Research Assistant, Science & Society

The Pew Charitable Trusts • Washington, DC

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

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.

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
• 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

Nice To Haves

• Interest in and familiarity with public opinion surveys conducted in the U.S. and cross-nationally is a strong plus
• Familiarity with one or more scientific fields is a plus

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

Benefits

• 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.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level