Research Associate

Position Summary 

The Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank, whose mission is to inform and improve public policy in California through independent, objective, nonpartisan research. PPIC offers high-quality research and analysis to a broad policyoriented audience, encouraging productive dialogue and inspiring the search for sustainable policy solutions around the state. Institute events feature viewpoints from across the political spectrum and promote thoughtful and respectful discussions on critical issues facing California. 

Key Responsibilities 

PPIC’s Water Policy Center is recruiting a research associate with a strong interest in water policy research. As part of the Water Policy Center, the research associate will have the opportunity to contribute to policy research on the Center’s major focus areas: (1) ensuring clean and reliable water supplies; (2) building healthy and resilient ecosystems; and (3) preparing for droughts, floods, and wildfires, including how climate change will affect these areas. This position’s primary focus will be on focus area 2 (building healthy and resilient ecosystems), but will also include a broad array of multidisciplinary water policy research topics. 

The research associate will play a crucial role within the Water Policy Center research team to help deliver objective, non-partisan research that meets PPIC’s high standards for excellence, relevance, and transparency. As a research associate, you will gain exposure to California water policy, while providing foundational analytical support to PPIC research projects, under the close direction and guidance of at least one senior research colleague.  

Research associate responsibilities include but are not limited to the following activities; time estimates are provided as general guidelines and may vary throughout the research process and across individuals according to strengths. 

Project related work (≈60-70% time)

• Assemble, manipulate, code, and analyze both quantitative and qualitative data with an emphasis on accuracy 
• Conduct statistical analysis with some guidance from senior research colleagues using both Excel and statistical software (ideally R and/or Python) 
• Consult the research literature, perform searches, prepare bibliographies and source documentation  
• Help plan and coordinate meetings, workshops, and events with external stakeholders and research partners 
• Collect policy and budget information and stay informed on developments in the policy environment 
• Track progress and prioritize activities to meet key deadlines 

Communication Activities (10-20% time)

• Writing: Draft sections of written research publications, and draft and/or update short products for a PPIC audience, in collaboration with or with guidance from senior research colleagues   
• Public Speaking: Deliver research presentations to external audiences, typically short and related to specific research projects 

Engagement Activities (10-20% of your time)

• Networking and Outreach: Participate in outreach and engagement, in collaboration with senior research colleagues  
• Funding: Provide support for funding proposals and grant reporting 
• Participate in other institute events and activities, with guidance from senior colleagues 

Qualifications 

Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in environmental science, engineering, or policy, or in a related field that includes training in quantitative and qualitative analysis, or equivalent experience. 

Experience: Experience conducting relevant research and working with large data sets. Demonstrated interest in applied policy research in topics relevant to PPIC’s research objectives.   

Software Programs: Knowledge of R, Python, or another statistical software program. Knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 and ability to learn other software programs.

Project Management:  Attention to detail and accuracy; strong organizational skills to manage complex tasks and instructions, ability to prioritize work effectively, and adjust to multiple demands. 

Verbal and Written Communication:  Able to develop clear and concise verbal communications with colleagues across the institute. Strong writing skills, including communicating technical concepts to nontechnical audiences. 

Collaborative Style:  Adept at building relationships and working collaboratively with diverse groups of colleagues across the institute. Able to effectively manage key internal and external relationships. A commitment to delivering high quality output in a timely manner to enhance the success of the team and the institute. Able to act with integrity, responsibility, and dependability.  

Resourceful:  Able to take initiative, maintain focus, and work independently to manage multiple deliverables and timelines. A problem-solver who is proactive, motivated, and wellorganized with keen attention to detail.  

Preferred Qualifications

• Technical background in the ecology of California’s fresh, brackish, or estuarine ecosystems and their biota. 
• Familiarity with California water and/or environmental policy 
• Experience with spatial data analysis (e.g., GIS) 
• Experience with data visualization tools • 
• Familiarity with Adobe Illustrator or similar design software 

To Apply

Applications will be considered as they are received, and the position will remain posted until filled. Please tailor your cover letter to highlight how your credentials meet the qualifications listed above. 

The salary range for this position is $60,000 - $82,000, dependent on experience. In determining an offer level for a candidate, PPIC considers a variety of factors including but not limited to the specific role and associated responsibilities; internal equity; and a candidate’s work experience, education, training, skills and other expertise. In addition to the salary, the role offers a generous benefit package, excellent work environment, and an exciting mission that will inspire you daily! The comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance for employee and dependents. PPIC contributes the equivalent of 9% of the salary towards the retirement plan. The organization provides 12 paid holidays and 28 days of PTO annually (PTO balance increases with tenure), and more! 

Equal Employer Opportunity (EEO) statement:

PPIC celebrates diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a team that represents the backgrounds, perspectives, identities, and skills of California. No matter who you are, we invite you to apply for this role.

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.