Job Description
The University of Pennsylvania is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. The Water Center Research Specialist will lead and execute applied research and policy initiatives, focusing on water infrastructure and policy issues to provide actionable insights for diverse stakeholders. Responsibilities Lead applied research projects from design to delivery, including writing reports, developing surveys and interviews, creating public-facing materials, and presenting to stakeholders Conduct research on water infrastructure technical assistance by collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data and evaluating relevant policies across drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems Collaborate with the Communications Manager and Penn partners to translate research into strategic communications and support interdisciplinary initiatives Produce high-quality research and communications outputs, including fact sheets, story maps, web content, and reports, translating complex information for diverse audiences Skills Bachelor of Science and 1 to 2 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required Experience conducting applied research, including designing surveys or interviews, analyzing qualitative and quantitative data, and synthesizing findings to inform policy or technical assistance Strong written and verbal communications skills, with the ability to translate complex water infrastructure topics into clear, accessible materials for diverse audiences across reports, presentations, and digital content The job strongly prefers a Master's degree or equivalent in environmental policy, water resources, environmental studies, or environmental engineering Demonstrated interest in community water infrastructure preferred Benefits Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars. Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions. Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard. Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be. Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting. Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance. Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally. University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements. Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household. Company Overview The University of Pennsylvania is an American private Ivy League Research University that excels in producing future leaders. It was founded in 1740, and is headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, with a workforce of 10001+ employees. Its website is