Sr. Research Fellow (I/II)

Child Trends is seeking a senior research fellow to help deepen our education research and evaluation efforts. The fellowship program is designed to allow individuals working with other institutions and organizations to become formally affiliated with Child Trends. This position is not a full-time role, and outside employment or affiliations are expected. As part of our hiring process, we'll review outside affiliations for potential conflicts of interest and will reach out to candidates to discuss any concerns before moving forward in the interview process. Research fellows will work closely with senior staff to develop and cultivate new applied research and evaluation projects in key priority areas. Fellows are also expected to mentor less experienced staff, provide quality assurance for research products and support proposal development efforts.  The position is fully remote.

The ideal candidate will possess deep content and methodological expertise in education research and evaluation. Topical areas of interest include literacy and mathematics, school climate and culture, rural education and postsecondary readiness and success. Additionally, we are interested in candidate with experience working collaboratively with state and local policy makers and educators and a track record of winning work and producing research products for the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) and philanthropic partners.

Schedule is somewhat flexible and will vary based on availability of work. We are expecting a range of 10-15 hours a week, with higher engagement expected in the Spring and Summer of 2026. 

Typical Duties

• Lead and/or support the development of grant and/or contract proposals 
• Serve as a subject matter expert and quality reviewer across new and existing projects and products
• Develop proposals, concept papers and scopes of work in collaboration with the Program Area Director for Education (PAD) and other senior education team members
• Support the start-up of newly funded projects and serve as a project team member where available
• Develop thought leadership pieces in collaboration with the PAD

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in a related discipline (e.g., Education, Public Policy, Economics, Sociology) 
• An established track record of winning education research and evaluation funding
• Experience conducted collaborative research with policy makers and practitioners and producing relevant and rigorous research products
• Experience as a Principal Investigator or Task Lead on an IES funded research project (Preferred)
• What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) certification in Group Design (Preferred)

The level of this appointment (Research Fellow I or II) will be determined based on the candidate's experience and qualifications. Candidates with a demonstrated track record of leading large, multi-year awards across multiple funders, managing a sustained line of research, and overseeing senior staff may be considered for the Research Fellow II role. The salary range reflects both levels.

Note: All applicants with a current academic appointment or full-time organizational affiliation are expected to seek approval from their institution/organization to serve as a Research Fellow with Child Trends.

Location

Flexible remote; in most states. Child Trends does not yet operate everywhere in the US and may require additional start up time in certain states. We currently do not support fellows living primarily overseas.

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. Employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history. 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.

How to Apply

Please follow the “apply” link to submit your application. Please upload your resume/CV and cover letter as well as a brief writing sample, and three professional references.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.