Child Trends is seeking a (Senior) Research Analyst who specializes in quantitative and statistical methods for its Early Childhood research area. (Senior) Research Analysts are expected to work on multiple projects simultaneously as a task leader and individual contributor.

The Early Childhood team at Child Trends studies programs and systems affecting young children from birth through early elementary school. Our team works with the federal government, state agencies, communities, and foundations on research, evaluation, technical assistance, and policy projects that address important issues for policymakers, practitioners, and families. We develop resources and reports that address complex topics in easy-to-understand terms. We are thought partners in addressing a range of early childhood issues and help policymakers and practitioners translate research into actions that can improve the lives of young children.

This position requires strong writing and quantitative skills, logical thinking, great attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to ethics and equity in research and the workplace. The ideal candidate will have experience and/or interest in a wide range of policy- and practice-relevant early childhood topics such as access to high-quality early care and education, the early childhood workforce, home visiting, child care licensing, early childhood assessment, family engagement and support, maternal and child health, coaching, and/or state-based early childhood data systems. The ideal candidate will also be knowledgeable about designing and conducting research rooted in equitable principles.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

• Works on multiple research and evaluation projects simultaneously as a quantitative task leader or analyst.
• Works both independently and as part of a team to contribute to reports, briefs, and memos.
• Manages a quantitative analysis plan from data cleaning to final results with timeline, scope of work, and budget.
• Contributes to designing protocols for the collection of quantitative data.
• Supports and contributes to data collection efforts, as needed.
• Collaborates with colleagues to develop analytical plans and data management documentation.
• Analyzes quantitative data using basic and sophisticated statistical methods.
• Conducts research with an equity lens.
• Commits to continuing their own learning and growth toward being a more equitable employee and researcher.
• Assists with proposal development.
• Presents findings to clients and stakeholders in public forums.
• Trains and supervises research assistants and support staff.
• Contributes to communications and dissemination efforts.

The following is our list of preferred qualifications. If you do not meet our criteria exactly but think you are a good fit for this position, please submit and tell us why in your cover letter.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in research methods, statistics, applied statistics, applied mathematics, biostatistics, applied economics, data science, quantitative sociology or psychology, public health, mathematics, psychology, education, public policy, or a related field plus 2-3 years of experience OR a Bachelor’s degree plus 3-5 years of relevant quantitative experience.
• Experience with a variety of inferential statistical techniques and research methods including, but not limited to: data cleaning, missing data management, analyses of categorical data and continuous data, and quasi-experimental designs.
• Experience with managing, cleaning, and analyzing secondary and/or administrative data. Examples include: the National Survey of Early Care and Education (NSECE), American Community Survey data, state ECE workforce registries, Medicaid claims data.
• Proficiency with statistical either Stata or R software programs.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, including advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (e.g., formulas, lookups, pivot tables).
• Experience with data visualization (e.g., Excel graphs and figures, Power BI, Tableau, ggplot2, Shiny).
• Excellent writing skills, including the ability to clearly communicate complex information for general or policy audiences and to compose technical reports.
• Excellent task management and organizational skills.
• Strong communication skills, including transparent and timely communications, to support a collaborative working environment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to both provide and take direction.

Desired, but not required, qualifications

• Experience with data collection (e.g., surveys, interviews) and data management, preferably in applied settings.
• Experience contributing to methodological designs and decision-making.
• Experience with causal analyses, structural equation modeling, multi-level modeling, and/or policy evaluation methods (e.g., difference-in-differences, regression discontinuity).
• Experience with Python and/or SQL.
• Experience with or interest in learning Git and GitHub
• Experience working with clients (e.g., state administrators, federal or philanthropic project officers).

Candidates will be considered for an analyst level or senior analyst level role depending on skills, qualifications, and experience. We encourage candidates across this range to apply and will discuss level placement during the interview process.

Compensation

• This is a salaried position. The salary will either be $72,000 or $87,000 depending on which role is offered.
• This position is eligible for benefits. For more info please visit our careers page.

Work Arrangement

This is a full-time position with some flexibility in schedule. Specific needs should be discussed during the interview process.

Location

Flexible remote work in most states. Child Trends does not yet operate everywhere in the US and may require additional set up time in certain states. We currently do not support work from overseas. All candidates must be authorized to work in the US to be considered.

Background Investigation

Jobs that involve interactions with children and positions that rely on high levels of trust to perform duties are subject to a background check at the time of hire, with roles being offered contingent upon results. We will always conduct interviews of qualified individuals prior to requesting a criminal background check and never inquire into an applicant's criminal history until interviews have been conducted and offer decisions are being made. Current employees may also be subject to future background checks depending on the nature of their duties. A criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate or current employee from employment; however, any convictions related to the responsibilities and requirements of the position may do so.

Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed in the order they are received through 10/15/2026. Position will be closed once filled.

How to Apply

Please follow the “apply” link to submit your application. Please upload your resume/CV and cover letter, a work sample showcasing your quantitative skills, and three professional references.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Child Trends provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Child Trends does not require or request applicants’ salary. Protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact recruitment@childtrends.org.