Policy Research Associates, Inc. (PRA) is seeking a full-time Senior Research Associate I to lead and support rigorous, policy-relevant behavioral health research. The successful candidate will contribute to and expand the portfolio of behavioral health projects in the Research and Evaluation program area, which currently includes evaluations of local mental health diversion initiatives and statewide behavioral health system transformation efforts, youth mental health and juvenile justice intervention research, and pretrial risk research and evaluation.
At PRA, research is deeply connected to practice, policy, and systems transformation. Our team collaborates with community partners, state and local agencies, and people with lived experience to produce actionable research that strengthens behavioral health systems and improves outcomes for individuals and communities. The Research and Evaluation team often works with administrative data, program data, interviews, focus groups, surveys, and site-based implementation information. Candidates should be comfortable working with complex, real-world data systems; collaborating with agency and community partners; and translating findings into practical recommendations for policy and implementation. We are seeking a collaborative and intellectually curious researcher with strong methodological expertise, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to behavioral health systems transformation.
The ideal candidate will:
- Bring expertise in behavioral health (mental health and substance use), with a track record of developing and managing applied research and evaluation projects.
- Demonstrate success in securing funding to support research and evaluation projects.
- Be able to work with imperfect real-world data, including developing data-sharing processes, analytic files, and partner-facing summaries.
- Translate research findings for policy and practice audiences, as well as scholarly and community partners.
This position is remote, with occasional project travel (e.g., site visits) and travel to PRA’s offices in the Capital Region of NY (Albany/Troy) twice a year is required. The normal work week is Monday through Friday, with project meetings held during typical business hours (9 am - 5 pm ET).
Responsibilities
Research & Evaluation Leadership
- Lead and manage complex research and evaluation projects from design through dissemination
- Develop study designs, research questions, data collection tools, and analytic plans
- Collect and analyze quantitative and qualitative data
- Translate findings into actionable recommendations for policy, practice, and community audiences
Community Engagement
- Collaborate with community partners to develop and implement evaluation approaches
- Support community-engaged and participatory research practices
Project & Staff Management
- Manage project timelines, budgets, and deliverables
- Supervise, mentor, and support junior staff and research assistants, to maintain scientific rigor and ensure project success
- Collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary project teams across the organization
Strategic Growth & Business Development
- Lead and contribute to proposal development, including writing technical research approach sections
- Identify and pursue new funding opportunities aligned with organizational priorities and strategic goals
- Support partnership development and expansion of PRA’s research and evaluation portfolio
Required Qualifications
- PhD in psychology, social work, public health, sociology, or related field
- Expertise in behavioral health, the criminal legal system, housing and income supports, and/or youth development
- Experience designing and conducting quantitative research and evaluation studies with primary data and/or secondary administrative data (e.g., behavioral health systems, courts and legal systems, Medicaid, or social service systems)
- Experience translating findings into practical recommendations for state/local agencies, providers, policymakers, and community partners
- Proficiency in at least one statistical programming language (e.g., R, SAS, Stata, SPSS)
- Strong organizational and project management skills, with experience managing projects to completion
- Attention to detail and ability to manage tasks across multiple projects and timelines
- Strong interpersonal skills, including oral and written communication
- Excellence in mentoring and managing junior researchers
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience evaluating diversion, deflection, crisis response, reentry, treatment court, or related cross-system behavioral health interventions
- Experience integrating qualitative and mixed method research approaches (e.g., interviews, thematic analysis, focus groups)
- Experience with community-engaged and participatory research practices
Salary Range
This remote position is full-time, with a salary range of $80,000-$110,000, commensurate with experience.
How to Apply
- Complete a brief, required survey at https://pra.typeform.com/to/FgcsSUAG
- Submit a resume or CV and cover letter describing your interest and relevant experience via email to [email protected]
- Submit a writing sample that demonstrates your research and evaluation expertise to [email protected]
About PRA
Policy Research Associates (PRA) is a small, women-owned business and national leader in behavioral health, technical assistance, and research. PRA is known for its expertise on behavioral health issues related to juvenile and criminal justice; services for children, adolescents, and their families; recovery supports; service members and veterans; homelessness and housing; and violence.
PRA values a diverse and inclusive workforce where the unique skills of all employees are valued in support of the mission of PRA. Qualified candidates are considered for employment without regard to status or any other characteristic protected by the law.
PRA is an equal opportunity employer that accepts all applications from a wide range of candidates. PRA complies with federal and state laws and makes reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals.
Pay: $80,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Troy, NY (Rensselaer County)
