Research & Policy Development Associate - Extension Associate

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

Our Team:

The Institute for Compensation Studies (ICS) aims to be the center of dialogue, research and applied innovation in the field of compensation by producing workplace-focused research, generating novel insights about compensation trends and patterns, stimulating thought-provoking discussion of employer reward practices, and informing public discourse around wages and compensation.

ICS is an interdisciplinary center jointly housed in the ILR School and the S.C. Johnson College of Business that researches, teaches and communicates about monetary and non-monetary rewards from work. We train and prepare the next generation of compensation professionals to bring insight and creativity to the field. We serve as a bridge between academia and enlightened corporations advancing the state of practice. We offer students from across Cornell University research opportunities analyzing the full spectrum of issues and challenges surrounding monetary and non-monetary rewards from work.

ICS currently has several research projects underway including studies of trends in CEO compensation contract design in public companies, trends in executive compensation in the non-profit sector, a comparison of total rewards across firms in the last-mile parcel delivery industry, a study of management practices and labor market dynamics in the veterinary medicine industry, and studies of incentives and ethics and is in the process of developing other research initiatives. We expect our research associate to be actively engaged in shaping future research efforts and seeking appropriate funding.

What you will do:

This position contributes to ongoing research and programmatic activities including analyzing and commenting on releases of official statistics, developing databases to monitor trends in executive compensation and broad-based compensation for employees at public companies and non-profit organizations. The position involves collaborating on industry-specific research projects that study how labor market dynamics are shaped by firm-level compensation and management practices and studying the impacts of wage-related legislations including minimum wage laws, pay transparency mandates, and salary history bans. The person will be responsible for developing and analyzing databases, building, and managing data dashboards, designing and implementing research studies, writing research reports, white papers, and scholarly articles, and communicating summary research findings to team members and the broader public, as well as assisting with fulfilling the overall mission and strategic objectives of the institute. Interaction and guidance of student contributors to project work will be an essential part of this role.

Extension Associate is an academic, full-time, non-tenure track, term position with an initial appointment through June 30, 2025. The position may be re-appointed based on recommendations by the appropriate Director(s) and Senior Associate Dean for Outreach and Sponsored Research, as well as available funding and work.

What we need:

• Master's degree in management, Economics, Public Policy, Sociology, Geography, or related field.
• Minimum two years of experience handling large, complex data sets, experience analyzing cross-sectional and longitudinal secondary data sets.
• Strong computer programming and statistical software skills (preferably Python, R, & Stata).
• Experience building user-friendly web-accessible dashboards (preferably in Tableau).
• Familiarity with academic social science research including an ability to prepare a systematic literature review.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team, providing critical independent thinking while also considering diverse opinions and approaches, and contributing to the innovation and outcome success of the team.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to quantitative data collection and analysis, statistical data analysis, writing of research reports and manuscripts for publication.
• Ability to use and learn different software packages and web-based tools.
• Ability to design and manipulate databases, use computer-based statistical and analytical applications.
• Demonstrated writing ability.

You will be a top candidate with our preferred qualifications:

• PhD in Economics, Geography, Management, Public Policy, Sociology or related field.
• Scholarly record in the thematic content area (articles in peer-reviewed journals, articles in trade publications, research and project reports, informational brochures, policy briefs, etc.)
• One or more years demonstrated experience in successful grant writing and grant management.
• Experience with confidential data sets that require Special Sworn Status with the Census Bureau.
• Three or more years of experience in empirical social science field research, including development of research hypotheses and design, design and implementation of quantitative statistical models, selection and application of data analysis techniques, interpretation of regression results, and report writing.
• Two or more years of experience in a research, consulting, or program evaluation environment.
• Strong project management skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team.
• Familiarity with the Current Population Survey, American Community Survey, Survey of Income and Program Participation, National Compensation Survey and other nationally-representative surveys.
• Experience teaching, mentoring, or directing research assistants or empirical coursework.

ILR School Outreach appreciates employees by providing the opportunity to pilot a nine-day campus-to-home hybrid schedule.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Salary $69,500 to $80,000 commensurate with experience, qualifications, and location.

Cornell appreciates employees with great rewards & benefits:

Cornell provides great benefits that include educational benefits, access to a plethora of wellness programs, employee discounts with local and national retail brands, health care options to choose from, generous paid leave provisions and superior retirement contributions.

To Apply:

Interested parties should submit a vita and letter of application describing qualifications and research agenda, teaching/training experience, and diversity & inclusion statement.

This is an academic, full-time, non-tenure track benefits eligible term opportunity located in Ithaca, NY on the campus of Cornell University, or can be based remotely.

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations. Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose, and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.

Pay Range:

Pay Ranges:

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience.

• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.

• Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)

• Unique applicable skills.

Employment Assistance:

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also visit the office of Workforce Recruitment and Retention Monday - Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. to use a dedicated workstation to complete an online application.

Notice to Applicants:

EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations. Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose, and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.