics including disease surveillance, health communication science, interpersonal conflict and violence, rural health, and social determinants of health.

Location: This is a hybrid role based in our Washington, DC office, with a minimum of six days per month in the office.

DEPARTMENT:  PUBLIC HEALTH

The Public Health Research team conducts work on a variety of public health topics including disease surveillance, health communication science, health promotion, interpersonal conflict and violence, rural health, and social determinants of health. Our team includes prominent health policy experts, nationally recognized public health researchers with general and specialized expertise in areas such as rural health and tribal issues, health communications, skilled methodologists, and leaders in the field of survey design and implementation. Our staff also brings expertise in populations of special interest and the intersection of public health and health care delivery. We offer broad, multidisciplinary experiences spanning public health, epidemiology, statistics, policy, developmental psychology, economics, sociology, social work, and political science.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Provide general research support related to public health and health policy research.
  • Conduct literature reviews, statistical analysis of primary and secondary data and prepare memos, tables, and graphs based on findings under supervision of experienced professionals.
  • Take notes at meetings and prepare initial draft of minutes.
  • Schedule and take notes at virtual/in-person interviews.
  • Develop project materials, such as report outlines, visual exhibits for reports, and serve as an editor for deliverables.
  • Support survey data collection activities, including instrument testing, ongoing data review, and data cleaning.
  • Support business development efforts through coordination of document preparation.
  • Under the direction of senior staff, support the development of new business by conducting background research on programs, award history, and agency goals and objectives.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED SKILLS:
  • Bachelors' Degree in Public Health, Social Sciences or related field.
  • 6 months of research experience (internships included) in health research, public health, health policy with qualitative and/or quantitative methods and analysis required.
  • Basic knowledge of the principles, processes, and methods of quantitative and/or qualitative research through reading literature and experience in the field.
  • Must have effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Must have strong attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and ability to multi-task.
  • Must be able to work collaboratively as part of a team.
  • Strong proficiency with MS Office software.
  • Occasional travel for site visits and meetings may be required.
  • This is a hybrid role based in our Washington, DC office, with a minimum of six days per month in the office.
  • Qualified applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S. We regret that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position.

Please include a Resume and Cover Letter when applying. Candidates should be prepared to provide professional references and a writing assignment upon request.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

The pay for this position is $56,000.  

This position is classified as regular. Regular staff are eligible for NORC's comprehensive benefits program. Benefits include, but are not limited to:  

  • Generously subsidized health insurance, effective on the first day of employment 

  • Dental and vision insurance  

  • A defined contribution retirement program, along with a separate voluntary 403(b) retirement program  

  • Group life insurance, long-term and short-term disability insurance 

  • Benefits that promote work/life balance, including generous paid time off, holidays; paid parental leave, bereavement leave, tuition assistance, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). 

NORC is committed to equity and transparency in its pay practices. We publish salary ranges and benefit information for every job. The listed hiring range reflects what we, in good faith, expect to pay at the time of posting, though actual compensation may vary and may be adjusted over time. A candidate's placement within the range depends on factors such as competencies, education, qualifications, experience, skills, performance, and organizational needs.

WHAT WE DO:

NORC at the University of Chicago is an objective, non-partisan research institution that delivers reliable data and rigorous analysis to guide critical programmatic, business, and policy decisions. Since 1941, our teams have conducted groundbreaking studies, created and applied innovative methods and tools, and advanced principles of scientific integrity and collaboration. Today, government, corporate, and nonprofit clients around the world partner with us to transform increasingly complex information into useful knowledge.

WHO WE ARE:

For over 80 years, NORC has evolved in many ways, moving the needle with research methods, technical applications and groundbreaking research findings. But our tradition of excellence, passion for innovation, and commitment to collegiality have remained constant components of who we are as a brand, and who each of us is as a member of the NORC team. With world-class benefits, a business casual environment, and an emphasis on continuous learning, NORC is a place where people join for the stellar research and analysis work for which we're known, and stay for the relationships they form with their colleagues who take pride in the impact their work is making on a global scale.

EEO STATEMENT: 

NORC is an equal opportunity employer. NORC evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, sexual orientation, and other legally protected characteristics.

#LI-DNI

Advertised: May 7, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time Applications close:

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