Researcher- Global (Remote Eligible)

Position Description:

Mathematica applies expertise at the intersection of data methods policy and practice to address complex social challenges and improve well-being around the world. We create and use evidence to help our public and private sector partners improve programs refine strategies and advance knowledge. Over the past two decades we have developed a large portfolio of international development work that spans more than 60 countries across Africa Asia Latin America and Europe. Our work provides actionable learning to guide decision-making and improve outcomes in a range of policy areas including agriculture health education energy and workforce 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 companys 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:
About the opportunity

Mathematica Global seeks a highly motivated and skilled quantitatively oriented researcher with expertise in topics related to international development preferably in the agriculture and health sectors. The researcher will lead and work collaboratively in cross-disciplinary teams on projects that support strategy development results measurement program evaluation and improvement and policy advancement for our clients. These teams often include Mathematica staff international consultants and in-country partners.

Responsibilities include designing and leading evaluations and research; reviewing and synthesizing evidence; conducting impact modeling; developing new and improved approaches to using data evidence and learning to inform decision-making; and serving as a trusted learning partner and advisor to our clients and partners. Our projects span diverse topics such as agriculture health energy workforce development economic mobility education and nutrition.

Ideal candidates will thrive in a collaborative fast-paced team-based environment that values analytical rigor critical thinking and a client-centered approach and have a skill set that includes strong quantitative research and analytical skills a passion for international development a commitment to using data and evidence to drive change an interest in developing or applying innovative research and evaluation methods and an ability to produce high-quality work in the face of compressed timelines and changing circumstances. We are looking for experience in the following areas:

• Designing fit-for-purpose evaluations that maintain methodological rigor while adapting to programmatic operational and contextual constraints in real-world settings.
• Applying quantitative methods and data analytics techniques to evaluate programs track performance and inform program decision-making or recommendations with sensitivity to partner capacities and needs.
• Developing and applying impact models to estimate potential program outcomes and inform strategic decision-making.
• Conducting evidence reviews and synthesizing findings to inform programmatic and strategic decisions.
• Facilitating meetings and engagements with diverse stakeholders including government agencies foundations international organizations and consultants.
• Providing the energy organization coordination and quality control needed to keep projects on time and on budget.
• Contributing to business development through technical proposal writing and budgeting.

Responsibilities may also include:

• Leading interdisciplinary multi-location research teams to design and implement mixed-methods evaluations and learning efforts.
• Applying impact modeling and taking a systems lens to inform strategy and program design and refinement.
• Leading quantitative components of international development projects including evaluation design analytical framework development sampling strategies data collection protocols and data quality assurance.
• Conducting or overseeing rigorous statistical analyses such as for experimental/quasi-experimental evaluations and predictive modeling efforts.
• Applying analytic rigor to the interpretation of quantitative and/or qualitative data.
• Serving as task lead for a variety of projectsincluding impact evaluations cost-effectiveness studies and evidence reviewsand delivering high-quality actionable insights.
• Translating research findings into actionable information and supporting clients in using it to inform program or portfolio strategy decision making or grantmaking.
• Leading engagements with diverse clients and stakeholders to understand the challenges they face build trust and rapport gather input and work collaboratively to provide high-quality work thoughtful recommendations and innovative solutions.
• Leading and contributing to business development efforts including writing proposals for new projects.
• Authoring reports memos issue briefs and presentations and representing Mathematica to policy and professional audiences.
• Supporting dissemination of Mathematicas work through articles in peer-reviewed journals gray literature publications conference presentations blog posts social media and other dissemination channels.
• Leveraging generative AI tools to support evaluation and research activitiessuch as synthesizing literature or drafting analysis summariesand integrating GenAI-enabled approaches into adaptive learning and decision-making processes.
• Contributing to the growth expertise and institutional knowledge of staff through active mentorship.

Position Requirements:

Qualifications:

• PhD (or Masters degree with equivalent experience) in economics public policy data science public health demography or related fields.
• Excellent quantitative analytical skills and a solid foundation in econometric methods.
• At least 5 years of experience conducting quantitative and mixed-methods research on international development topics in low- and middle-income contexts preferably in agriculture and health. Research experience in education workforce development energy and policy and advocacy is also desirable.
• Fluency in at least one language in addition to English preferred particularly French.
• Experience in conducting or applying evidence synthesis methodologies (e.g. landscape reviews systematic reviews etc.).
• Familiarity with advanced data analytics and visualization techniques to synthesize and track performance using diverse data sources is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in impact modeling to assess program effectiveness forecast outcomes or inform policy decisions in global contexts.
• Stellar written and verbal communication skills and the ability to (1) convey complex technical issues to non-expert audiences and (2) effectively communicate findings to a range of stakeholders from program implementers to policymakers and non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively lead complex tasks including major evaluations coordinating the work of multidisciplinary teams and proactively solving problems.
• Strong cross-cultural communication and facilitation skills to effectively engage with stakeholders from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.
• Demonstrated experience building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders including government officials subject matter experts and consultants.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail and ability to lead and manage multiple priorities under deadlines.
• Experience managing or supporting research in LMIC settings is preferred
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.

To apply please submit a cover letter resume writing sample and salary expectations at the time of your application.

This position offers an anticipated base salary of $100000- $135000 annually. This position may be eligible for a discretionary bonus based on individual and company performance.

This position is only available in the U.S.

Available locations: Princeton NJ; Washington DC; Cambridge MA; Chicago IL; Ann Arbor MI; Remote