Position Description:

Mathematica applies expertise at the intersection of data, methods, policy, and practice to address complex social challenges and improve well-being around the world. We create and use evidence to help our public and private sector partners improve programs, refine strategies, and advance knowledge. Over the past two decades, we have developed a large portfolio of international development work that spans more than 60 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe. Our work provides actionable learning to guide decision-making and improve outcomes in a range of policy areas, including agriculture, health, education, energy, and workforce development. Mathematica offers our employees competitive salaries, and a comprehensive benefits package, as well as the advantages of being 100 percent employee owned. As an employee stock owner, you will experience financial benefits of ESOP holdings that have increased in tandem with the company’s growth and financial strength. You will also be part of an independent, employee-owned firm that is able to define and further our mission, enhance our quality and accountability, and steadily grow our financial strength. Read more about our benefits here: https://www.mathematica.org/career-opportunities/benefits-at-a-glance

About the opportunity

Mathematica Global seeks a highly motivated and skilled quantitatively oriented researcher with expertise in topics related to international development, preferably in the agriculture and health sectors. The researcher will lead and work collaboratively in cross-disciplinary teams on projects that support strategy development, results measurement, program evaluation and improvement, and policy advancement for our clients. These teams often include Mathematica staff, international consultants, and in-country partners.

Responsibilities include designing and leading evaluations and research; reviewing and synthesizing evidence; conducting impact modeling; developing new and improved approaches to using data, evidence, and learning to inform decision-making; and serving as a trusted learning partner and advisor to our clients and partners. Our projects span diverse topics such as agriculture, health, energy, workforce development, economic mobility, education, and nutrition.

Ideal candidates will thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced, team-based environment that values analytical rigor, critical thinking, and a client-centered approach, and have a skill set that includes strong quantitative research and analytical skills, a passion for international development, a commitment to using data and evidence to drive change, an interest in developing or applying innovative research and evaluation methods, and an ability to produce high-quality work in the face of compressed timelines and changing circumstances. We are looking for experience in the following areas:

• Designing fit-for-purpose evaluations that maintain methodological rigor while adapting to programmatic, operational, and contextual constraints in real-world settings.
• Applying quantitative methods and data analytics techniques to evaluate programs, track performance, and inform program decision-making or recommendations, with sensitivity to partner capacities and needs.
• Developing and applying impact models to estimate potential program outcomes and inform strategic decision-making.
• Conducting evidence reviews and synthesizing findings to inform programmatic and strategic decisions.
• Facilitating meetings and engagements with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, foundations, international organizations, and consultants.
• Providing the energy, organization, coordination, and quality control needed to keep projects on time and on budget.
• Contributing to business development through technical proposal writing and budgeting.

Responsibilities may also include:

• Leading interdisciplinary, multi-location research teams to design and implement mixed-methods evaluations and learning efforts.
• Applying impact modeling and taking a systems lens to inform strategy and program design and refinement.
• Leading quantitative components of international development projects, including evaluation design, analytical framework development, sampling strategies, data collection protocols, and data quality assurance.
• Conducting or overseeing rigorous statistical analyses, such as for experimental/quasi-experimental evaluations and predictive modeling efforts.
• Applying analytic rigor to the interpretation of quantitative and/or qualitative data.
• Serving as task lead for a variety of projects—including impact evaluations, cost-effectiveness studies, and evidence reviews—and delivering high-quality, actionable insights.
• Translating research findings into actionable information and supporting clients in using it to inform program or portfolio strategy, decision making, or grantmaking.
• Leading engagements with diverse clients and stakeholders to understand the challenges they face, build trust and rapport, gather input, and work collaboratively to provide high-quality work, thoughtful recommendations, and innovative solutions.
• Leading and contributing to business development efforts, including writing proposals for new projects.
• Authoring reports, memos, issue briefs, and presentations, and representing Mathematica to policy and professional audiences.
• Supporting dissemination of Mathematica’s work through articles in peer-reviewed journals, gray literature publications, conference presentations, blog posts, social media, and other dissemination channels.
• Leveraging generative AI tools to support evaluation and research activities—such as synthesizing literature or drafting analysis summaries—and integrating GenAI-enabled approaches into adaptive learning and decision-making processes.
• Contributing to the growth, expertise, and institutional knowledge of staff through active mentorship.

Position Requirements:

Qualifications: 

• PhD (or Master’s degree with equivalent experience) in economics, public policy, data science, public health, demography, or related fields.
• Excellent quantitative analytical skills and a solid foundation in econometric methods.
• At least 5 years of experience conducting quantitative and mixed-methods research on international development topics in low- and middle-income contexts, preferably in agriculture and health. Research experience in education, workforce development, energy, and policy and advocacy is also desirable. 
• Fluency in at least one language in addition to English preferred, particularly French.
• Experience in conducting or applying evidence synthesis methodologies (e.g., landscape reviews, systematic reviews, etc.).
• Familiarity with advanced data analytics and visualization techniques to synthesize and track performance using diverse data sources is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in impact modeling to assess program effectiveness, forecast outcomes, or inform policy decisions in global contexts. 
• Stellar written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to (1) convey complex technical issues to non-expert audiences and (2) effectively communicate findings to a range of stakeholders, from program implementers to policymakers and non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively lead complex tasks, including major evaluations, coordinating the work of multidisciplinary teams, and proactively solving problems.
• Strong cross-cultural communication and facilitation skills to effectively engage with stakeholders from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.
• Demonstrated experience building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials, subject matter experts, and consultants.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, and ability to lead and manage multiple priorities under deadlines.
• Experience managing or supporting research in LMIC settings is preferred
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and salary expectations at the time of your application.

This position offers an anticipated base salary of $100,000- $135,000 annually. This position may be eligible for a discretionary bonus based on individual and company performance.

This position is only available in the U.S.

Available locations: Princeton, NJ; Washington, DC; Cambridge, MA; Chicago, IL; Ann Arbor, MI; Remote