School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University
 

Senior Research Support Specialist
Worker Rights & Equity at The Worker Institute

Based in New York City, NY

 

Position is located in New York, NY, within the ILR School located at 570 Lexington Avenue.

The School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University has an opening for a Research Support Specialist C07 for the Worker Rights & Equity Program at The Worker Institute in the NYC Extension/Outreach Division.

Our Team:
The Worker Institute at Cornell University’s ILR School conducts cutting-edge research on contemporary labor issues to generate innovative thinking and solutions to problems related to work, the economy and society. Based in New York City, the Worker Institute advances academic research, theory and practice and provides thematic and technical expertise in key contemporary workplace issues via innovative and inclusive education programs that advance economic and racial equity in New York State and beyond.

The Worker Institute brings together labor leaders, worker justice advocates, academic faculty, applied researchers, policy makers and practitioners to identify and advance policies that enhance collective bargaining rights for all workers, build stronger unions and strengthen worker rights organizations’ ability to impact economic policy, reduce income inequality, and build a more just and democratic society.

Based in NYC, the Worker Institute provides thematic and technical expertise in key contemporary workplace issues via action driven research, innovative and inclusive education programs and policy development to advance economic and racial equity in NYS and beyond.

What we are seeking:
The Research Support Specialist will support the development and delivery of innovative research that addresses the persistent problems of economic inequality in America by addressing challenges faced by workers in growing sectors of the American economy. Strategic collaborations will aim to enhance collective bargaining rights and representation for all workers, with an emphasis placed on advancing new models of collective representation in sectors traditionally excluded from social and labor rights protections (i.e. low wage and precarious workers, immigrant workers, service workers, and gig-economy workers). This work requires an understanding of issues of diversity and inclusion as key components that advance workplace equity for women and immigrant workers in the gig economy and growing service economy.

The Research Support Specialist will support the research functions of the Worker Rights and Equity and Equity at Work programs and contribute to independent research projects, collaborate with ILR faculty, staff, and ILR students on ongoing applied and academic research projects. Requires knowledge of labor issues and experience generating literature reviews. The candidate will have experience conducting quantitative research, including identifying, collecting and analyzing data from a variety of datasets. The Worker Institute’s Research Support Specialist will create surveys, analyze data, and create visual presentations and reports based on the data collection and analysis. The position will also co-author research reports and policy papers. In addition, the Research Support Specialist will work with undergraduate student fellows at the Worker Institute.

The Research Support Specialist will attend and present at conferences, workshops, and public events related to research topics. The individual will also edit grant and funding proposals and write media articles for the Worker Institute and ILR communications related to research topics.

The Research Support Specialist will provide substantial research support to advance the presence of the Worker Institute in the field of worker-focused policy innovation through local, state, and national professional and advocacy networks and ongoing public programming.

This is a term, full-time, bargaining unit position that falls under the NYC ILR Extension exempt CWA contract. Initial appointment through June 30, 2026, position may be reappointed with approval based on available funding and work.

The position is based in the Cornell University, New York City ILR Extension office located at 570 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10022.

More information about the ILR School can be obtained at our web site, http://www.ilr.cornell.edu and the Worker Institute at https://www.ilr.cornell.edu/worker-institute

What we need:

• Bachelor’s degree in social science, economics, government and public administration, policy or law, with relevant expertise related to racial, gender and economic inequality or equivalent combination.
• Three to five years of relevant experience or equivalent combination in industry and workforce research with an ability to communicate the policy and organizing implications of research that seeks to raise industry standards for low-wage and new sectors of the economy (e.g., direct care and the gig economy).
• Three or more years of experience in research and/or program evaluation environment.
• Quantitative research skills including demonstrated ability to collect data using standardized instruments, conduct statistical data analysis and generate visuals.
• Ability to manage large datasets and extrapolate from data for use in public policy analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to co-author research reports/policy briefs using appropriate style guides.
• Experience with editing documents and research reports for publication.
• Ability to prepare presentations, including creating PowerPoint slides.
• Experience in translating research/evaluation for a general audience.
• Ability to work on multidisciplinary teams, providing creative and critical independent thinking while also considering diverse opinions and approaches.
• Good familiarity with many of the following areas including labor unions, worker organizing and collective bargaining contracts, low-wage precarious work and inequality, and union and worker training programs.
• Must be able to manage multiple competing deadlines and be flexible with changing work priorities.
• Excellent verbal, written, telephone and public presentation skills.
• Experience using data analysis software such as STATA or SPSS.
• Experience using and learning different software packages and web-based tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, Zoom or videoconferencing software, Lexis Nexis, library databases, and Qualtrics).
• Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing.
• Experience incorporating the perspectives of multiple communities, including communities of color.
• Passionate about working in an organization that values and promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism, and wellbeing.

You will be a top candidate with our preferred qualifications:

• Master’s degree in social science or applied research, or related discipline preferred.
• Capability to perform public policy research and understand the decision-making and law-making process of multiple states, federal, and international contexts.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred but not required.

Salary per CWA exempt bargaining unit contract: $68,328, with education, experience, and relevant skills the hiring salary may be up to $68,800.

ILR Outreach appreciates employees by providing the opportunity for a nine day per month campus-to-home hybrid schedule.

Sponsorship for employment visa is not available for this position.

No relocation assistance is provided for this position.

Cornell appreciates employees with great rewards & benefits:
Cornell provides great benefits that include educational benefits, access to a plethora of wellness programs, employee discounts with local and national retail brands, health care options to choose from, generous paid leave provisions and superior retirement contributions.

Cornell has also been nationally recognized as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, sustainability, and diversity initiatives. For more information click here.

To Apply:
Interested parties should submit a résumé and cover letter describing qualifications on-line at Job Seekers using the staff link.

In the Experience section of your application, use the ‘Drop Files Here’ box to manually drag document(s) into your application. For a more detailed description and instructions on how to apply online please click here as an external candidate or click here if you are an internal candidate. Reference posting number: WDR-00040739

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations. Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose, and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.