Research Scientist - Youth Policy

WIL is seeking a Research Scientist in youth policy to lead research on programs and policies that reduce inequality in outcomes for young people.

About the Workforce Intelligence Lab (WIL)

The Workforce Intelligence Lab (WIL) is an applied workforce research initiative. WIL builds methodology-transparent workforce intelligence, including labor demand signals, occupational and credential pathways, and training-to-employment outcome measures, and works with education, employer, research, and community partners to turn that evidence into grant and sponsored-project collaborations. Learn more: https://wilinstitute.org

Opportunity type: this is a contingent proposal opportunity in WIL's expert collaborator network, not a funded vacancy. It supports a competitive grant application WIL is preparing; no award has been made, and there is no guaranteed work or funding. If an award proceeds and the staffing model calls for it, WIL may offer a project-based contract or consulting engagement. We will ask before naming you or including your resume in any proposal.

What you'll do

• Serve as principal investigator on youth inequality research proposals
• Design studies of programs, policies, and practices that reduce inequality in youth outcomes
• Partner with agencies and practitioners in research-practice partnerships
• Lead quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods data collection and analysis
• Write research narratives, methods, and dissemination plans
• Contribute qualifications and past-performance narrative to WIL proposals when you authorize naming

Apply to be considered.

Requirements

Required

• Track record leading research on youth outcomes, inequality, or related education and social policy
• Peer-reviewed publications or major research reports
• Strong quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods skills
• Experience partnering with agencies or practitioners
• Comfortable as a project-based contract collaborator; remote US

Nice to have

• PhD preferred (sociology, economics, psychology, education, public policy, or related field)
• Prior foundation-funded research as PI or co-PI
• Research-practice partnership experience