Position Description

Research Associate in Public Policy

 The Brooks School of Public Policy at Cornell University is seeking to welcome a Research Associate to work on the 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 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.

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. 

Required Qualifications:

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

Preferred Qualifications:

- Experience with quasi-experimental econometric methods for causal inference.
- 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
Actual salary offer 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).

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a candidate is selected. For full consideration, please apply by August 30, 2025. 

For questions regarding this position, please contact Search Committee Chair Professor Maria Fitzpatrick at mdf98@cornell.edu.