Research Assistant, Religion

Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping America and the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research in the areas of U.S. politics and policy views; media and journalism; internet and technology; religion and public life; Hispanic trends; global attitudes and U.S. social and demographic trends. Pew Research does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts. Pew Research Center’s work is carried out by a staff of 130.

Department Overview

The research assistant is a position within the Pew Research Center’s Religion & Public Life Project, which seeks to promote a deeper understanding of issues at the intersection of religion and public affairs. The Religion & Public Life Project conducts surveys, demographic analyses and other social science research on important aspects of religion and public life in the U.S. and around the world. It also provides a neutral venue for discussions of timely issues through roundtables and briefings.

Position Summary

The research assistant provides research and administrative support to Religion Project research staff, including data analysis, fact checking and number checking.  This position reports to the Associate Director, and works closely with other researchers on staff.

Primary Responsibilities

Research Tasks (80%)

• Assist senior researchers by performing long-term and quick-turnaround research assignments, including searching and summarizing polling data, number checking survey toplines, fact checking publications, finding and summarizing existing research, and finding particular facts and documents
• Under the direction of senior researchers, analyze survey and/or demographic data, create charts and tables, create “shells” for toplines
• Track developments and trends in relevant issue areas; help research articles for the Pew Research Center’s FactTank blog
• Help maintain Religion Project files and calendar of upcoming dates in the news, anniversaries, elections, events, etc., related to the Religion Project’s work on domestic and international issues
• Help create content for Religion Project’s website, pewforum.org

Support to Research Staff (20%)

• Search for, track and photocopy articles, reports, etc.
• Assist senior researchers by creating and editing PowerPoint and other presentations
• Help maintain research project files
• Help maintain the Religion Project’s contact database by identifying experts, scholars and public policy authorities in relevant issue areas
• Help with event planning and logistics, as necessary

Education/Training/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Prior work experience in administration, public policy research, and/or sociology of religion a plus.  Familiarity or experience with survey research a plus.
• Excellent computer skills, including SPSS, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and database programs required.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements

• Great attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong written, verbal and communication skills
• Excellent internet search skills
• Must be proactive and able to anticipate needs
• Must be able to manage multiple priorities and projects
• Must be very results-oriented
• Must work well in a high-paced, team-oriented professional environment
• Must interact well with senior officials

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Application Procedure

Applicant should send a résumé, cover letter (indicating where you learned of the opening) with salary expectations to careers@pewresearch.org.  Responses can also be mailed to:

Human Resources Department
Pew Research Center
1615 L Street, NW Suite 700
Washington, DC  20036

We are an equal opportunity employer.