Cornell University, Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy

Position ID:

Cornell-Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy-OPENRANKRESEARCHASSOC [#29921, WDR-00052421]

Position Title:

Research Associate/Senior Research Associate in Public Policy

Position Type:

Non tenure-track faculty

Position Location:

Ithaca, New York 14853, United States of America

Subject Areas:

Economics / I - Health, Education, and Welfare, Any Area of Inequality, C54-Quantitative Policy Modeling, I1 Health
Public Policy / Social Policy, or other closely related field, Policy Analysis, Public Administration, Public Policy
Health Policy and Health Services Research / health policy, health services research, Population Health, Public Health, Related social science fields, Research
Health Economics

Starting Date:

2025/08/01

Salary Range:

$50,900 - $150,700

Appl Deadline:

2025/05/18 11:59PM help popup

(posted 2025/04/15, updated 2025/04/11, listed until 2025/05/18)

Position Description:

Today is the last day you can apply for this position; no new applications will be accepted after 2025/05/18 11:59PM US Eastern Time.

The Brooks School of Public Policy at Cornell University is seeking to welcome one or more Research Associates to work on empirical microeconomic research on tobacco regulation and child health policy. For qualified applicants, one position could be at the level of Senior Research Associate (based on experience).

Tobacco Regulation

The primary role of one Research Associate/Senior Research Associate position will be to anchor research projects in the economics of tobacco regulatory policy and to launch new research in connected areas. Members of the team publish in peer-reviewed journals mainly in economics. Cornell Research on Tobacco Regulation (https://sites.google.com/view/cornellcrtr) is a research group led by Professors Don Kenkel and Alan Mathios in the Brooks School of Public Policy. The team includes faculty, alumni, and PhD students from the Brooks School and the Department of Economics.

Child Health Policy

The primary role of the other Research Associate will be to anchor research projects in the economics of child health policies, including school based health care and other school health policies, and to launch new research in connected areas of child health. This research will be conducted with Maria Fitzpatrick, who is Professor of Economics and Public Policy, and a team of faculty and students from the Brooks School and the Department of Economics.

The successful candidate(s) will have access to a rich economics and public policy community that spans multiple departments and colleges. The Brooks School, and Cornell more generally, have strong community norms of inclusivity and well-being.

Title Overview:
Research Associates contribute, in collaboration with a principal investigator or faculty sponsor, to the design and implementation of research projects or programs. Research associates can be principal investigators on grants or contracts only on an exception basis. Their specific duties may include, but are not limited to, planning, conducting, and reporting original research; designing, constructing, or operating highly complex research apparatus; and supervising the research operations of a laboratory or facility. Research associates informally participate in graduate research training, but they may not be members of graduate committees, except as ad hoc additional, supplementary members. Research associates normally have no responsibilities for formal teaching but may participate in seminars or specialized portions of courses to an extent consistent with the terms of the funding of the position.

Senior Research Associates normally are responsible to a member of the faculty but may serve, within certain limitations, as principal investigator on a grant or contract. They are responsible for independently designing and implementing research projects or programs. Their specific duties may include, but are not limited to, planning, conducting, and reporting on original research; designing, constructing, or operating state-of the-art research apparatus; and supervising the overall research operations of a laboratory or facility. They may serve as minor members on graduate students’ special committees. They usually have extensive contacts with graduate students and informally guide their research. Although senior research associates may teach courses consistent with the terms of the funding of the position, normally they do not teach.

Required Qualifications for Research Associate title:

A PhD in Economics or closely related discipline. Experience working in a team and under a deadline. Strong written and interpersonal communication skills.

Required Qualifications for Senior Research Associate title:

A PhD in Economics or closely related discipline. Very high degree of experience and training in research. Extensive scholarly contributions. Experience working in a team and under a deadline. Strong written and interpersonal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications for Research Associate/Senior Research Associate positions:

- Experience with quasi-experimental econometric methods for causal inference.
- Experience with analysis of foot traffic/ cell phone mobility data (for the position related to tobacco regulation).
- Experience with health care claims data, e.g., Medicaid, private insurance, EHR records (for the position related to child health policy).
- Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Pay Ranges:
Research Associate: $50,900 - $95,900
Senior Research Associate: $53,800 - $150,700
Actual salary offers will be based on education, experience, discipline, and relevant skills.

To Apply:

For initial screening, please include the following materials in PDF format.

(1) Cover letter, specifically addressing your fit for either or both positions. Please include the names of three reference-writers, but there is no need to request letters at this time.

(2) CV/resume, including links to writing samples.

(3) Research statement describing doctoral work (and postdoctoral work, if applicable).

We ask applicants to share their experiences and approaches (past, current, or future) to fostering learning, research, service, and outreach in a diverse community. Applicants may choose to submit a stand-alone statement (max. 1 page) or embed the information in other parts of their application materials.

Materials should be submitted online to Academic Jobs Online at the following link: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/29921. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a candidate is selected. For full consideration, please apply by May 1, 2025.

For questions regarding the positions, please contact Search Committee Chair Professor Donald Kenkel at dsk10@cornell.edu or Maria Fitzpatrick at mdf98@cornell.edu.

NOTES:

These are 12-month, salaried and benefits eligible full-time positions. The appointment term is two-years and contingent on successful performance, available work, and continued funding. The work arrangement considered can be onsite in-person, hybrid, or remote from a domestic US based location based on business needs. August 1, 2025 is the anticipated start date. No visa sponsorship is available for this position. No relocation assistance is available for this position.

The Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy was established in 2021 to tackle the most pressing policy challenges we face in the U.S. and globally. To advance this goal, we are hiring world-class research scholars and educators across a variety of disciplines who are oriented toward policy engagement and impact.

Cornell is an equal opportunity employer. For more information click here.

Employment Assistance:

For specific questions about the position or application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or for general questions email mycareer@cornell.edu.

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell University's Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at equity@cornell.edu.

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EEO Statement:

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRRA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

Pay Ranges:

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

Prior relevant work or industry experience.
Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.
Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)
Unique applicable skills.

Application Materials Required:

Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:

Cover letter
Curriculum Vitae
Research statement
Statement supporting diverse communities (optional) (optional)
Three references (no actual letters, just names and email addresses )

And anything else requested in the position description.

Further Info: