How to hire a research associate, policy

How to hire a research associate, policy, step by step

Here's a step-by-step research associate, policy hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a research associate, policy job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new research associate, policy
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a research associate, policy do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The research associate, policy hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A research associate, policy's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, research associates, policy from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list presents research associate, policy salaries for various positions.

   Type of Research Associate, Policy	Description	Hourly rate
   Research Associate, Policy	Market research analysts study market conditions to examine potential sales of a product or service. They help companies understand what products people want, who will buy them, and at what price.	$22-49
   Marketing Department Internship	A marketing department internship is a marketing degree program requirement in most colleges. This is the work experience period where interns get to apply the knowledge they acquire in the real world... Show more	$12-18
   Marketing Internship	Marketing interns are usually marketing students or fresh graduates who are interested in getting actual work experiences before taking on a full-time job. They usually have an interest or academic background related to marketing... Show more	$11-18

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Public Policy
   • Policy Research
   • Research Projects
   • Stata
   • Government Agencies
   • Policy Analysis
   • Public Health
   • Policy Briefs
   • Social Justice
   • Press Releases
   • Technical Assistance
   • Quantitative Analysis
   • Research Findings
   • Quantitative Data

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage all issues relate to high quality survey administration including training and approval/certification, performance oversight and data collection.
   • Conduct analysis of international climate change implications and participate in the selection of tools for government agencies to monitor climate change.
   • Mouse colony maintenance: breeding and genotyping mice to maintain an active colony of multiple transgenic lines.
   • Supervise activities of investigators and associates to ensure compliance with protocols, FDA regulations and overall clinical objectives.

   More research associate, policy duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your research associate, policy job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A research associate, policy salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, research associates, policy' average salary in hawaii is 55% less than in washington.
   • Seniority. Entry-level research associates, policy earn 55% less than senior-level research associates, policy.
   • Certifications. A research associate, policy with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a research associate, policy's salary.

   Average research associate, policy salary

   $69,079yearly

   $33.21 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level research associate, policy salary

   $46,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 17, 2025

   Average research associate, policy salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Washington	$101,370	$49
   2	Delaware	$91,840	$44
   3	Maryland	$84,272	$41
   4	Connecticut	$84,246	$41
   5	District of Columbia	$81,606	$39
   6	California	$81,497	$39
   7	New York	$80,358	$39
   8	Colorado	$78,108	$38
   9	Massachusetts	$74,749	$36
   10	Illinois	$74,720	$36
   11	Virginia	$72,171	$35
   12	Nevada	$64,874	$31
   13	Texas	$64,363	$31
   14	Utah	$63,882	$31
   15	Vermont	$51,947	$25

   Average research associate, policy salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	RAND	$127,666	$61.38	6
   2	Urban Institute	$126,101	$60.63
   3	American Enterprise Institute	$120,951	$58.15
   4	CFA Institute	$109,905	$52.84
   5	Bridgewater Associates	$104,183	$50.09	5
   6	Twitter	$103,327	$49.68	1
   7	Intel	$101,625	$48.86
   8	Semiconductor Industry Association	$93,305	$44.86
   9	Wpp Us Holdings Inc	$87,224	$41.93	2
   10	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	$86,957	$41.81	10
   11	America's Essential Hospitals	$85,971	$41.33	1
   12	The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights	$85,145	$40.94
   13	BlackRock	$83,179	$39.99	5
   14	Scotiabank	$82,268	$39.55	1
   15	Acumen Solutions	$82,250	$39.54
   16	Raymond James Financial	$80,129	$38.52	9
   17	University of Delaware	$79,677	$38.31	2
   18	National Renewable Energy Laboratory	$79,211	$38.08	3
   19	Gallagher	$77,063	$37.05
   20	Alliance for Sustainable Energy	$76,657	$36.85

4. Writing a research associate, policy job description

   A research associate, policy job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a research associate, policy job description:

   Research associate, policy job description example

   THE BOARD
   
   The Board on Health Sciences Policy oversees and guides a program of activities to encourage and sustain the continuous vigor of the basic biomedical and clinical research enterprises needed to ensure and improve the health and resilience of the public. In conducting these activities, consideration is given to the ethical, legal, and social contexts of scientific and technologic advances and to the balance between scientific opportunities and public needs.
   
   THE OPPORTUNITY
   
   Incumbent develops pertinent background research which contributes to a greater understanding of assigned program(s) or project(s), subjects and topics. Drafts background papers. Prepares preliminary outlines of projects to determine appropriate methodology, which may involve developing an historical perspective; identifying prevailing social and economic conditions, outlining legislative considerations; regulatory impact; international involvement in issues; and future trends and implications. Performs research and analysis. Prepares data for use in summaries, fact sheets, and reports. May lead lower level administrative employees.
   
   Job Description:
   
   RESPONSIBILITIES
   
   RESEARCH
   
   Performs research and analysis. Develops information sources. Reads, analyzes, and evaluates data and literature and compiles summaries of information. Prepares preliminary outlines of projects to determine appropriate methodology. Synthesizes data for specific sections of the report or other types of output. Verifies references and checks facts of committee reports. May perform basic statistical research and analysis. Performs literature searches.
   
   PROGRAM/PROJECT ACTIVITIES
   
   Attends meetings to present and receive feedback regarding study area and prepares meeting summaries. Ensures Current Projects System (CPS) is posted and updated in a timely manner, the Public Access File is maintained, and documents are properly archived. May ensure Federal Advisory Committee Act, (FACA) and Governing Board Executive Committee (GBEC) compliance. Performs administrative tasks such as corresponding with committee members, participating in the planning and execution of committee meetings, and other tasks associated with preparing for committee meetings and workshops. May assist senior staff in researching and identifying potential speakers and committee and forum members.
   
   WRITING
   
   Writes technical papers or summaries. Abstracts information from scientific studies to create tables for committee review or use in committee reports. Drafts, summarizes, and edits findings and provides feedback to appropriate parties. Edits report material developed by committee members, senior staff, and consultants.
   
   DATABASE MANAGEMENT
   
   Manages database to track references. Manages and maintains bibliographic and analytical databases. Documents and establishes files on all statistical analyses performed indicating methodology, variations in manipulation of data and resource materials used. Prepares and formats various survey instruments and databases to accept specified information.
   
   COMMUNICATION
   
   Responds to inquiries from the public sector, sponsors and other scientific peers outside of the National Academies. Increases public awareness of studies. Identifies and contacts professional and advocacy groups interested in the committee's work. Serves as a mentor and/or resource to employees. May be responsible for training and supervising junior staff.
   
   REQUIREMENTS
   
   EDUCATION
   
   Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent knowledge. Master's degree in a related field preferred.
   
   Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
   
   * Ability to solve intellectual problems of appreciable variety and complexity using originality and ingenuity. Ability to exercise appreciable latitude for independent judgment and action. Experience working in complex environments with a high degree of organizational effectiveness.
   
   * Knowledge of literature nutrition science, maternal and child nutrition, and/or nutritional toxicology preferred.
   
   EXPERIENCE
   
   Two years of related professional experience required.
   
   COMMUNICATION AND TEAMWORK
   
   Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to effectively interact with all levels of employees. Ability to work successfully in a team environment. Ability to develop relationships with co-workers and employees in other National Academies' departments through effective communication.
   
   SUPERVISION
   
   Reports to program officer/director. Sets goals with supervisor.
   
   Work Environment: Hybrid Office/Telecommute environment, expected onsite percentage 20%, with occasional travel between National Academies' facilities and to off-site meeting/sponsor locations. In accordance with the National Academies' commitment to provide a safe and healthy workplace, all employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, except as otherwise permitted under a reasonable accommodation for medical or religious reasons. Unless granted an accommodation, successful applicants will be required to confirm their vaccination status and proof of vaccination promptly upon beginning employment. Applicants needing accommodations should indicate this in their application; applicants will not be discriminated against in the hiring process on the basis of requesting an accommodation.
   
   The National Academies' Statement on Diversity and Inclusion:
   
   To promote diversity and inclusion in the sciences, engineering, and medicine, we are committed to increasing the diversity of the National Academies' staff, members, and volunteers to reflect the populations we serve. We pledge to cultivate an environment and culture that promotes inclusion and values respectful participation of all individuals who help advance the mission of the institution.
   
   Equal Opportunity Employer:
   
   It is the policy of the National Academies to recruit, hire, transfer, compensate, and promote people in all job categories and to administer all other personnel actions, terms and conditions of employment in a manner that is consistent with equal employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, disability, medical condition for which a person has been rehabilitated or cured, marital status, family responsibilities, genetic information, political affiliation, personal appearance, matriculation, unemployment status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. It is also the institution's policy to recruit, hire, promote, and provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and covered veterans who are otherwise qualified.
   
   Any qualification to be considered equivalent, in lieu of stated minimum, requires the prior approval of the Office of Human Resources.
   
   The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Some functions in this description may be specific to a particular unit of the National Academies and not applicable to other units.
   
   Job Family:
   
   PROG
   
   Employee Type:
   
   Employee
   
   Scheduled Weekly Hours:
   
   37.5
   
   City/State:
   
   Washington, District of Columbia

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5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find research associates, policy for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your research associate, policy job on Zippia to find and recruit research associate, policy candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites such as swipe files, exit five, marketinghire, american marketing association.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit research associates, policy, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new research associate, policy

   Once you have selected a candidate for the research associate, policy position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new research associate, policy. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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