Research Associate - Understanding California's Future

About the Public Policy Institute

PPIC is committed to providing nonpartisan, independent, high-quality research, encouraging productive dialogue, and inspiring the search for sustainable policy solutions in Sacramento and around the state. We pride ourselves on the rigor of our carefully peer-reviewed work and our commitment to let facts speak for themselves. Our extensive outreach activities bring PPIC's work to an ever-expanding audience. Our events promote thoughtful dialogue on difficult issues, amplifying fact-based information and spurring constructive, respectful debate and discussion. This approach has established PPIC as an influential resource for California leaders at all levels of government.

About the Role

This position provides a unique opportunity to support the development of a new research priority at PPIC focused on trend analysis and its implications for the future of California. Understanding California's Future seeks to analyze the demographic, political, environmental and economic trends to anticipate key challenges facing California and to identify practical solutions to address these trends. The research will both amplify existing areas of PPIC research as well as explore other critical policy issues, such as housing, immigration and climate change.

The research associate will provide research support for this emerging priority. The associate will work closely with the Vice President and Walter and Esther Hewlett Chair in Understanding California's Future, who will provide guidance, direction, and mentorship, as well as other senior researchers throughout the institute. Research responsibilities include assembling, coding, and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data, conducting literature searches, abstracting source materials, and presenting research in progress at project and research group meetings. The research associate will participate actively in research projects and policy audience engagement. This position reports to the Vice President and Walter and Esther Hewlett Chair in Understanding California's Future.

While most of PPIC is still working virtually, this position will eventually be based in either PPIC's San Francisco or Sacramento location.

Responsibilities include

• Construct, clean and manage large data sets
• Analyze quantitative and qualitative data
• Perform literature searches, prepare and annotate bibliographies and abstract data source materials
• Contact government agencies and other organizations to request data and other program information
• Prepare written research publications and blogs, including the creation of charts, graphs, tables, interactives, and maps
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders and assist in outreach and dissemination efforts
• Contribute to regular project and research group meetings
• Assist the Vice President in organizing planning activities, developing research priorities, and engaging external stakeholders
• Assist in planning events, including public events, workshops, and meetings
• Perform administrative tasks as required

Qualifications

• Professional experience in policy research essential, California-specific experience highly desired
• Solid organizational skills and computer skills
• Bachelors or Master's degree in demography, economics, public health, political science, public policy, sociology or a related field
• Knowledge of Stata, SAS, R or another statistical package is required
• Experience working with large data sets, along with outstanding analytical ability
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
• Must be able to execute project-related work with periodic oversight
• Must be comfortable working on teams, taking initiative, paying attention to detail, delivering high quality output in a timely manner, and working in an ever-evolving policy environment

Compensation and Benefits

PPIC offers competitive salaries with an extensive benefits package-including comprehensive health coverage, generous paid time off and holiday leave, and substantial employer contributions to best-in-class retirement funds. The expertise of our staff members is essential to the success of PPIC's mission, and we assist career and personal growth through robust support of skill development at all levels of the organization.

To Apply

Applications will be guaranteed consideration if submitted by June 30, 2022; we will continue to review applications after this date as needed. The position will remain posted until filled. Please tailor your cover letter to highlight how your credentials meet the qualifications listed above.

PPIC is committed to excellence by fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We welcome and encourage applicants who reflect the full diversity of California. As a think tank seeking to improve the lives of this state, PPIC relies on a broad array of perspectives and experiences to make our work more relevant, more effective, and more valuable. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. AA/EEO/Veterans/Disabled employer.

SDL2017