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Policy Research Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

University of Miami

Research Associate 1

Miami, FL

Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets. Department Specific Functions The Research Associate will work closely with other members of the ...

The Democratic Party

Research Associate

Washington, DC · On-site

$54K/yr

The ideal Research Associate candidate should possess a basic understanding of the dynamic political climate and major policy issues in the U.S., as well as strong research and writing skills. If you ...

Rutgers University

Research Associate II

Piscataway, NJ · On-site

$65K/yr

... care policy and aging research. Our faculty are teachers, clinicians, and scientists with ... The Research Associate II will work with the Executive Director and Assistant Director to collect ...

National Safety Council

Research Associate

Itasca, IL · Remote

$65K - $71K/yr

The Research Associate contributes to NSC's research agenda by advancing evaluation efforts ... standards, policies, and ethical guidelines. * Monitor project timelines, milestones, and ...

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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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Policy Research Associate jobs near you
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.

(Remote) Research Associate - Health Affairs Institute

West Virginia University

Charleston, WV • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

West Virginia University rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 61 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

458th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Description
The Health Affairs Institute at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a (Remote) Research Associate position located in Charleston, WV
About the Opportunity
West Virginia University's Health Affairs Institute frequently engages in collaborative efforts with West Virginia's Department of Health Human Services (DoHS). Ideal candidates will have work experience that aligns with the mission of DOHS's Bureau for Medical Services, Bureau for Children and Families, Bureau for Behavioral Health, and Bureau for Public Health.
The Research Associate is a key participant in the emerging State-University partnership between the West Virginia University Health Sciences Center and the West Virginia Department of Human Services. Overarching responsibilities include working with the state to leverage their data and support analytic and policy needs, conducting relevant policy and evaluation research, participating in interdisciplinary research and evaluation teams, and providing oversight and support to other data analysts and personnel embedded within the Department for Human Services. The Research Associate will be an employee of the West Virginia University; however, this individual will be embedded within the Health Affairs Institute and will work full-time out of the office located in Charleston, West Virginia.
We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:
• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year (employee leave)
• 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefit
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
• Wellness program
What You'll Do
  • Serves as a University representative and liaison to the West Virginia Department of Human Services for the planning and performance of projects, programs and activities involving health data analytics and program evaluation.
  • Work as part of a team to advance the partnership between the West Virginia University Health Sciences Center and the West Virginia Department of Human Services
  • Facilitates communication and efficient collaboration between research partners at the West Virginia University Health Sciences Center and the staff of the West Virginia Department of Human Services.
  • Oversee and conduct analyses of Medicaid claims data using SAS and other statistical analysis packages at the direction of the Director of Health Data Analytics or leadership within the Department for Human Services.
  • Support both West Virginia University faculty as well as leadership within the Department for Human Services in using Medicaid claims data as well as other state data sources to answer research questions of interest to the state.
  • Train other West Virginia University faculty in analyzing Medicaid claims data and other state data sources using SAS or other statistical analysis packages.
  • Ensure that data analytic and research/evaluation activities are compliant with university-level policies for the responsible conduct of research as well as federal, and state policies.
  • Provides consultation to faculty and government partners regarding preparation of research proposals, design and methodology, data analytics and interpretation of results.
  • Identify opportunities for potential collaborations between the Health Sciences Center and the West Virginia Department of Human Services.
  • Prepares reports as required by the University, the Health Sciences Center administration, and external agencies. Communicates results of analytic projects and program evaluations with relevant staff of the West Virginia Department of Human Services.
  • Conducts or directs special projects as assigned. Acts in other matters and capacities as delegated by the Associate Vice President for Health Affairs or the Director of Health Data Analytics.
  • Assist with the publication of peer-reviewed manuscripts

Qualifications
  • PhD in health or data science-related field.
  • A minimum of three (3) years of experience:
    • Record of research and achievement in health outcomes and policy research (health services research, public health informatics, health policy, clinical outcomes) as evidenced by publications and / or sustained involvement in a research program.
    • Experience conducting research/evaluation using large health data sources within the healthcare industry or academic or governmental sectors
  • All qualifications must be met by the time of employment

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Extensive knowledge and experience in utilizing large health databases for research, program evaluation, and policy development.
  • Experience analyzing Medicaid administrative claims data.
  • Extensive knowledge in the use of standard statistical analysis packages such as SAS or R
  • Experience designing and overseeing large research projects using administrative claims data.
  • Record of successfully publishing peer-reviewed manuscripts in the field of health services research
  • Experience training and / or supervising other individuals in using statistical analysis packages to analyze administrative claims data.
  • Ability to project and maintain a positive and collaborative attitude.
  • Record of accomplishments in health data analytics.
  • Strong ability to communicate goals, methods, and results of research initiatives with key stakeholders.\
  • Proficiency presenting the results of data analyses to diverse groups of stakeholders.

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