Research Assistant, Religion (International)
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 U.S. politics and policy views; media and journalism; internet and technology; religion and public life; Hispanic trends; global attitudes and U.S. social and demographic trends. Pew Research does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts. Pew Research Center’s work is carried out by a staff of 160.
Position Summary
Pew Research Center has an immediate need for a Research Assistant to support its growing portfolio of international survey research on religion and public life. The Research Assistant will be part of the Religion research team, which seeks to promote a deeper understanding of issues at the intersection of religion and public affairs in the U.S. and around the world through public opinion surveys, demographic studies and other social science research.
The Research Assistant supports all aspects of the religion team’s international survey research agenda. This position works closely with other researchers on staff and reports to the Associate Director for Research.
Primary Responsibilities
- Data cleaning, maintaining and reviewing internal files and databases
- Creating tables and charts in MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint
- Number checking, fact checking, proofing
- Compiling and analyzing data from other surveys and the census
- Assisting with questionnaire development
- Coordinate the translation and checking of questionnaires
- Performing background research
- Assisting with basic statistical analysis and research
Knowledge and Skill Requirements
- Quantitative skills, including an ability to use SPSS and other statistical programs to produce descriptive tables
- Background in best practices in questionnaire development, translation processes and testing
- Interest in international affairs, particularly in issues concerning religion and the intersection of religion and public life
- Strong verbal and written communications skills
- Ability to balance numerous projects simultaneously
- Attention to detail, including exacting standards to maintain accuracy and impartiality in all work products
- Editorial judgment and proven ability to communicate research results clearly and concisely in Pew’s style in both verbal and written form
- Ability to work collaboratively and collegially with other religion team members, as well as with staff from other Pew Research Center teams and outside organizations
- Ability to balance multiple projects and meet tight deadlines while ensuring accuracy in data management, fact checking and research
- Ability to communicate in another language is a strong plus
Education/Training/Experience
- B.A. degree is required, with concentration in political science, sociology, economics or related field
- Strong quantitative skills, background in data management and analysis preferred
- Experience with statistical software, such as SPSS and Stata
- Background in social science research preferred
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
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.