Research Associate - PEER Center

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University

Department:

School of Public Affairs

Time Type: Full time

FLSA Status: Exempt

Job Description:

The School of Public Affairs (SPA) at American University is seeking applications for a full-time Research Associate to begin in December 2026 or as soon as possible. The Research Associate will conduct rigorous and timely policy research and analyses to support the work of the Postsecondary Education & Economics Research (PEER) Center . The PEER Center, led by Professors Jordan Matsudaira at SPA and Stephanie Cellini at George Washington University, generates actionable research to promote more equitable outcomes in education beyond high school. The PEER Center also works to train higher education researchers to more effectively engage with and impact state and federal policy. PEER Center staff engage in research related to postsecondary costs, accountability, value, and student success; and engage in efforts to connect this work directly to the policymaking process.

The Research Associate will engage in rapid-response analysis to inform timely state and federal policy development, as well as having the opportunity to participate in longer-term research. Candidates should have a master’s degree in economics, public policy, data science, or a related field; and a successful track record of empirical analysis with demonstrated data skills. Familiarity with quantitative methods for policy analysis, higher education and workforce data and research (including Stata and/or R), and strong communication and writing skills are required. An understanding of key legislative and regulatory policy levers and applying academic research to policy problems, and relevant work experience in federal and/or state higher education policy, are a plus.

There is no teaching associated with this position. This is a term faculty, non-tenure track position with the rank of Research Assistant Professor and the title of Research Associate. The initial appointment is for 12 months, beginning on or around December 1, 2026 , and can be renewed annually, subject to external funding. The salary range for the research associate position is $70,000-$95,000. The salary for this position will be wholly generated through externally funded research activities. This position is primarily in-person in Washington, D.C.

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled, subject to ongoing budgetary approval. Please submit applications via Workday, please include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a brief writing sample (5 pages or less), and the name and contact information for three professional references. References will not be contacted without advance notice. Please email peercenter@american.edu if you have any questions.

American University is a private institution within easy reach of the many centers of government, business, research, and the arts located within the nation’s capital. Established in 1934, the School of Public Affairs offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the departments of Government; Justice, Law, Criminology, & Security; and Public Administration & Policy.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options .

Other Details

Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.

Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.

Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

American University is an E-Verify employer.

Current American University Employees

American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu .

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.