Research Coordinator, Penn Program on Opinion Research and Election Studies

University of Pennsylvania

8d•$44,500 - $45,000

About The Position

The research team of Dr. Daniel Hopkins is hiring a full-time research specialist to serve as a data analyst and project manager for ongoing research projects. This individual will collaborate closely with Dr. Hopkins and staff members of the Penn Program on Opinion Research and Election Studies (PORES) to help run aspects of on-going research projects. Responsibilities will include (but are not limited to) data coding and analysis, web scraping, survey data collection, conducting pilot interviews and exit polls, subject recruitment, reviewing relevant political and social science research, manuscript preparation, and preparing presentations about the research. This position is a one-year appointment, with the option of extending the appointment for an additional year contingent upon funding. The University of Pennsylvania’s Department of Political Science and Professor Daniel Hopkins are seeking a highly skilled and motivated individual to work as a full-time research coordinator beginning in the fall of 2026. This individual will support ongoing research projects about American elections being conducted in the research lab of Dr. Daniel Hopkins. This is an excellent position for those who are seeking to be exposed to a vibrant research environment, in preparation of a graduate degree or a research career in the public or private sector. The research assistant will help out with many elements of the lab’s research activity. Responsibilities will include (but are not limited to) survey data collection, using LLMs to design experimental treatments, conducting pilot interviews and exit polls, literature reviews, subject recruitment, data coding and analysis, manuscript preparation and preparing presentations about the research.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and 1 to 2 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
Proficiency in R, or other equivalent statistical software (e.g. STATA, SPSS, etc.)
Proficiency in Python, HTML, or other programming languages; web programming
Basic experience working with LLMs for research tasks or willingness to learn
Excellent writing and communication skills.
Flexible and independent thinking, self-organizing, and the ability to self-motivate.
Strong interpersonal skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience writing survey research questionnaires a plus.

Responsibilities

data coding and analysis
web scraping
survey data collection
conducting pilot interviews and exit polls
subject recruitment
reviewing relevant political and social science research
manuscript preparation
preparing presentations about the research
using LLMs to design experimental treatments
literature reviews

Benefits

Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.
Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.
In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.
Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.
Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.
As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.
From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.
Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.
Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.
Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.