Description

Special Instructions to Applicants: Applicants should attach a resume and cover letter in PDF format to the Supporting Documents section of the application. 

About Rice

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice’s culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name — RICE — Responsibility, Integrity, Community and Excellence.

Position Summary

The Kinder Institute for Urban Research (KIUR) at Rice University is seeking a full-time Researcher to join its Houston Population Research Center (HPRC). The HPRC houses the Kinder Institute’s demography and survey work, which includes the Greater Houston Community Panel and the Kinder Houston Area Survey - the longest-running survey of any major metropolitan area in the nation. Recent HPRC research includes the 2025 Kinder Houston Area Survey, an Achievement Study examining outcomes across Houston communities, and a Disaster Recovery Study focused on post-storm impacts and recovery. The Researcher will work with the survey team on a statewide panel, as well as coordinate with research happening locally in the Houston area. The Researcher may also supervise junior research staff.  Individuals with experience and expertise in designing and programming surveys, cleaning and curating survey data, and developing and conducting survey research projects are encouraged to apply.

The Kinder Institute for Urban Research aims to improve lives through data, research, engagement, and action. The institute is currently working to build out five research centers focused on critical aspects shaping the social and cultural landscape of the Houston area. The five centers will research housing, education, community and public health, economic mobility and inequality, and population dynamics. Each center will investigate its particular topic area and will work across centers. To achieve this, each center is building interdisciplinary teams specializing in solutions-oriented research while using a research-practice partnership (RPP) model to jointly design, develop, and conduct research that values diversity in expertise and prioritizes the community in identifying and addressing some of the most pressing questions and challenges facing Houston and surrounding areas to inform decision-making and bring about systemic change

Ideal candidates work well in a team environment, actively collaborate, and can motivate others. The researcher should have superior scientific and numerical skills, as well as meticulous attention to detail and accuracy. Spanish language proficiency is preferred.

Requirements

Workplace Requirements

Occasional travel
Evening and/or weekend work as needed
This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work within Harris County and surrounding counties to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position, and the proposed salary range is $81,000 to $84,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience. *Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (or foreign equivalent) in sociology, economics, public health, or a related field, and completion of a university-level course, thesis, or dissertation
4+ years of experience in the following:Data maintenance and analysis
Maintaining quality control standards
Quantitative methodology
Stata, SAS, or R
Skills:

Proficiency in statistical analysis, data interpretation, and critical thinking to extract meaningful insights from complex datasets
Strong understanding of research methodologies, including qualitative and quantitative approaches, survey design, and experimental techniques
Ability to collect, organize, and manage large datasets efficiently while maintaining data integrity and confidentiality
Excellent written and verbal communication skills to articulate research findings effectively through comprehensive reports, presentations, and other media
Capability to manage multiple research projects simultaneously, including planning, coordination, and timely execution while ensuring adherence to deadlines and budget constraints
Ability to work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams, stakeholders, and external partners to achieve research objectives and foster a collaborative work environment
Preferences

PhD and experience with statewide survey panels, locally focused survey research, and survey design, programming, and data management
Experience developing and managing research projects, managing data, and conducting quantitative and qualitative analyses, such as multilevel modeling, causal modeling, quasi-experimental methods, survey design, and interviews
Ability to conduct and lead quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods research
Ability to oversee multiple research projects while managing and mentoring other research staff
Ability to interact effectively with internal and external stakeholders
Essential Functions

Design and program surveys, clean and curate survey and administrative data, and develop and conduct survey-based research projects
Design, plan, implement, and conduct independent and team-based research studies and specialized research projects
Conduct comprehensive data collection, management, interpretation, and analysis of complex datasets from diverse sources
Apply advanced statistical and analytical methods to extract actionable insights, develop predictive models, and support trend analysis
Work with the survey research team to gather input from community organizations and leaders on topics to include in survey collection
Contribute to the development and refinement of research methodologies and analytical frameworks to improve data quality and analytical processes
Translate research findings into clear, accessible products for diverse audiences, including research briefs, reports, academic papers, presentations, and data dashboards
Prepare detailed and comprehensive reports summarizing research findings, methodologies, and implications for stakeholders and decision-makers
Communicate effectively and build collaborative relationships with community organizations, stakeholders, and research partners
Supervise junior research staff by providing direction on research activities and supporting their professional development
Assist in identifying and supporting research grant and funding opportunities
Stay current on emerging trends, methodologies, and best practices in research and data analysis to enhance skills, improve processes, and support organizational learning and innovation
Perform all other duties as assigned
Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits 

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University’s Human Resources Office via email at facstaffada@rice.edu for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.