Senior Research Associate

El Cerrito's proximity to the Bay Area means senior research positions, especially in economics and global development, attract seasoned candidates. Competition can be intense due to the region’s concentration of academic and nonprofit institutions, requiring applicants to showcase strong analytical and policy impact skills.

Relocating to El Cerrito involves considering Bay Area living costs, public transit options like BART, and the area's collaborative research culture. Candidates should also evaluate visa sponsorship availability, especially for those targeting roles with companies like the American Economic Association.

Senior Research Associates excel through mastery of quantitative methods, complex data interpretation, and strategic grantmaking insight. Proficiency in cost-effectiveness modeling and evidence synthesis is crucial to influence funding directions and policy recommendations.

Advancement often involves transitioning from data analysis and project support to leading research agendas and influencing high-stakes funding decisions. Professionals may move towards senior analyst roles or policy advisory positions within international NGOs or academic institutions.

Salaries for senior research associates in El Cerrito typically range between $90,000 and $130,000 annually, reflecting the region's high living expenses and demand for specialized economic research skills, especially in nonprofit and philanthropic organizations.

Research associates at the American Economic Association play a critical role by synthesizing rigorous economic evidence and modeling cost-effectiveness, directly informing the organization’s funding priorities and strategies for global development impact.

This position uniquely combines rigorous evidence review with strategic grantmaking influence, allowing associates to shape large-scale funding allocations in global health and poverty alleviation, supported by a collaborative culture and strong institutional reputation.

Emphasize advanced econometrics, cost-effectiveness analysis, and experience with high-impact policy research. Demonstrating leadership in managing research projects and the ability to translate complex data into actionable funding insights is essential.

Increasingly, remote eligibility is offered, especially in organizations like GiveWell that support flexible arrangements while still providing relocation support and visa sponsorship for candidates wishing to work onsite in El Cerrito or nearby hubs.