MDRC is seeking a social scientist with expertise in developmental psychology or related disciplines to conduct research in our
Family Well-Being and Children’s Development policy area. Drawing on the talents of the field’s leading researchers and building on a tradition of large-scale experimental studies and rigorous methods, MDRC is developing a cutting-edge agenda with the potential to advance social science research and contribute to important policy innovations. This policy area is launching several large-scale demonstration projects aimed at providing a new generation of reliable evidence for scientists and policymakers about how children are affected when governmental policies change families’ economic circumstances, parents’ mental health, family structure and relationships, and children’s early educational experiences.
MDRC is seeking candidates who can provide leadership in its growing portfolio of studies by blending strong quantitative research skills with expertise in the theory of child development. MDRC nurtures the best work of researchers by offering them:
- A commitment to large-scale experimental studies that bring together diverse and multitalented teams of scholars to ask and answer pressing academic and policy questions.
- A strong tradition of staff collaboratively setting the organization’s research agenda.
- Support for interdisciplinary and cross-institutional scholarship and dissemination to academic and policy audiences.
Within MDRC, leading social scientists from a broad range of disciplines, including the child development field, work closely together. The result: use of diverse methodologies, development of theories that reflect a variety of viewpoints, and a cross-fertilization of ideas that makes MDRC a center of rich dialogue on key social policy issues. As another source of professional growth, senior staff from MDRC, university partners, and other collaborating organizations mentor scholars on our research team who are in the formative stages of their careers. Outside experts not only serve as advisors to our studies but also co-author scholarly publications with MDRC staff.
Qualifications:
- A PhD in developmental psychology or related quantitative social science.
- Knowledge of and experience with quantitative research design and analytic methods.
- Expertise in the theory of children’s development and/or family well-being.
- Experience with design of surveys and/or direct observational assessments a plus.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Publication record and/or experience demonstrating a capacity to provide leadership in developing the future research agenda of this policy area.
The successful candidate will be based in MDRC’s New York office. Depending on the candidate’s interests and qualifications, the position could be structured as a two-year post-doctoral position or a longer-term position. Both junior and senior applicants will be considered. Salary will be commensurate with experience. Comprehensive fringe benefits offered.
To apply:
Please send, fax, or email your resume to:
Human Resources Department
Research Associate — Family Well-Being and Children’s Development [2006-44]
MDRC
16 East 34th Street, 19th Floor
New York, New York 10016
Fax: 212-532-8453
Email:
jobs@mdrc.org
Only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.
