Research Fellow, Water Policy

Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank, whose mission is to inform and improve public policy in California through independent, objective, nonpartisan research. PPIC offers high-quality research and analysis to a broad policy-oriented audience, encouraging productive dialogue and inspiring the search for sustainable policy solutions around the state. Institute events feature viewpoints from across the political spectrum and promote thoughtful and respectful discussions on critical issues facing California

Location:  Hybrid work environment with office in San Francisco, CA or Sacramento, CA. 

Purpose of the Role and Qualifications

PPIC’s Water Policy Center aims to recruit a research fellow with a background and strong interest in water-related policy research, who is able to demonstrate significant interest in connecting research to policymaking. Ideally, the candidate will bring substantive knowledge and interest in western water and climate policy. Specific interest and expertise in one or more of the Center’s major focus areas is desirable: (1) ensuring clean and reliable water supplies; (2) building healthy and resilient ecosystems; and (3) preparing for droughts, floods, and wildfires, including an emphasis on how climate change will affect these areas.

The successful applicant will have a doctoral degree or equivalent in engineering, physical sciences or a related field, with excellent skills in quantitative and qualitative research, non-technical writing, external policy engagement, and communications. We seek applicants at various stages in their careers, from recent Ph.D. graduates to mid-career and senior-level researchers. While a background in California policy research is an advantage, we also seek applicants with federal or other state-level research experience that could be translated to the California context.

Key Responsibilities

1. Collaborate with PPIC Water Policy Center researchers to identify policy research opportunities that will help inform and improve California’s water management.
2. Engage in all aspects of the design, implementation, and analysis of research that responds to key policy opportunities using a variety of tools, including quantitative and qualitative data collection and analyses.
3. Conduct original research and produce PPIC publications, including reports, policy briefs, blogs, and fact sheets, in collaboration with the research and communications teams.
4. Engage and cultivate professional relationships with external and internal stakeholders, including water leaders, policy makers, researchers, practitioners, the general public, and PPIC staff through research presentations and targeted outreach. 
5. Collaborate with the WPC director and the PPIC development team to identify and seek grant support for research projects.
6. Participate actively as a collaborative member of the WPC team, the larger PPIC research community, and the broader water resources research field, through regular attendance at meetings, retreats, events, convenings and/or conferences. 
7. Work with and mentor junior research staff on developing and strengthening research skills.

Key Attributes

Successful candidates will bring excellent research skills, as well as strong skills in writing, external policy engagement, and communications. Excellent analytical, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal skills are required for success in this role. A Ph.D in engineering, physical sciences or a related discipline is preferred.

Experience with quantitative data collection and analysis is required, including demonstrated experience designing and executing research studies, ideally in a collaborative context. Knowledge of the R statistics package or another statistical software is preferred. 

Strong writing skills, demonstrated through prior writing and publications are essential; the ability to write for a range of audiences including water leaders, policy makers, practitioners, and the general public is preferred. The candidate must bring strong interpersonal skills to support collaboration with colleagues in research, communications, government affairs, and development, as well as organizational skills that support their ability to handle multiple tasks, timelines and priorities in a team environment.

Familiarity with the California water policy, freshwater ecosystems, and water management is preferred. However, applicants with federal or other state-level research experience that could be translated to the California context are also encouraged to apply.

We are interested in applicants at various stages in their careers, from recent doctoral graduates to mid-career to senior researchers. 

PPIC values the wide variety of backgrounds and experiences of our research staff. Key elements in the consideration of qualified candidates include excellence; diversity of talents, backgrounds, and viewpoints; and a strong fit with the institute’s mission, values, and goals. 

To Apply

To ensure that your application material is fully reviewed during our initial evaluation round please submit, by September 15, 2024, your application letter, resume, one or more writing samples geared towards a policy audience, and the names and contact information of three references. References will not be contacted without your prior approval.  Applications will be considered as they are received, and the position will remain posted until filled. 

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for offers for this position is $126,800 - $183,000. In determining a specific offer level for a candidate, PPIC considers a variety of factors including but not limited to the specific role and associated responsibilities; internal equity; and a candidate’s work experience, education, training, skills and other expertise.

PPIC offers a collaborative, intellectually stimulating, impactful work environment with a competitive compensation and benefits package. In addition to the salary, the role offers a generous benefit package, excellent work environment, and an exciting mission that will inspire you daily! The comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance for employee and dependents. PPIC contributes the equivalent of 9% of the salary towards the retirement plan. The organization provides 12 paid holidays and 28 days of PTO annually (PTO balance increases with tenure), and more! 

Equal Employer Opportunity (EEO) statement:

PPIC celebrates diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a team that represents the backgrounds, perspectives, identities, and skills of California. No matter who you are, we invite you to apply for this role.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. AA/EEO/Veterans/Disabled employer.