Research Associate, U.S. Demography, Race & Ethnicity

The Pew Charitable Trusts • Washington, DC

34d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Pew Research Center is seeking a Research Associate with expertise in U.S. demography and immigration to study the nation’s changing population, with particular attention to immigration and race and ethnicity. The Research Associate will play a central role in our team’s demographic research, particularly on immigration, analyzing both secondary data and Center surveys, identifying compelling findings, and communicating results to journalists, policymakers, researchers, and the broader public. The position requires strong project management skills, with a track record of managing complex workflows, working on multiple projects simultaneously, and keeping projects on track in a fast-paced, detail-oriented 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 with a strong preference for demography, population studies, sociology, behavioral economics, or related field.
• Training or experience in demographic research related to U.S. immigration is required, with preferred experience also in race/ethnicity.
• Demonstrated experience working with major U.S. demographic data sources, such as the decennial census, American Community Survey, Current Population Survey, IPUMS.
• Experience applying demographic methods to the study of population change, including immigration and migration; experience with population estimation and projections, cohort analysis, especially migration measurement, trend analysis, and data harmonization across years and sources; using statistical software such as STATA, R, SAS, SPSS, or others.
• 5-10 years of research experience, including 3-6 years of specialized secondary data research and analysis experience. Equivalent experience in an applied research setting will be considered.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with the U.S. federal statistical system, including standards and coming changes, preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop research questions: Identify important and timely research questions on U.S. demographics, particularly on immigration and race/ethnicity.
• Data analysis and interpretation: Conduct rigorous analysis of major U.S. demographic datasets, including the decennial census, American Community Survey, Current Population Survey, IPUMS, other secondary data sources, and Center survey data. Interpret data, identify key patterns and findings, and help determine the most compelling stories emerging from the research.
• Writing and communication: 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.
• Quality control: 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.
• Project management: 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.
• External engagement: 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.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

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