Organization Overview
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 habits and media; internet and technology; religion; race and ethnicity; international affairs; social, demographic and economic trends; science; research methodology and data science; and immigration and migration. 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 175.
Position Overview
Pew Research Center has an immediate need for a Research Assistant to support its global research agenda. The Research Assistant will be part of the Global Attitudes research team, which conducts worldwide public opinion surveys on major international issues such as attitudes toward the U.S. and American foreign policy, views of China, global economic attitudes, multilateralism, and democracy, as well as how people view conditions in their countries and their own lives. Ideal candidates will have a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in political science, economics, international affairs, statistics, or a similar field of social science. This position will report to the Associate Director of Global Attitudes research.
Primary Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities for the Research Assistant will be fact-checking and proof-reading, chart making, and performing research and written analysis as required.
- Number checking/fact-checking/proofing
- Making charts and tables for publication
- Assisting in the creation of PowerPoint presentations
- Assisting in topline production and demographic crosstabs
- Assisting in locating and organizing other relevant international polling for questionnaire development, reports, and blog posts
- Assisting in writing survey questions and idea generation for research projects
- Performing background research on issues and countries
- Assisting with statistical analyses and research
- Reviewing and evaluating datasets
- Quality control of survey scripts and design
- Writing and analysis of survey findings for publication
Knowledge And Skill Requirements
- Proven facility with Word, Excel and PowerPoint
- Knowledge of SPSS, R or Stata
- Knowledge of how to display data in easy-to-understand ways in tables and charts in both Excel and Word
- Ability to synthesize materials for senior staff
- Attention to detail, including exacting standards to maintain accuracy in all work products
- Ability to balance multiple projects and meet tight deadlines
- Strong quantitative skills
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Knowledge of and interest in international affairs
- Ability to work collaboratively and collegially with others.
- Ability to balance multiple tasks and meet tight deadlines while ensuring accuracy in data management, fact checking and research.
- While not required, candidates with specialized knowledge in statistical programs, computational social science or other data skills are highly encouraged to apply.
- B.A. degree is required with a concentration in the social sciences, such as political science, economics or similar field
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
The typical starting salary for this position is $59,900
Location
Pew Research Center staff are required to be present in the Center’s Washington, D.C., office two core days weekly (Tuesday, Wednesday). 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 up to 60% 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.
