Research Associate (Demography), 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.

Pew Research Center is seeking a Research Associate for our Religion & Public Life Project.

Department Overview

The Research Associate 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 Associate supports all aspects of the Religion Project’s research in the area of religion and demography. The Research Associate performs demographic analysis of data from surveys, censuses, and other sources, and drafts reports summarizing research findings. The Research Associate is also responsible for helping to manage projects and field requests for information from the press, government officials and other target audiences. This position works closely with other researchers on staff and reports to the Religion Project Demographer.

Primary Responsibilities

Data Analysis and Research Design (60%)

• Conduct demographic analyses of survey and census data, such as estimating fertility rates by religion
• Use available data and knowledge of religious movements to update estimates of the size and demographic characteristics of religious groups in each country
• Produce cohort-component population projections, ideally using multistate techniques
• Create customized tables and write programs to extract data from the Religion Project’s database
• Compile and analyze data comparing results over time and across countries
• Develop research designs that are appropriate to project goals
• Stay abreast of research related to the demography of religion

Writing and Communication (30%)

• Write in-depth analyses for research reports
• Respond to external requests for information
• Present research findings at academic conferences and to other Religion Project audiences

Project Planning and Management (10%)

• Allocate resources and staff time to best meet project objectives
• Map out steps in projects
• Set and adhere to deadlines and deliverables
• Keep colleagues and senior staff informed

Education/Training/Experience

• Social science Ph.D. with a concentration in demography is strongly preferred
• Proven experience in undertaking research involving demographic data analysis, including using Stata, R, Excel and other software
• Training or experience in studying religion from a social scientific framework
• Experience in helping manage research projects, including working collaboratively with other researchers, is highly desirable

Knowledge and Skill Requirements

• Strong demographic quantitative skills, including the ability to apply a range of demographic techniques and tools including cohort-component population projections
• Ability to readily analyze large datasets, including facility using syntax commands to carefully document analysis using log files
• Familiarity with international demographic data sources (e.g., censuses and demographic surveys) as well as data on religious demographics
• Strong data management skills using Stata/R/Tableau/Excel to reshape and restructure data
• Editorial judgment and strong verbal and written communications skills
• Ability to balance numerous projects simultaneously
• Attention to detail, including exacting standards to maintain accuracy and impartiality in all work products
• Demonstrated skills assisting with project development and management
• Ability to work collaboratively and collegially with staff from the Religion Project, as well as with staff from other Pew Research Center projects and outside organizations
• Ability to balance multiple projects and meet tight deadlines while ensuring accuracy in data management, fact checking and research
• Ability to take a leadership role in helping manage the work of colleagues and train staff when needed

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.