Research Assistant, Science & Society

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; news and information; internet and technology; science and society; religion and public life; global attitudes; race and ethnicity; 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 180.

Position Summary

Pew Research Center has an immediate need for a Research Assistant to support its portfolio of work related to the role of science in society. The successful candidate will be part of a team that studies attitudes about the impact of scientific research and innovation on society and how those views tie to behaviors. The research spans a wide range of science issues that raise important policy and ethical debates. Some examples of research topics include trust in science, views on childhood vaccines, climate change and energy issues, and emerging issues related to the uses of artificial intelligence and biotechnology.

The Research Assistant will be part of our Science & Society team and supports all aspects of the research. Responsibilities include fact-checking, proof-reading and background research to support the design and data collection of new research projects, quantitative data analysis, producing charts and tables, writing and editing research reports. This position works closely with other researchers on staff and reports to the Associate Director, Science and Society Research.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Helping design survey questions

• Conducting background research and trend analysis

• Fact-checking and proof-reading

• Supporting data management

• Creating tables and charts in MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint

• Quantitative analysis of survey data

• Coding responses to open-end questions

• Assisting with writing research reports and blog posts

• Contributing to responses to external requests for information

Knowledge and Skills Requirements:

• Quantitative data analysis skills, preferably including an ability to use R, SPSS, Stata or other statistical programs

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

• Detail-oriented, with an ability to maintain accuracy and impartiality in all work products

• Ability to work well in a team setting

• Ability to balance numerous tasks simultaneously and to meet tight deadlines

• Interest in and familiarity with public opinion surveys conducted in the U.S. and cross-nationally is a strong plus

Education/Training/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in social science, statistics, or a related field, with coursework in or experience with data analysis

• Experience with MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint

• Experience with R, SPSS, Stata or other statistical software

• Familiarity with one or more scientific fields is a plus

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Compensation: The typical starting salary for this position is $59,900 annually.

Hybrid Work Schedule: Pew Research Center staff are required to be present in the Center’s Washington, D.C., office three core days weekly (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday).  Staff may work virtually from remote locations on other days in a typical work week.

Application procedure

Click on the Apply button, and complete required fields. Both cover letter and resume are required.

When requested, please upload a copy of your resume/cv, as well as a copy of your cover letter in the section labeled Resume/Cover Letter. If the documents have successfully uploaded, you should see 2 attached files beneath the “Drop files here” box. Please make sure you have uploaded a resume AND a cover letter before moving on to the next page.

Total Rewards

In addition to competitive pay, Pew Research Center’s employees enjoy a robust total rewards package that includes:

• Affordable, comprehensive health care that includes medical, dental (including adult orthodontia) and vision benefits.

• Generous paid annual leave plan, including a winter break between Dec. 25 and Jan. 1

• Employer-paid disability, life insurance and paid family leave plans

• Up to a 12% employer 401(k) contribution, with vesting at the end of the first year.

• A 37.5-hour workweek.

• Health savings or flexible spending account options with employer funding component.

• Flexibility to telework a portion of each week, with an additional four telework “flex weeks” each year for most staff.

EEO:

Pew Research Center makes employment decisions without regard to age, sex, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, military/veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. We encourage applications from candidates who represent a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills.