Building Research that Works

Our Vision

The Urban Equity Institute is a social science think tank and research firm that solves the world's most pressing social issues through human ingenuity and iterative research. This begins with incisive inquiry, careful analysis, and creative critical thinking.

We mobilize critical humanities, policy research, social sciences, and urban studies to solve urgent public issues. Our work is 100% human-driven and human-centered. We publish diverse and open-ended social science scholarship to make knowledge deliver an impact. We partner with local groups to develop social impact solutions to address their most pressing challenges. We work in underserved areas and mobilize rigorous policy research to fulfill our mission. The Urban Equity Institute systematically addresses urgent and evolving social issues that challenge our world today.

UEI SCOPE: Cutting-Edge, Public Research

SCOPE is our open-access, peer-reviewed, and edited journal dedicated to publishing frontier scholarship. We review submissions within concrete departments of the academy as well as interdisciplinary work from scholars and students around the world, at all stages of their careers. Alongside external authors, our Research Analysts, Associates, and Columnists collaborate to produce in-depth reports and insightful commentary at SCOPE, from political theory and government to art history and anthropology.

The Urban Equity Institute believes that social research can transform how institutions deliver their services to the public. That's why we created UEI STUDIES— to acknowledge the transformative power of our research methodologies. We develop impact assessments, market surveys, and engagement studies for nonprofits, grantors, foundations, and other NGOs. Through STUDIES, we accelerate change and build long-term resilience in the social sector that goes beyond the research we create.

Our Values

We prioritize nuance and rigor over tenure

Nuance

The courage to propose new avenues of inquiry, to identify pressing social issues beyond the scope of current attention, and the willingness to act on that intuition and acumen.

Precision

The capacity to approach social issues with a surgical mind, to hone in on the most critical elements of a topic, and translate findings with clarity and accuracy.

Depth

The insistence to go beyond the surface level of an issue and develop narratives, stories, findings, and conclusions that lie at the very limits of—or beyond—existing scholarship and social research.

Rigor

The commitment to the highest standards of ethical social research and integrity to carry those standards throughout the entire research process, even after completion.

Impact

The belief that research can and must make an impact on the subjects that it explores, to change the world for the better, and to use the tools of research to make the greatest impact for the greatest number of people.

Accountability

The discipline to take responsibility for research outcomes, to be answerable not only to institutions and peers, but to the communities impacted by one's work, and—above all—a credo to do no harm.

Get Involved

Talent Opportunities at UEI

Project Areas

At UEI, we are always looking for talented students and scholars to get involved with our ongoing research projects. Many of our associates are working on the following topics:

Housing Justice and Economic Development in Washington, DC.
Identity Politics and Urban Placemaking in Washington, DC.
Spatial Politics and Urban Social Justice in New York City.
Immigration Governance and Social Infrastructure in New York City.
Climate Economics and Development.
Artificial Intelligence Regulation and Technology Policy.

Application Instructions

Prospective applicants should send a one- to two-page Resume/CV and Cover Letter (in PDF or Word format) to the link below detailing your experience and topic/research interests. Our team will review applications and respond for interviews throughout the next several weeks!

Please reference the descriptions of the different roles we hire for when writing/curating your application. Applicants will only be considered for one role at UEI and SCOPE. You are welcome to email any questions or concerns about the application process to applications@urbanequityinstitute.org.

Research Analysts

Analysts work throughout the year on a sustained project in one of the UEI’s focus areas in the social sciences (i.e. politics, history, urban affairs, economics, etc.). They publish content, articles, and long-form research manuscripts on their projects while seeking grant funding and support for their work throughout the year.

Research Associates

Associates—tiered at Research Associates I and II—do the same work that our Analysts do while supporting the ongoing mission of the UEI to cultivate talent in unique and urgent social science issue areas. They pilot research projects while collaborating with our Analysts to navigate grant funding timelines, development benchmarks, and the publication process. Unlike Analyst positions, these roles are usually partner-track.

Editorial Roles

Our editorial positions include senior editors and contributing editors who oversee the editorial process at SCOPE and contribute regular publications to the journal throughout the year. Senior editors work on editing the work of other Associates and Analysts while collaborating with new authors at SCOPE.

Contributing editors focus mainly on writing throughout the year on a topic of their choice while editing the work of our columnists and contributors throughout the year.

Columnists

Columnists contribute regular, short-form writing to SCOPE on a renewable basis throughout the year. They contribute content that aligns with our research projects in 800-1,200 word editorials published twice a month. Prospective columnists should have a good idea of the topic they wish to pursue before applying.

Apply