Quantitative Researcher, Education & Employment (Remote Eligible)

About Mathematica:

Mathematica applies expertise at the intersection of data, methods, policy, and practice to improve well-being around the world. We collaborate closely with public- and private-sector partners to translate big questions into deep insights that improve programs, refine strategies, and enhance understanding using data science and analytics. Our work yields actionable information to guide decisions in wide-ranging policy areas, from health, education, early childhood, and family support to nutrition, employment, disability, and international development.

Mathematica offers our employees competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package, as well as the advantages of being 100 percent employee owned. As an employee stock owner, you will experience financial benefits of ESOP holdings that have increased in tandem with the company’s growth and financial strength. You will also be part of an independent, employee-owned firm that is able to define and further our mission, enhance our quality and accountability, and steadily grow our financial strength.

Read more about our benefits here: Benefits at a Glance.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

We are looking for a quantitative researcher to join our division to support rigorous, data-driven, evidence-building activities. Our researchers support ongoing project teams in the planning and execution of projects for clients such as: The U.S. Departments of Education and Labor, National Science Foundation, philanthropic organizations such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and numerous state and local agencies.

Mathematica is seeking a researcher with specific expertise in quantitative research methods, causal inference, and social policy research, who will conduct studies and support program improvement and evaluation in the areas of employment and education.

The following projects illustrate the type of work we currently have under way.

• Designing a quasi-experimental analysis to estimate the returns to postsecondary education relative to a high school diploma and examine variation across institution type and programs
• Applying rigorous analytic methods to assess the implementation and impacts of federal grants for workforce-aligned credentials on labor market outcomes
• Implementing randomized controlled trials to identify the impacts of return-to-work services for people with injuries and illnesses, and examining the factors that contribute to program effectiveness
• Conducting a descriptive study of a student loan program to understand how borrowing and repayment distress have responded to policy changes over time, and designing and assessing the feasibility of potential impact studies
• Examining participation and outcomes in a scholarship program for apprentices with financial need in eligible construction and industrial programs in Wisconsin.
• Helping states and school districts build capacity to use data and strengthen support for educators and students
• Conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses to determine the effectiveness of interventions, programs, policies, and practices across a range of populations and policy areas

Depending on projects and interests, duties might include:

• Participating in evaluation activities such as developing rigorous study designs, analyzing quantitative data from surveys and administrative sources, reviewing and synthesizing existing evidence, applying innovative methods such as machine-learning techniques, contributing to briefs and reports, and developing data visualizations to enhance the accessibility of findings
• Designing and deploying approaches that use artificial intelligence tools for data collection (such as literature search or web scraping), processing (for example, cleaning and coding) and preliminary analysis (for example, thematic analysis in qualitative data).
• Helping program administrators and policymakers make decisions by cleaning, organizing, analyzing, and presenting large amounts of data
• Assessing the strength of study designs and summarizing large and diverse sets of existing research through systematic reviews and meta-analyses
• Guiding program staff and policymakers in the use of evidence to make decisions about program selection and adaptation
• Collaborating with state and local organizations through conducting evaluations or refining their programs
• Presenting findings and disseminating information to policy, practitioner, and researcher audiences.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in economics, public policy, sociology, education, statistics, data science/data analytics, or a related field. In lieu of a Ph.D., a master's degree with coursework in causal inference and a minimum of 3 years of demonstrated experience applying it to research will be considered equivalent.
• Strong quantitative analytical skills, including training in causal inference methodologies.
• Experience working with programming languages such as R, Python, or Stata.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including an ability to translate complex research methods and findings for practitioner and policy audiences.
• Ability to work well in teams.

Of interest: experience working at a human services program or agency, school district, state or federal government, or foundations.

A cover letter, CV, and writing sample or job market paper must be submitted at the time of application via our online application system. Please describe your desired start date in the cover letter. Letters of recommendation will be requested for candidates who advance to the final stage of interviews. We will consider applications on a rolling basis.

This position offers an anticipated base salary of $100,000 - $135,000 annually.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state, or local protected class.

At Mathematica, we understand the importance of building relationships with colleagues. If you’re not located near one of our offices but would like opportunities to meet up with co-workers, we offer coworking spaces where available. Ask your Talent Acquisition partner for more information about this opportunity and whether it’s an option in your area.

Any offer of employment will be contingent upon passing a background check. Various federal agencies with whom we contract require that staff successfully undergo security clearance as a condition of working on the project. If you are assigned to such a project, you will be required to obtain the requisite security clearance. Additionally, if you participate in or complete the application process and are denied, Mathematica may choose to terminate your employment.

We take pride in our employees and in their commitment to excellence. We encourage staff to collaborate in developing creative solutions to difficult problems and to share the responsibility and enjoyment of carrying out complex projects. This collegial spirit has helped us earn our reputation for innovative and high-quality work.