Temporary Research Associate- IRES

Chapman University Careers•Irvine, CA

About The Position

The Institute for the Study of Religion, Economics and Society (IRES) is hiring a Research Assistant. Duties include but are not limited to, identifying and evaluating potential resources for our Discovery Portal, adding new resources using our Religion Resource Editor, and the ability to accurately classify survey questions into measurement categories. This requires knowledge of datasets, religion, and the ability to sift through academic resources to accurately classify variables and datasets. IRES seeks a candidate who has excellent organizational skills, who is self-motivated, detail-oriented, and responsible.

Requirements

Subject-matter expertise in religion.
Experience analyzing complex religious studies databases and archival resources.
Experience conducting database assessment and classification projects.
Ability to develop analytical classifications, categorizations, and descriptive keywords.
Knowledge of research datasets, survey instruments, and codebooks.
Ability to identify gaps in existing scholarship and synthesize findings into recommendations.
Strong written communication skills, including the ability to prepare analytical assessments and memoranda.
Ability to exercise independent professional judgment; self-motivated, organized, detail-oriented, and responsible.
Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with team members.

Responsibilities

Reviews selected studies and records in the Database of Religious History, using professional judgment to determine which materials to review.
Assesses and categorizes the types of data represented in the database.
Identifies the religious concepts, traditions, and subject areas covered by the database.
Identifies how reviewed studies address gaps within specified religious concept areas.
Develops analytical classifications, categorizations, and descriptive keywords based on the database review.
Accurately classifies survey questions into measurement categories.
Identifies and evaluates potential resources for the Discovery Portal.
Adds new resources to the Discovery Portal using the Religion Resource Editor.
Prepares a summary of the religious concepts, traditions, and subject areas covered by the database.
Prepares written assessments identifying where reviewed studies address gaps in specified religious concept domains.
Prepares a final memorandum summarizing findings, classifications, and recommendations from the database assessment.
Meets with team members to review progress, priorities, and project direction.
Discusses classification questions, findings, and recommendations with team members.
Performs other related duties as assigned.