Research Fellow – Position Description

IDRA is an independent, non-profit organization led by Celina Moreno, J.D. Our mission is to achieve equal educational opportunity for every child through strong public schools that prepare all students to access and succeed in college.

We are seeking a talented research fellow to provide cross-functional support to IDRA’s research and evaluation team by delivering timely analytical products that support the work of IDRA and its various projects.

The research fellow will be responsible for collecting data from a variety of sources; manipulating, organizing, cleaning and cross-checking data; preparing reports; and presenting data to key stakeholders. The research fellow will be expected to participate in strategy discussions and research team meetings; contribute to advocacy, outreach or education practice work; and assist with administrative or project coordination tasks. A successful candidate will be technically proficient in research development and statistical analysis.

To be eligible, fellowship applicants must:

Commit to a full-time fellowship starting September 2026 and ending August 2027.
Have earned a degree in a quantitative field such as economics, social sciences, statistics, public policy, business administration or related field.
Be able to travel to conduct multi-day site visits at higher education institutions in the continental United States and U.S. territories (approximately one to two visits per month).
Have an interest in learning multiple facets of evaluation, including data analysis and research and on-the-ground site visits.
Possess a strong ability to learn new concepts and tools quickly.
Demonstrate excellent writing skills for various purposes and audiences.
Be willing to teach and share knowledge and skills, including those gained during the fellowship, with students, families, IDRA staff and fellows, and other partners.
Possess a commitment to building relationships with young people, families, teachers and other public education and higher education advocates.
Be committed to expanding access to excellent pre-K-12 and to college access and completion opportunities for all students, particularly students of color, immigrant students, students from families with limited incomes and other historically-marginalized groups.
Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, including engaging with stakeholders from a range of backgrounds, such as partners from federal agencies, higher education, K-12, and non-profit organizations.

Required skills include:

Graduate degree, Ph.D. preferred (or five years of experience working in a related field).
Proven knowledge and application of research methods and assessment practices.
Strong technical and data analytical skills.
Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
Experience in data collection and statistical reporting.
Proficiency with statistical software, such as MS Excel, R (Posit), and/or Dedoose.
Experience with survey tools, such as Qualtrics and/or Survey Monkey.
Experience with quantitative and qualitative research.

Preferred skills include:

Knowledge of education data sets (Texas Education Agency, U.S. Department of Education, American Community Survey, Census Summary Files).
Experience working with confidential information within established guidelines.

Salary is $75,000 or higher, commensurate with experience, plus contribution toward medical insurance.

Application Process

To apply, submit the following:

Completed application form
Cover letter
Curriculum vita or resumé
Writing sample
Contact information for two professional references

Application deadline: September 18, 2026

IDRA’s research fellowship is open to all eligible applicants regardless of race, national origin, religion, gender, age, ability or sexual orientation.

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Research Fellow – Position Description

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