Research Associate Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree preferred; degree or training in degree 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.
• Familiarity with the U.S. federal statistical system, including standards and coming changes, preferred.
• 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.
• 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

• 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.