Research Associate

Job Title

Research Associate (RA)

Job Description

About Rice:

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice's culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name — RICE — Responsibility, Integrity, Community and Excellence.

Position Summary:

The Baker Institute is seeking a Research Associate (RA) to support energy policy research in the institute's Center for Energy Studies (CES). The RA assists in conducting research, collecting data, performing statistical analysis, proofreading, and drafting articles, reports, and other publications. In addition, the RA may assist in intermediate administrative functions.

The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented and analytical professional with strong technical expertise in data visualization and statistical analysis, complemented by excellent communication skills and the ability to translate complex data into clear, impactful insights.

Founded in 1993, Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy has established itself as one of the premier nonpartisan public policy think tanks in the country. As an integral part of Rice University, the Baker Institute has a strong track record of achievement based on the work of its fellows, scholars, Rice faculty scholars, and staff.

Workplace Requirements:

This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in-person on campus. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Proposed Hiring Range: $60,000/yr

*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree
• Two or more (2+) years related research experience

Skills

• Proficiency in Tableau and/or PowerBI
• Knowledge of Python or R
• Experience with Census data, shapefiles, geodatabases, and geoprocessing tools
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including Excel
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong analytical and research skills
• Ability to build reports
• Excellent presentation skills

Preferences

• Masters
• Related work experience in energy economics and/or policy studies

Essential Functions

• Participate in the planning and implementation of research projects and data analysis
• Extract data for current and new GIS dashboards
• Use Excel and statistical software to compile and analyze data
• Report and discuss research findings
• Ensure information presented is valid and accurate
• Develop presentations and reports
• Participate in staff meetings
• Perform other assigned duties

Additional Functions

• May supervise student interns
• Write conference reports/summaries for Baker Institute events
• Coordinate and implement proofreading of research-related documents
• Assist with preparing presentation materials for CES fellows and scholars

Rice University HR | Benefits

Rice University HR | Benefits:

Rice Mission and Values

Rice Mission and Values | Rice University

Equal Employment Opportunity

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please get in touch with Rice University's Human Resources Office via email at View email address on click.appcast.io for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at View email address on click.appcast.io. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.

Job Info

• Job Identification 5923
• Job Category Staff - Research
• Posting Date 06/18/2026, 02:24 PM
• Degree Level Bachelor's Degree
• Job Schedule Full time
• Locations 6100 Main St, Houston, TX, 77005, US