Human Services Applied Research and Policy Fellow

Human Services Applied Research and Policy Fellow

Job no: 499092
Work type: Staff Full-Time
Location: Denver, CO
Categories: Business Operations / Services
Division: Arts & Humanities/Social Sciences

Position Summary

The Institute for Relationship Science in the University of Denver's Department of Psychology invites applications for a Human Services Applied Research and Policy Fellow position. The fellow will contribute to the federally funded National Center for Work, Economic Mobility, and Strong Families, led by Galena Rhoades, Ph.D. Fellows will be employed by DU and work with federal host offices in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Appointments are generally for one year, with possible continuation based on performance, program and host-office needs, and available funding.

Openings include placements with the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE); the Division of Economic Independence within the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation (OPRE); additional OPRE placements; the Office of Family Assistance (OFA); and the Office of Community Services (OCS). OPRE, OFA, and OCS are within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), HHS. Assignments will reflect federal research priorities, office needs, and each fellow's expertise. Residence in or relocation to the Washington, DC, area may be required; work arrangements will follow host-office requirements.

The fellow will conduct applied research, evaluation, and analysis to inform human services policy and practice. Areas of interest include employment, economic mobility, public assistance and TANF, marriage and family stability, responsible fatherhood, child well-being, child care, and human services effectiveness. Each fellow will have a designated DU supervisor and a federal policy mentor, an Individual Fellowship Plan, and access to methodological mentoring, professional development, peer learning, and research communication opportunities.

This position is grant funded.

Essential Functions

The primary responsibilities are:

• Conduct applied research, evaluation, data analysis, or evidence synthesis aligned with the federal host office's priorities and the approved fellowship work plan.
• Develop and carry out research plans, maintain appropriate documentation, and manage data in accordance with University and federal requirements.
• Prepare research reports, policy briefs, presentations, and other products that communicate findings and limitations to research, policy, and practice audiences.
• Collaborate with federal staff, DU supervisors, and other researchers to frame policy-relevant questions and interpret evidence.
• Participate in regular DU supervision, federal policy mentoring, and progress review; contribute to the development and review of the Individual Fellowship Plan.
• Participate in professional development, peer learning, and Center activities that support research quality and policy communication.
• Perform other related duties as assigned within the approved fellowship scope.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong grounding in research design and quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods relevant to the placement.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain research to nontechnical audiences.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data or research evidence accurately and communicate uncertainty and limitations.
• Strong analytical thinking, sound judgment, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to organize work, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing research and policy priorities.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues from different disciplines and professional backgrounds.
• Knowledge of research integrity, confidentiality, and responsible handling of sensitive data.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a relevant social science, public policy, or related field, such as economics, psychology, sociology, public administration, social work, education, or public health; a strong academic or professional research record; and the ability to complete required federal credentialing and University employment requirements. Postdoctoral appointments require a completed doctoral degree by the start date.
• At least one-year prior experience in a similar fellowship position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Research expertise in one or more relevant areas, including work and economic mobility, public assistance, family relationships, responsible fatherhood, child well-being, child care, health services, or human services policy.
• Experience with administrative or longitudinal data, program evaluation, causal inference, implementation science, qualitative or mixed methods, or cost and cost-effectiveness analysis.
• Experience collaborating with government or community partners and producing research products for policy or practice audiences.

Working Environment

• Standard office environment
• Unexpected interruptions occur often
• Stress level is moderate to high
• Noise level is quiet to moderate.

Physical Activities

• Ability to sit in front of a computer for an extended period of time
• Occasionally required to move about the office/campus with the capability of transporting objects up to 20 lbs.

Application Deadline
For consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) October 6, 2026.

For inquiries about the position, please contact Dr. Galena Rhoades (grhoades@du.edu).

Special Instructions
Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.

Salary Range:
The salary range for this position is $102,415 -$112,657.

The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate's sex or any other protected status.

Benefits:
The University of Denver offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO pass. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver.

Please include the following documents with your application:
1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

Advertised: October 05, 2026
Applications close: October 06, 2026

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