Senior Research Specialist

The Demographics Research Group (DRG) of the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service is seeking a bright and self-driven individual to fill a Research Specialist position.

We produce Virginia’s official population estimates, projections, school enrollment forecasts, and conduct applied demographic research to inform decision-making across state and local governments, businesses, and nonprofits. We are committed to making population data accessible, meaningful, and actionable.

Position Responsibilities
Research and Contract Projects

• Focus on applied demographic research pertinent to the Commonwealth of Virginia to develop significant projects consistent with client needs
• Formulate research questions and methods
• Implement appropriate research and analytic procedures.

Research Translation and Presentation

• Publish research analyses in the DRG blog and in technical papers
• Develop and deliver presentations to clients, government officials, and the public
• Collaborate with the Cooper Center director of communications on media interactions.

Contribution to DRG Mission and Priorities

• Collaborate with colleagues on all DRG priorities
• Participate in the DRG data production and team projects
• Contribute to outreach and communications strategies
• Supervise student interns.

Knowledge and Skills Collaboration and Communication

• Thrive in a collaborative environment among people strongly committed to their missions
• Communicate effectively in writing and verbally, including sharing updates and results with the Director, primarily via email
• Demonstrate professional maturity, sound judgment, and a consistently positive demeanor.

Organization and Prioritization

• Keen attention to detail with excellent organizational, writing, editing, planning, and prioritization skills
• Ability to adjust priorities and manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines, track progress, and communicate task status
• Work calmly and professionally, especially during those occasional times when the team finds itself in pressure situations Problem-Solving and Initiative
• Work independently to creatively solve problems within a fast-paced environment
• Uphold ethical standards and maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment and discretion.

Technical Proficiency

• Demonstrated skill in quantitative analysis
• Interest in, and commitment to, population research, in areas such as population estimates and projections, aging, housing, transportation, rural communities, urban planning, education, or poverty
• Proficiency in one or more the following statistical software programs: R, Python, STATA, or SAS.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Master’s degree required, degree in geography, demography, sociology, economics, statistics, education, urban planning, public health, public policy, or related areas is preferred

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience: 5 years
• Professional experience in a similar role
• Experience in population estimates, projections, or school enrollment forecasting
• Proficiency in GIS
• Interest and skill in data visualization
• Familiarity with the Commonwealth of Virginia

About the Position

Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment. This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future. The anticipated hiring range is $75,000 - $85,000 commensurate with education and experience. This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits.

This is a restricted position, which is dependent on funding and is contingent upon funding availability. This position is based in Charlottesville, VA. Hybrid and remote location work is possible; candidate must be available to work in Eastern Time Zone. This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

About UVA and the Community
To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.
Application Timeline Application review will begin after September 29, 2025.

To Apply

Please apply online, by searching for requisition number R0076614. Complete an application with the following documents:

• Resume / CV (no more than 2 pages)
• Cover Letter
• Two samples of your current work (e.g., reports, briefs, blog posts, presentations, etc)

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration. Internal applicants: Apply through your Workday profile by searching “Find Jobs.” Reference checks will be completed by UVA’s third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.

To nominate a candidate or for additional information about the position, please contact Qian Cai, Director, Research. For questions about the application process, please contact Michele Jarman, Academic Recruiter.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.