Quantitative Researcher, Human Services (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:

Mathematica is hiring researchers to join our vibrant and growing Human Services department. We are seeking candidates with expertise in quantitative research methods, causal inference, and policy research to conduct studies and support program evaluation across a range of topics, including TANF, employment, child welfare, early childhood, family strengthening, and economic mobility.

This position supports project teams within the department and across the company in the planning and execution of rigorous, data-driven projects for clients such as, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, state and local agencies, and Foundations and nonprofits. Mathematica is seeking researchers who are excited to solve complex policy and programmatic challenges in ways that are evidence- and data-driven, and who can agilely adapt to and evolving policy and technology landscape.

The type of work we do includes activities such as:

• Evaluating programs that focus on topics such as healthy marriage and relationship education and teen pregnancy prevention using randomized controlled trials
• Designing and implementing a nationally representative study of supports for family stability in Head Start
• Conducting systematic evidence reviews of studies that focus on home visiting, teen pregnancy prevention, and employment
• Improving child welfare outcomes for children and families, with an emphasis on linking administrative data and strategies to increase permanency and enhance the safety of children who are at risk of out-of-home placements
• Using predictive analytics to improve outcomes for children and families
• Building evidence around effective strategies for helping individuals with low incomes find and sustain employment
• Enhancing and supporting the data analytic capacity of state child welfare and Medicaid agencies to improve the delivery of services
• Advising agencies on evidence-based ways to increase program engagement and learn, innovate, and improve

Responsibilities may include:

• Collaborate with senior staff in a multidisciplinary environment to apply rigorous quantitative research methods, including study design, causal inference, data management, and statistical and econometric analysis for describing or evaluating programs and policies
• Learning and applying new methods, tools, and technologies, including AI-enabled tools, data visualization platforms, and emerging analytic approaches
• Designing rigorous mixed-methods evaluations, including primary and secondary data collection
• Applying innovative research approaches and advanced statistical methods to answer policy-relevant questions
• Working with data scientists to link and analyze administrative data
• Helping to develop proposals for new research projects
• Guiding program staff and policymakers in the use of evidence to make decisions about program selection and adaptation
• Synthesizing and presenting data in accessible formats for a variety of audiences, including writing briefs, reports, blogs, and articles; and developing interactive data dashboard and visualizations

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. or equivalent in economics, psychology, sociology, statistics, data science/data analytics, demography, or a related field. In lieu of a PhD, a Masters' degree with coursework in causal inference and demonstrated experience applying it to research will be considered equivalent
• Strong quantitative analytical skills. Training in causal inference methodologies is strongly preferred
• Experience working with programming languages, such as R, Python, or STATA
• Willingness to learn and apply new techniques or technology, including AI
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including an ability to translate complex research methods and findings for a practitioner and policy audience
• Understanding of federal human services policies and programs is strongly preferred
• Experience with, or knowledge of, large-scale federal and/or other administrative data sets is desirable

A cover letter, CV, and writing sample or job market paper
must be submitted at the time of application via our online application system.

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.