About Us
Mathematica Policy Research is a pioneering nonpartisan research organization dedicated to improving public well-being. Our 1,200 experts conduct policy research, data collection, and data analytics that meet the highest standards of quality and objectivity, working with decision makers across the public and private sectors.
We have been at the forefront of assessing the effectiveness of policies and programs for nearly 50 years. Considered an architect of social policy research, Mathematica conducted the first social policy experiment in the United States, the New Jersey Negative Income Tax Experiment, to test ways of encouraging low-income individuals to work.
Today, led by President and Chief Executive Officer Paul Decker, Mathematica’s capabilities and reach have grown to respond to new public policy challenges and information needs. Our staff includes national leaders in thorough and innovative program evaluation, objective policy research and interpretation, sophisticated survey design and data collection, and comprehensive performance measurement and data management.
Mathematica works across the country and around the globe, serving federal agencies, state and local governments, foundations, universities, professional associations, and businesses. Our studies and analyses have yielded information to guide decisions in wide-ranging policy areas, from health, education, early childhood, and family support to nutrition, employment, disability, international development, environment, and criminal justice.
Our experts are distinguished by a commitment to:
Objective, evidence-based standards. We have a reputation for rigor, excellence, and objectivity, which we have earned through a thorough, comprehensive system of in-house and independent peer reviews of all our products. This quality assurance process is unique to Mathematica and is the foundation for everything we do.
Superior data. At Mathematica, we understand that good research begins with good data. We also understand the benefits of integrating quantitative and qualitative data and bring our rigorous methods to the collection and analysis of both. Our experts provide clients with reliable, accurate information and deliverables of the highest quality.
Collaboration. Our collaborative style enables us to integrate innovative research methods with cutting-edge data services. This creative, interdisciplinary, and cross-cutting approach keeps projects on track and aligned with clients’ needs and expectations, providing flexibility to address unforeseen challenges as they unfold.
Mathematica is headquartered in Princeton, NJ, and also has offices in Ann Arbor, MI, Cambridge, MA, Chicago, IL, Oakland, CA, Tucson, AZ, Washington, DC, and Woodlawn, MD.
Data Careers
Software Engineering, Statistical Programming & Advanced Analytics
At Mathematica, we rely on Software Engineers and Statistical Programmers to design, develop, and build solutions to guide decisions in a wide range of policy areas: health, labor, education, nutrition and family support to name just a few. From associate- to director-level employees, their work is essential to our data-driven organization. Technical talent thrives at Mathematica by working with large data sets and new technologies in a team-oriented and employee-owned work environment.
Deep Commitment to Improving Public Well-Being
Our mission is to improve public well-being through objective, rigorous research of the highest quality. To do so, we foster a collaborative environment that empowers staff to follow their passions, work on meaningful projects, and solve problems creatively. Our work helps to inform decision-making on critical issues around the globe. As an employee-owned company where everyone shares a profound sense of purpose, Mathematica is a place where you can have a career with real impact.
Diversity and Inclusion: A Core Value
With diversity and inclusion as one of core values, we maintain a welcoming, supportive culture drawing on the strengths of employees from varied ethnic backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, abilities, and experiences. Our research is more robust because it’s informed by diverse perspectives. Our mission to improve societal well-being is strengthened by greater understanding of issues facing the populations we serve. At Mathematica, everyone is valued and treated with respect and dignity.
Diversity
Diversity and Inclusion: A Business Imperative and Core Value
"Diversity is essential to effectively deliver on our mission." — Mathematica President and Chief Executive Officer Paul Decker
Mathematica is deeply committed to diversity and inclusion as one of our core values. Building a welcoming and supportive culture that draws on the individual strengths of employees from different ethnic backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, abilities, and experiences is key to our success. Our research is more robust because it is informed by a variety of diverse perspectives, and our mission to improve societal well-being is strengthened by greater understanding of issues and challenges facing the populations we serve.
Mathematica's ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion is woven into our everyday actions, policies, and practices. We are dedicated to maintaining a work environment in which everyone is treated with respect and dignity. We continually strive to foster a professional and collegial atmosphere that promotes equal employment opportunities and values the contributions of each staff member.
Leadership Support for Diversity and Inclusion
Mathematica senior management actively supports initiatives to promote staff diversity and inclusion, community involvement, and a work environment that encourages all employees to pursue their professional ambitions. Our Diversity Council—which includes staff across levels, focus areas, and geographical locations—works with senior management to develop activities that foster awareness and understanding of the importance of diversity and inclusion at Mathematica and in the policy research field. We view knowledge of diversity and inclusion issues as an essential leadership skill for all employees. Our board of directors is regularly updated and engaged on diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives at Mathematica
Efforts to build a diverse corporate culture are reflected in our summer fellowship program, targeted recruitment efforts, and visa sponsorship. We support career advancement for all employees through our tuition assistance program, as well as on-site training, including skills improvement and development opportunities. We also are partnering with the Annie E. Casey Foundation on its Expanding the Bench initiative, which is intended to increase the number of historically underrepresented minority researchers and evaluators. This partnership creates opportunities for scholars enrolled in the foundation’s Leaders in Equitable Evaluation and Diversity program to serve on Mathematica’s evaluation project teams.
External Recognition of Mathematica as a Diversity Champion
The Human Resources Management Association has twice recognized Mathematica’s accomplishments by awarding us the Excellence in Diversity Award. Criteria for this award included evidence of support for diversity initiatives from top management, a diverse culture of inclusion, involvement in the community, and respect for and commitment to sustaining a diverse organizational culture.
Careers
Career Opportunities
We at Mathematica take pride in our employees and in their commitment to excellence. We encourage staff to collaborate in developing creative solutions to difficult problems and to share the responsibility and enjoyment of carrying out complex research. This collegial spirit has helped us earn our reputation for innovative and high-quality work. As a winner of the "Excellence in Diversity Award," we know that building an inclusive culture based on the diverse strengths of employees from different backgrounds is key to our success.
Snapshot of Our Staff
Mathematica's reputation for quality and objectivity is based in no small part on our high-caliber staff. Employees at all levels are selected for their superior experience, education, and training. Most senior staff hold doctoral degrees and are nationally recognized in their fields, which include economics, sociology, survey research, public policy analysis, demography, education, and computer technology.
Reaching Others
To have an impact, research results must be communicated to others. We have briefed government officials, business decision makers, and congressional committees on issues that range from preventing teen pregnancies to ensuring the integrity of our nation's retirement pension system. Because we actively disseminate our findings and encourage employees to publish their work in professional journals, our studies figure prominently in almost every major review of social policy literature.
Visit our career opportunities page to browse the latest positions in public policy, health, data analytics, education research, and more.
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer
Join Us!
Mathematica Policy Research is a non-partisan firm dedicated to building an evidence base for the common good. And we’re equally dedicated to our employees. Because we are employee-owned, we’re in a unique position to help every member of our team grow professionally right along with our company. Social scientists, data scientists, economists, project managers, research programmers, researchers, and communications pros can all pursue fulfilling careers at Mathematica.
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