Research Associate, Politics

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 about 130.

Project Overview

Pew Research Center is seeking a Research Associate with the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press, a project of the center that studies American attitudes toward politics, the press and public policy issues. The project conducts regular polls on politics and major policy issues in the United States. In addition, the Center periodically fields major surveys on the news media and social issues. We will consider applicants with various levels of experience.

Position Summary

The Research Associate will be involved in all aspects of the survey research process. The Research Associate assists in the design and drafting of poll questionnaires, creates top lines and tables for survey reports, performs statistical analysis, and helps to write and review survey reports. He or she also would be responsible for helping to manage projects and field requests for information from the press, government officials and other target audiences. This position in particular involves substantial knowledge and skill in statistics, survey and other methodologies and data analysis.

Candidates with more extensive experience or exceptionally strong qualifications may be considered for appointment at the senior researcher level. Job responsibilities at the senior researcher level will involve more project design and management.

Because of the variable nature of research, very few of the Center’s data collection and analysis processes are automated. As a result, individual oversight and judgment are critical. The Research Associate will work integrally within a broader research team to ensure that questionnaires are designed and developed effectively, that data management and coding is carried out without errors, and that data analysis and reports meet the highest standards of accuracy and impartiality.

A typical project cycle – from initial questionnaire development to final report distribution – can be as long as six months or as short as three weeks. Research Associates must be able to fulfill their primary responsibilities while meeting tight deadlines and balancing multiple accountabilities. The small size of our organization, collaborative work environment, and relatively “flat” hierarchy  mean that Research Associates often work directly with the Center’s Directors and Associate Directors on targeted research, communications or organizational projects, in addition to contributing to the broader research projects that make up the bulk of the Center’s activities.

Primary Responsibilities

Data Analysis (35%)

• Conduct advanced analyses of survey datasets
• Prepare toplines
• Prepare tables and charts

Survey Design and Questionnaire Development (35%)

• Develop main research questions
• Compile and analyze trend data
• Draft questionnaires

Writing and Communication (20%)

• Write in-depth analyses for research reports
• Respond to external requests for information
• Present research findings to the center’s 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

• Ph.D. in Political Science, Sociology or related field; M.A. or B.A./B.S. with comparable level of applied survey research experience and training
• Proven experience in undertaking research involving data analysis, including using SPSS, Excel and other software
• Training or experience in studying politics from a social scientific framework
• Familiarity and experience with a range of statistical techniques, including multiple regression analysis
• Experience in helping manage research projects, including working collaboratively with other researchers, is highly desirable

Knowledge and Skill Requirements

• Strong quantitative skills, including an ability to use SPSS and other statistical programs to organize and analyze large amounts of 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 Center for the People & the Press, 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
• While not required, candidates with experience using other data sources for analysis (for example, voter files, government data sources, organic data) or experience working with panel data should highlight that in their application

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.