• Job Description

  Req#: 5309040
  Salary: $6,457.00 - $8,395.00 Monthly
  Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
  Job Type: Exempt
  Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
  Job Number: 2026-WSIPP RA
  Department: Washington State Institute for Public Policy
  Opening Date: 04/14/2026
  Closing Date: 5/12/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
  
  Description
  WSIPP Job Recruitment
  
  Research Associate
  
  Opened: April 14, 2026
  
  Closes: May 12, 2026
  
  Salary Range: $6,457 $8,395 per-month of full-time work (DOQ)
  Special Note
  This position is full-time, overtime exempt, an "at-will" appointment, and exempt from Washington State Civil Service rules and the Fair Labor Standards Act overtime requirements. These exempt positions serve at the discretion of the WSIPP Director.
  Washington State Institute for Public Policy Profile
  The Washington State Institute for Public Policy (WSIPP) is a nonpartisan public research group located in Olympia, the hub of the Washington State government. WSIPP is a team of multidisciplinary researchers who conduct applied policy research for the state legislature in a creative and collaborative environment.
  WSIPP is strongly committed to the core values of nonpartisanship, quality, and impartiality. Created in 1983, WSIPP has become nationally and internationally recognized for the design, depth, and quality of its research reports and benefit-cost analyses.
  Position Purpose
  Research Associates conduct research on public policy topics. The work primarily involves literature reviews, meta- analysis, data and fiscal analysis, report writing, and presentations. In addition, Research Associates may assist in designing and implementing outcome evaluations and benefit-cost analyses. The position involves collaboration with other WSIPP researchers and consultation with state legislative members, legislative staff, state agency staff, external researchers, and other stakeholders.
  This position operates under the general direction of WSIPP leadership and various project leads. The ideal candidate will have a background in policy analysis and a broad interest in evidence-based public policy; be a self-starter; be comfortable with ambiguity; possess strong quantitative, data analytical, communication, project management, and interpersonal skills; and have an eagerness to learn.
  Nature and Scope
  WSIPP conducts research at the direction of the state legislature or its Board of Directors. Research areas include public health, criminal justice, early learning, K-12 education, higher education, child welfare, behavioral health, and health care.
  The successful candidate for the advertised position will be responsible for participating in a variety of research assignments, including outcome evaluations, literature reviews, and quantitative analyses of state administrative data. This position is expected to be flexible and adaptable in supporting more than one of WSIPP's current assignments and will likely need to pivot as new assignments are received.
  Duties
  
  Essential Functions
  • Conduct evidence reviews, policy reviews, data analysis, and/or meta-analysis and assist with outcome evaluations and benefit-cost analysis.
  • Consult with legislative staff, state agencies, local governments, national experts, and stakeholders.
  • Write reports and present findings to the legislature and other technical and lay audiences.
  
  Additional Duties
  • Complete other projects upon request. Work portfolios may vary depending on new legislative and Boardapproved assignments.
  • Assist in designing and conducting primary research on major public policy topics to inform state decision-makers.
  
  Qualifications
  
  Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Knowledge of rigorous scientific outcome evaluation methods.
  • Ability to perform advanced statistical analysis, including experience using a statistical package such as Stata or R.
  • Ability to apply exceptional interpersonal expertise to seek out and build positive working relationships with leadership, project team members, and internal and external stakeholders .
  • Ability to work diplomatically, professionally, and in a nonpartisan manner on controversial issues.
  • Ability to critically review research literature and draw policy-relevant conclusions.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in groups.
  • Ability to flexibly manage own workload to meet assigned deadlines.
  • Ability to present research findings, both orally and in writing, to both technical and lay audiences.
  • Ability to work across multiple disciplines and with a variety of legislative and state agency partners.
  Minimum Qualifications
  • Master's (or equivalent) in relevant discipline.
  • At least two years of experience and/or coursework using quantitative methods.
  Desired Qualifications
  • Recent work experience or graduate-level training in statistics, meta-analysis, econometrics, outcome evaluation, or benefit-cost analysis.
  • Work experience or formal training in criminal justice, education, economics, public policy, public health, health care policy, and/or a related social or behavioral science.
  • Work experience in a government setting.
  
  
  Supplemental Information
  
  Work Environment
  The Research Associate works in an office environment with occasional meetings in a group setting. Occasional in-state travel to meet with stakeholders may be required. Flex scheduling is allowed, and a partial telecommuting schedule may be approved by the Director.
  
  Conditions of Employment
  • Must provide proof of identity and employment eligibility within three days of beginning work.
  • Prior to a new hire, a background check, including criminal record history, will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
  To Apply
  Please visit to apply.
  More than Just a Paycheck!
  Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
  
  We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
  
  Read about our benefits:
  The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
  
  Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
  
  Insurance Benefits
  Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
  
  Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
  
  To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
  
  Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
  
  Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
  
  The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
  
  Retirement and Deferred Compensation
  State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
  
  Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
  
  Social Security
  All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
  
  Public Service Loan Forgiveness
  If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
  
  Holidays
  Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
  
  Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
  
  Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
  
  Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
  
  Sick Leave
  Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
  
  Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
  
  Vacation (Annual Leave)
  Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
  
  Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
  
  Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
  
  As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
  
  Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
  
  Military Leave
  Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
  
  Bereavement Leave
  Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
  
  Additional Leave
  Leave Sharing
  
  Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
  Leave Without Pay
  
  Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
  
  Updated 01-07-2026

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