Research Assistant, Internet and Technology
Organization Summary
Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping America and the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research in the areas of race and ethnicity; U.S. politics and policy views; media and journalism; internet and technology; science and society; religion and public life; global attitudes and U.S. social and demographic trends. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts. The Center’s work is carried out by a staff of about 170.
Position Summary
Pew Research Center has an immediate need for a Research Assistant to support its research about the social impact of the internet and technology. This research unit produces reports exploring the impact of the internet and technology on individuals, families, communities, work and home, daily life, civic and political activities and the future of digital life. Key topics include: technology use, social networking and social media, mobile connectivity, and digitally-relevant policy issues such as privacy, cybersecurity, online harassment, the rise of artificial intelligence. In this position, the Center is particularly interested in candidates who are immersed in digital life, understanding the emergent social and political activities that occur on social media and in other text- and voice-based interfaces. This position will work primarily with surveys and survey data and creating reports from that material. In addition, candidates who are familiar with other methodologies, such as data science analytics, will be especially valued.
The Research Assistant supports all aspects of the team’s survey research agenda. In addition, the Research Assistant helps in creating top lines and tables for survey reports, performing statistical analysis, and helping to write and review survey reports. This position works closely with other researchers on staff and reports to the Associate Director for Research.
Primary Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities for the Research Assistant will be fact-checking and proof-reading, organizing relevant polling data, and performing research and analysis as required.
- Number checking, fact-checking, proofing
- Assisting in the creation of spreadsheets for analysis and tables and charts for reports
- Assisting in topline production and simple crosstabs
- Assisting in locating and organizing other relevant polling for questionnaire development, reports, and commentaries
- Assisting with basic statistical analyses and research
- Performing background research on internet and technology
Knowledge and Skill Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree is required with a concentration in the social sciences, such as political science, sociology, economics or similar field preferred.
- Basic knowledge of MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint
- Basic knowledge of statistical software such as SPSS or Stata
- Attention to detail, including exacting standards to maintain accuracy in all work products
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Knowledge of and interest in Internet and Technology
- Some familiarity with computational social science is a strong plus
- Strong quantitative skills
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Location:
- This position will, temporarily, be fully remote and will require a functioning Internet connection. Equipment to complete the work will be mailed to candidates and will need to be returned at the end of the position. At a later date, TBD, this position will be required to return/relocate to our office in Washington, D.C.
- Although this position will work remotely, Pew Research Center can only employ candidates in the following states- California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Connecticut, Georgia, Idaho, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Wisconsin.
Application Procedure:
Applicant should use the link above to apply online. Please include a resume and cover letter indicating where you learned of the opening.
Pew Research Center is an equal opportunity employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Pew considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to age, sex, ethnicity, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, military/veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.