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Policy Research Fellow Jobs (NOW HIRING)

HSS

Research Fellow

New York, NY · On-site

$60K - $91K/yr

We are looking for a research fellow to join the Spine Care Institute's research infrastructure at ... Non-Discrimination Policy Hospital for Special Surgery is committed to providing high quality care ...

Stevens

AIRC Research Fellow

Hoboken, NJ

$175K - $210K/yr

C. area and in Hoboken, NJ, to join as an AIRC Research Fellow to lead advanced technical and ... Assess statutes, regulations, policies, and guidance related to specific functions in the defense ...

AlphaHire

Research Fellow, Workforce Intelligence

... public policy * construction management * business analytics * urban planning * supply chain ... The fellowship is intended for individuals interested in: * workforce research * labor market ...

HSS

Research Fellow

New York, NY · On-site

$60K - $91K/yr

What you will be doing Fellow will be conducting research within the overall scope of sponsored ... Non-Discrimination Policy Hospital for Special Surgery is committed to providing high quality care ...

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$59K

$83.5K

How much do policy research fellow jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for policy research fellow in the United States is $59,022.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $66,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Policy Research Fellow do?

A Policy Research Fellow conducts in-depth research and analysis on public policies, legislation, and social issues. They gather and interpret data, review existing literature, and provide evidence-based recommendations to inform decision-makers and stakeholders. Their work often supports think tanks, government agencies, or nonprofit organizations in shaping effective and informed policies. The role may also involve writing reports, policy briefs, and presenting findings to diverse audiences.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Policy Research Fellow?

To thrive as a Policy Research Fellow, you need strong analytical skills, research experience, and typically a graduate degree in public policy, economics, or a related field. Familiarity with data analysis tools (such as Stata, R, or SPSS), policy databases, and academic research methods is essential. Excellent written and verbal communication, critical thinking, and the ability to synthesize complex information are key soft skills for this role. These competencies are vital for producing impactful policy recommendations and effectively informing stakeholders and decision-makers.

What are some common challenges faced by Policy Research Fellows when synthesizing complex data for policy recommendations?

Policy Research Fellows often encounter the challenge of distilling large volumes of complex, and sometimes conflicting, data into clear, actionable policy recommendations. Balancing rigorous academic standards with the need for concise communication to policymakers can be demanding. Fellows must also stay current with rapidly evolving policy landscapes and ensure their analyses are unbiased and evidence-based. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders requires strong interpersonal and communication skills to ensure that diverse perspectives are integrated into final policy briefs.

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

AspectPolicy Research FellowPolicy Analyst
Required CredentialsMaster's degree or higher in public policy, political science, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's degree in similar fields
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, think tanks, universitiesGovernment agencies, NGOs, consulting firms
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily academic and research-focused organizationsGovernment departments, policy consultancies, advocacy groups
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for research depth and academic focusMore policy implementation and analysis oriented

Policy Research Fellows typically focus on conducting in-depth research and analysis within academic or think tank settings, often holding advanced degrees. Policy Analysts usually work in government or organizations, applying research to develop and evaluate policies. Both roles require strong analytical skills, but their work environments and primary functions differ.

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Policy Research Fellow jobs near you
Infographic showing various Policy Research Fellow job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,022 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

CSEi Research Fellow

The University of Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

$95K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

University Of Chicago rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

168th of 622 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Description
The Climate Systems Engineering initiative (CSEi) at the University of Chicago invites applications for the 2027-29 cohort of CSEi Research Fellows, to be appointed at the rank of Postdoctoral Researcher at the Rank of Research Associate. We seek outstanding early career scholars interested in any aspect of climate systems engineering.
The University of Chicago is building a substantial research cluster, including the anticipated addition of ten new faculty lines, on the science, technology, and public policy of Climate Systems Engineering. Our goal is to advance understanding of the benefits, risks, and governance of technologies that might reduce the impacts of accumulated greenhouse gases, and to educate students who will face the challenges of managing industrial civilization on a fragile planet. The CSEi's topical scope includes open-system carbon removal such as enhanced rock weathering, ocean alkalinity enhancement, solar geoengineering, and interventions to limit the loss of glacial ice. The CSEi welcomes research from across fields including the sciences, humanities, social sciences, public policy, and law.
The CSEi Research Fellows program aims to develop the next generation of research leaders who will shape the future of climate systems engineering for the benefit of people and the planet. CSEi Research Fellows will work closely with UChicago faculty mentors, but their research and funding are independent. The program will help them develop strong research networks by facilitating collaboration among the Research Fellows cohort and by ensuring that they have ample opportunities to interact with the whole community of CSEi-affiliated faculty and research leaders. Securing a faculty mentor in advance is strongly preferred, and applicants are encouraged to reach out early to engage a mentor. UChicago faculty members from any discipline may potentially serve as mentors, regardless of whether they have prior experience with climate systems engineering.
To offer a sense of the range of opportunities for collaboration, leading faculty from a variety of fields have contributed statements about research interests and possibilities for collaboration. These statements, available on the CSEi website, are examples of how faculty research interests might overlap with climate systems engineering. Applicants may reach out to any UChicago faculty member about these or other topics.
This is a two-year position, starting between August 3 - September 16, 2027, that offers a $95K salary per year, dedicated workspace, and research and travel funding of $10,000 per year.
This position is benefits eligible - for information on benefits, please consult the University of Chicago Benefits Guide: https://mybenefits.nfp.com/UChicago/benefits-guide/.
Additionally, the University will provide a one-time payment of $4,000 for relocation assistance, payable at the end of the first month of employment at the University. Please note that this payment is taxable.
Teaching is not required, though an optional teaching opportunity during the second year of the fellowship may be available, subject to need and requisite approval. In-person interaction is a crucial part of the program, and Research Fellows are expected to participate actively in the life of the CSEi.
Qualifications
Required:
  • Completion of all requirements for a Ph.D. or other terminal degree appropriate to the field is required at the time of appointment.

Preferred:
  • 0-3 years professional experience.
  • Pre-matching with a faculty mentor and enthusiastic recommendation from the mentor.
  • Academic and professional success in the early career stage (typically graduate school and the first three years after completion of degree) and the potential to make an important contribution to the field of climate systems engineering.

Residency:
The fellowship requires residency in the Chicago area.
For UChicago applicants:
Applicants who are currently postdocs at UChicago or who received terminal degrees from UChicago are eligible, provided their research and mentor arrangements are distinct from their PhD or current postdoctoral research, taking them in new directions and forging new connections.
Application Instructions
Applications must be submitted online via Interfolio at: https://apply.interfolio.com/191139.
The following materials are required:
  • C.V.
  • Statement of research objectives that explains how the research will advance understanding of climate systems engineering, and how the research relates to the applicant's prior work and skills. (maximum 2 pages).
  • Writing sample consisting of a chapter, essay, or article.
  • Two letters of reference: please provide contact information for two letter writers.
  • Name of UChicago faculty member who has agreed to serve as mentor. If applying without a pre-matched mentor, please provide the names of faculty members whom you want to work with and an explanation of why you were not able to secure a mentor in advance.

Complete applications must be submitted via Interfolio by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on November 2, 2026.

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