Research Associate, 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 or Senior Researcher for our Religion & Public Life Project.  We will consider applicants with various levels of experience.  Applicants can review the Senior Researcher posting here.

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 survey research agenda. 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. 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 Associate Director of Religion Research.

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 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

• Ph.D. in Sociology, Political Science or related field strongly preferred
• Proven experience in undertaking research involving data analysis, including using SPSS, Excel and other software
• Training or experience in studying religion 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 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.