Careers

Staff Positions:

The University of Nebraska Public Policy Center (PPC) is hiring! Join a diverse interdisciplinary research team within the PPC that engages in a variety of research and consultation activities involving private and public sector partners. More details below.

Student Assistants:

Many of the PPC's projects include graduate research assistantships or undergraduate research opportunities. Graduate students and undergraduates assist with research and other project activities. Graduate students often work with the faculty and project directors to present and publish the research.

Past students have gone on to work in industries such as social science research, law, federal government services, threat assessment, clinical psychology, public policy, international development, economics, and nonprofit management. We are always looking for talented and motivated students to work with our collaborative team of researchers, so contact the office if you would like to work with us.

 

 

Research Specialist I or II - Apply by September 9, 2024 (extended)

The University of Nebraska Public Policy Center (PPC) is seeking a Research Specialist I or II to assist with current and future funded projects. Work with dynamic teams on variety of public policy projects, including those in behavioral health, public participation, and other applied social sciences endeavors. Will conduct and facilitate research, coordinate projects and stakeholder involvement processes, design survey instruments, collect and analyze data, assist with writing reports, and present findings that impact state, local and federal policy. Some travel required.

Research Specialist I: Bachelor’s degree plus one (1) year of experience researching and presenting policy reports. Knowledge of and experience with community and statewide public policy issues. Outstanding verbal, interpersonal, planning, and writing skills required; the ability to work effectively and collaboratively with national, state, and local policymakers and stakeholders; the ability to multitask and perform assigned tasked quickly and accurately.

Research Specialist II: Bachelor’s degree plus two (2) years of experience researching and presenting policy reports. Knowledge of and experience with community and statewide public policy issues. Outstanding verbal, interpersonal, planning, and writing skills required; the ability to work effectively and collaboratively with national, state, and local policymakers and stakeholders; the ability to multitask and perform assigned tasked quickly and accurately.

All applicants must possess a valid driver’s license and the ability to pass a DMV background check authorizing them to operate university vehicles.


The ideal candidate will have:

Research Specialist I: Demonstrated experience working with policy makers and other stakeholders, problem solving and decision making, working independently with minimal supervision, keeping supervisor and internal team members informed, and providing excellent customer relations. Ability to translate academic research to accessible quality policy reports; Ability to quickly master a range of content areas; Excellent written communication and analytic skills; Ability to coordinate a wide variety of projects; Ability and flexibility to perform other tasks as assigned. Knowledge of behavioral health, public participation processes, and/or social sciences applied research preferred.

Research Specialist II: Master’s degree. Demonstrated experience working with policy makers and other stakeholders, problem solving and decision making, working independently with minimal supervision, keeping supervisor and internal team members informed, and providing excellent customer relations. Ability to translate academic research to accessible quality policy reports; Ability to quickly master a range of content areas; Excellent written communication and analytic skills; Ability to coordinate a wide variety of projects; Ability and flexibility to perform other tasks as assigned. Knowledge of behavioral health, public participation processes, and/or social sciences applied research preferred.


Applicants will be required to submit a resume, cover letter, and list of references as three (3) separate documents in MS Word or PDF format. Review of applications will begin September 9, 2024.

APPLY NOW

The University of Nebraska is an EO/AA employer. See www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination.