Research Analyst - Built Environment (Metropolitan Housing & Communities Policy Center) (Biotech)

Who we are:

At the nonprofit Urban Institute, we believe in the power of evidence to improve lives and strengthen communities.  Our employees are empowered to open minds, shape decisions and offer solutions.  We encourage intellectual honesty, innovation, diversity, and mutual respect, and our analysis elevates the debate, wherever it takes place.

Urban's greatest asset is our people. We strive to attract and cultivate a vibrant, creative, and diverse community.  Our employees drive Urban's mission through entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership, effective communication, results-orientation, and relationship cultivation.  Our success depends on engaging individuals who possess and value these attributes. 

How you'll contribute:

The research analyst is responsible for working with senior researchers and research teams in successfully executing advanced research tasks. This position is aligned to the Built Environment practice area within the Metro Center. The Built Environment practice area focuses on policy topics such as climate mitigation and adaptation, resilience and urban governance, neighborhood physical quality, and housing standards and quality—all primarily in relation to low- and moderate-income households and other social disparities.

Responsibilities include:

• Collect, clean, and perform advanced manipulation of either qualitative and/or quantitative data. This includes managing data, writing computer programs for data processing and analysis, producing and reviewing literature reviews, and conducting field work (such as interviews and site visits).
• Assist in designing research to meet high standards of methodological rigor.
• Assist and, on occasion, lead in reporting research findings, including producing tables, graphics, and maps for reports, as well as writing up findings for briefs and reports.
• Oversee logistical tasks for research proposals, internal and external research events, and research management.
• Assist with project management tasks (such as contractual, financial, and staffing components of research projects).
• Oversee the work of research assistants.
• Assist with administrative tasks as assigned.

What you'll bring:

The successful candidate will:

• Possess a master's degree in the field of urban studies, urban planning, or other social sciences (economics, public policy, sociology, social welfare, anthropology, education, or political science) with a demonstrated focus on urban policy and issues or disciplines producing urban policy-related research skill sets, such as statistics, architecture, civil or environmental engineering preferred; or the combination of academic and professional experience equivalent to the attainment of a master's degree (with a bachelor's degree in a related field).  
• Be familiar with the contemporary and historical policy terrain surrounding environmental rules, land and building development regulations, federal and state regulations, programs and assistance, and grassroots advocacy movements as demonstrated through coursework and policy-relevant writing.
• Display strong familiarity with qualitative or quantitative analytical skills conducive to advanced research methodologies with demonstrable experience in at least one and familiarity with both preferred.
• Demonstrate experience with data analysis tools and software packages (SAS, Stata, SPSS, R, Python, ArcGIS, NVivo, Atlas.ti or other tools and research processes) or other research project management tools appropriate to the area of research skill.
• Be proficient in publication, spreadsheet and presentation graphics software.
• Demonstrate superb critical thinking skills and capacity to interpret research findings.
• Exhibit high level of organization, and motivation, creativity, and self-confidence; we seek individuals who can work effectively, independently, and simultaneously on multiple projects. 
• Show familiarity with project management terminology and components (contractual, financial, staffing).
• Have strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Prove strong time management skills and display of a high level of professionalism.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the current state of scholarship, practice, and policy in at least one of the Built Environment policy areas through research papers and projects, or professional or advocacy experience. Sample policy areas include: climate adaptation, energy equity, environmental justice, disaster mitigation and recovery policy, substandard housing, building and housing codes, housing quality, or municipal and city governance.

What you'll experience:

Working in the Nation's Capital, the epicenter of public policy among a network of policy experts, you can expect to have an impact on policy areas you care about and work with great colleagues who are smart, mission-driven, and collaborative.  You will blend academic rigor with on-the-ground collaboration, be encouraged and supported to fulfill your potential through meaningful work that matters and, enjoy a welcoming workplace free from harassment, discrimination and intolerance.

In addition, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes: medical, dental, disability, and life insurance coverage.  Competitive paid time off allowance, and eligibility to participate in a generous retirement savings plan plus elect a pretax benefit for commuting expenses.

The Urban Institute is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity without regard for race, ethnicity, gender, protected veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other protected status under applicable law.

The Urban Institute is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Minorities/Women/Disabilities/Veterans.