Research Assistant, Global Attitudes

Location: Washington, DC (Pew Research Center)

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 187.

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

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

Commitment to our mission: All employees are expected to support Pew Research Center’s nonpartisan, nonadvocacy mission and to approach their work with independence, objectivity and openness to different perspectives. This includes following organizational policies designed to protect the Center’s credibility and public trust.

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 and 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.