Research Associate, Race & Ethnicity

The Pew Charitable Trusts • Washington, DC

9d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Pew Research Center is seeking a Research Associate to study how Americans understand and experience issues related to race and ethnicity and/or immigration. This role requires a seasoned survey researcher or pollster skilled in translating complex topics into accessible survey questions and rigorous analysis. The Research Associate will be instrumental in developing questionnaires, analyzing survey and secondary data, identifying compelling findings, creating charts and tables, and communicating results to various audiences. Strong project management skills are essential for managing complex workflows and multiple projects in a fast-paced environment. This position reports to the Associate Director of Race and Ethnicity Research.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree preferred; degree or training in the social sciences, survey research, statistics, public policy, political science, psychology, demography or a related field is desirable.
• Training or experience in attitudinal or behavioral research related to racial and ethnic groups and/or immigration is required, specialty in U.S. Black population preferred.
• 5-10 years of research experience, including 3-6 years of specialized survey research and analysis experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in survey development, including writing and refining close-ended questionnaire items and translating complex concepts into accessible measures.
• Strong quantitative skills and experience analyzing survey data using statistical software such as R, SPSS, Stata or similar programs.
• Familiarity with a range of statistical techniques, including multivariate analysis, weighting, subgroup analysis or other methods commonly used in public opinion research.
• Experience managing complex research projects and collaborating with colleagues across research, communications and other functions.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and general office computer skills required.
• Strong background in creating and analyzing general-population surveys, with a solid understanding of questionnaire design, measurement, sampling and survey methodology.
• Excellent quantitative skills, including the ability to organize, analyze and interpret large survey datasets with accuracy and care.
• Editorial judgment and proven ability to communicate research results clearly and concisely for general audiences, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to identify compelling findings and patterns in data without overstating results or compromising impartiality.
• Exceptional attention to detail, including exacting standards for data management, fact checking, number checking and accuracy in all work products.
• Demonstrated strong project management skills, including the ability to balance multiple projects, manage timelines and keep complex workflows on track.
• Ability to work collaboratively and collegially with team members and with staff from other Pew Research Center research teams and functions.
• Experience synthesizing complex topics and presenting findings to diverse audiences, including journalists, researchers, policymakers and the broader public.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree preferred
• Specialty in U.S. Black population preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, refinement and execution of survey questionnaires, from initial concept through fielding, on topics related to race and ethnicity in the U.S.
• Translate complex concepts into clear, methodologically sound survey questions and identify relevant trend questions from past Center surveys and external sources.
• Conduct rigorous analysis of survey datasets and, as needed, secondary data sources.
• Interpret data, identify key patterns and findings, and help determine the most compelling stories emerging from the research.
• Write and prepare materials for reports, blog posts, presentations and other research products, including tables, charts and other graphics.
• Distill complex findings for general audiences while exercising sound editorial judgment in line with the Center’s style, voice and commitment to nonpartisanship and non-advocacy.
• Fact-check and number-check research products, ensuring all data, analysis and written materials meet Pew Research Center’s standards for accuracy, clarity and impartiality.
• Map out and manage project plans, timelines and workflows, coordinating multiple workstreams across research, communications and other functions.
• Proactively communicate project status, key decisions, emerging roadblocks and timelines.
• Respond to internal and external requests for information, contribute to digital content featuring research findings, and present or discuss findings with external audiences as appropriate.

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: Mid Level