Jobs

Research Associate, Global

Department Overview

Pew Research Center’s Global Attitudes team conducts cross-national survey research on major international issues such as attitudes toward the U.S. and American foreign policy, views of China, democracy, religious practice and attitudes, as well as how people view conditions in their countries and their own lives. The bulk of the team’s work focuses on one large annual survey (25+ countries) but periodically the team also employs secondary data, qualitative data and experimental data.

Position Summary

The Pew Research Center’s Global Attitudes team has an immediate need for a Research Associate. This position will be involved in all aspects of the survey research process, including: drafting a questionnaire, script testing, managing a cross-national translation and verification process, data quality control, vendor relations, reviewing fieldwork and technical reports, and more. Ideally, a Research Associate will gradually be able to not only participate in but manage these tasks.

A Research Associate will also be involved in analysis and writing reports and other products. Reports on the Global Attitudes team are highly collaborative and a Research Associate will be expected to assist in background research, producing charts and tables, statistical analysis, and number checking, in addition to writing. The Research Associate may serve as a spokesperson for the Global Attitudes team and will discuss our research with key audiences such as the media and policymakers.

This position works closely with other researchers on staff and reports to the Associate Director of Global Attitudes Research.

Primary Responsibilities

The position is cyclical in nature. During certain months of the year, the bulk of one’s time will be spent on project management, data quality control and tasks related to survey administration. In other months, the bulk of one’s time will be focused on reporting, including data analysis, number checking and writing. The percentages below are guidelines based on a full calendar year. A successful candidate will be one who can map out project plans, set and adhere to deadlines and deliverables, and keep colleagues and senior staff informed across these myriad tasks.

Survey design and quality control (40%)

• Help draft project proposals
• Questionnaire background research
• Draft survey questions
• Check scripts
• Check and verify translations
• Assess sampling performance and data quality
• Communicate with vendors
• Prepare datasets for public release

Writing and Communication (35%)

• Write research reports
• Respond to external requests for information
• Serve as a spokesperson for the Center and disseminate findings to external audiences
• Fact-check and number-check reports

Data analysis (25%)

• Conduct analysis of survey and non-survey data, including multivariate analysis and multilevel modeling
• Prepare toplines, cross-tabulations and other data summaries
• Prepare tables and charts
• Explore new techniques for examining data, such as ways to use “big data” and other secondary source data that can be used in tandem with survey findings

Knowledge and Skill Requirements

• Quantitative skills, including an ability to use SPSS, Stata, R or other statistical programs to organize and analyze large amounts of data
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong analytical and research skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects at the same time
• Attention to detail, including exacting standards to maintain accuracy and impartiality of all work products
• Editorial judgment and proven ability to communicate research results clearly and concisely in both verbal and written form
• Skilled in project development and management
• Ability to work collaboratively and collegially with staff from across Pew Research Center and outside organizations
• Ability to lead research teams
• Experience conducting surveys and working with survey vendors – especially in non-U.S. contexts – is a plus
• Experience working with “big data” and/or secondary source data a plus
• Knowledge of and interest in international affairs is preferred

Education/Training/Experience

• BA required, advanced degree preferred.  5-9 years of research experience, with at least 2 years of specialized research and analysis experience expected.  Often includes significant graduate training at the PhD level or equivalent experience in an applied setting.  Level depends on experience/skills.
• Proven experience with quantitative analysis
• Familiarity and experience with a range of statistical techniques, including logistic and multiple regression
• Proven ability to conduct rigorous data analysis, including substantial experience with SPSS, Stata, R, or similar software
• Familiarity with data collection in non-U.S. settings is highly desirable

FLSA Status: Exempt

This position typically starts at $93,000 per year.

Location

Pew Research Center staff may work virtually from remote locations up to four days in a standard work week. Staff are required to be present in the Center’s Washington, D.C., office on at least one of two core days weekly (Tues., Wed.) and one Thursday a month for an all-staff day.

Job posted: 2023-05-10