Economics Research Assistant in at foundry10

foundry10 is an education research organization with a philanthropic focus on expanding ideas about learning and creating direct value for youth. In collaboration with a wide range of partners, we surface, evaluate, and share opportunities to better support youth learning both inside and outside the classroom. Building on more than a decade of impactful work, our unique approach blends applied and basic research, philanthropy, and education programs rooted in evidence-based best practices.

Summary of Role

Our Research Team collaborates with educators, industry professionals, young people, and other researchers to conduct research to advance understanding of the learning process, support practitioners, and empower learning communities to create value for youth. We are currently seeking a part-time, temporary Research Assistant to join our economics research team at foundry10, working with Sofoklis Goulas and Neil Cholli. Our research topics broadly span the fields of the economics of education and labor economics; specific areas of interest include but are not limited to school closures and enrollment trends, career and technical education, the school-to-work pipeline, AI and education, and the causal effects of neighborhoods and public schools on long-term outcomes.

The position will initially focus on supporting research using state-level administrative education data, including reviewing data dictionaries, identifying relevant variables, preparing data-access applications, and contributing to research proposals. Additional responsibilities may include conducting literature reviews, assisting with IRB applications, supporting data management and preparation (e.g., data cleaning), performing quantitative analyses (e.g., descriptive statistics and STATA programming), and communicating research findings through memos and other written outputs. Based on skills, experience, and research interests, this position may also involve conducting quantitative data analyses using statistical methods and contributing to our team’s research pipeline, including academic publications and white papers. Exact responsibilities will vary by project.

We welcome applications from advanced undergraduates, bachelor's degree holders, master's students, and early-stage PhD students in economics or related quantitative fields. Strong writing, organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently are particularly important. Prior research experience is preferred but not required.

This is a part-time, temporary position with variable hours of 10-15 per week, for approximately 12 weeks (with the possibility of extension), with an anticipated start date in November 2026. This position offers a rate of $33/hr for undergraduates and $48/hr for graduate students and opportunities for professional development through hands-on research on a cross-functional team.

While this position can be remote, candidates must live in WA, MA, IL, TX, AZ or PA. Candidates working near foundry10 offices are welcome to work hybrid (in-person and at home as needed). We are not able to sponsor visa applications. To be considered for this position, you must be eligible to work in the United States.

To protect our staff, partners, and the youth we serve, we require all foundry10 employees to adhere to our masking and COVID testing policies when working in person.

Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities will vary by project, but may include the following:

• Support the preparation of administrative data access applications, including:
  • Reviewing data dictionaries, codebooks, and other technical documentation
  • Identifying relevant datasets and variables based on research questions
  • Preparing data requests, research descriptions, and supporting documentation
  • Tracking application requirements, deadlines, and progress
• Contribute to the development and implementation of research projects, including:
  • Conducting background research and literature reviews
  • Assisting with research proposals and IRB applications
  • Reviewing relevant institutional and policy contexts
• Support data management, analysis, and dissemination, as appropriate to skills and experience, including:
  • Data preparation, cleaning, and documentation
  • Conducting descriptive statistical analyses and programming in STATA
  • Assisting with quantitative analyses using statistical and econometric methods
  • Summarizing research findings in memos and potentially contributing to drafting white papers and academic publications
• Collaborate with the research team, including:
  • Participating in regular research meetings and communicating progress
  • Working independently on assigned tasks with guidance from senior researchers
  • Organizing research materials and tracking project timelines and deliverables
• Use project management software to track project-related tasks and schedules

Required qualifications

• Currently pursuing or holding a bachelor's degree in economics, statistics, public policy, education, or a related quantitative or social science field
• Prior professional or research experience, such as working as a research assistant, contributing to an academic research project, or completing an independent research project
• General familiarity with quantitative research methods and the research process
• Familiarity with statistical software such as STATA, R, or Python
• Strong written communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly when working with datasets, documentation, and research materials
• Ability to independently manage assigned tasks and communicate progress effectively
• Proficiency with common productivity tools
• Ability to collaborate effectively with researchers in a remote or hybrid team environment

Preferred qualifications

• Experience working with large datasets, administrative records, data dictionaries, or technical documentation
• Coursework or training in econometrics, statistics, or quantitative data analysis
• Experience conducting literature reviews or contributing to research proposals
• Familiarity with administrative data access procedures, IRB applications, or research involving restricted-use data
• Interest in the economics of education, labor economics, or quantitative social sciences

Other Requirements

• Ability to maintain a consistent work schedule of 10–15 hours per week from Monday through Thursday, with specific hours to be determined. Some flexibility is possible, but it is preferable for Research Assistants to have a relatively stable schedule.

To be considered for this position, submit your resume or CV along with a cover letter. In your cover letter, please include how this role would support your current educational or professional goals.

Applications will not be reviewed without a cover letter.

The hiring team will review applications on a rolling basis until November 11th, 2026, and will continue to accept and review applications until the position is filled.

Employment decisions are based on merit and business needs. foundry10 strives to provide a work environment free from discrimination and harassment because of a protected characteristic. The organization does not discriminate against employees or applicants based on race, color, creed, citizenship, status, national origin, ancestry, gender, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, age, religion, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to assist individuals with disabilities with the application and interviewing process as well as essential job functions.