Research Assistant – Quantitative Analysis & Data Research

The New School; United States; Hybrid; USD 36,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

The New School in the United States invites applications for a Research Assistant to support a nonfiction book project led by Laura Lanteri. The role focuses on applying quantitative methods to explore patterns in culture, markets, and institutions, with emphasis on how behavior concentrates and is reinforced at scale.

The ideal candidate is a student or junior researcher with strong data skills, proficiency in Excel or Google Sheets, and experience with statistical tools such as R, Python, or

Qualifications

• Strong quantitative and analytical skills.
• Comfort working with large amounts of data.
• Experience with Excel or Google Sheets.
• Familiarity with statistical analysis tools such as R, Python, Stata, SPSS, or similar is a plus.
• Strong research skills and an ability to identify reliable primary sources.
• An understanding of basic research methodology and statistical interpretation.
• Excellent attention to detail, particularly around numbers, citations, and sourcing.
• Intellectual curiosity and an ability to investigate questions that do not always have obvious answers.
• An ability to work independently and communicate findings clearly.
• Experience with data visualization, academic research, econometrics, behavioral research, or large public datasets is particularly useful.

Responsibilities

• Conduct quantitative research across academic, government, industry, and other credible data sources
• Identify datasets, statistics, longitudinal studies, surveys, and market research relevant to specific questions or hypotheses
• Analyze and synthesize data to identify patterns, correlations, shifts, and outliers
• Build simple quantitative models and comparative analyses where useful
• Research historical and contemporary trends across consumer behavior, economics, technology, media, culture, and related fields
• Fact-check numerical claims and trace statistics back to their original sources
• Create clear tables, charts, and data summaries that can inform the book's arguments
• Maintain an organized research database with sources, citations, methodology, and supporting documentation
• Help distinguish between interesting correlations and findings that can actually support a rigorous argument
• Occasionally conduct targeted literature reviews around specific questions

Skills

Quantitative analysis

Data handling

Excel/Google Sheets

Statistical software knowledge

Independent work

Attention to detail

Communication of findings

Education

Student in economics, statistics, data science or related field

Tools

Excel

Google Sheets

R

Python

Stata

SPSS

Job description

Faculty Laura Lanteri is looking for a strong student or junior researcher to support the development of a nonfiction book currently in progress. The book examines patterns in contemporary behavior, culture, markets, and institutions, with a particular interest in how behaviors become concentrated, standardized, and reinforced at scale.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Conduct quantitative research across academic, government, industry, and other credible data sources
• Identify datasets, statistics, longitudinal studies, surveys, and market research relevant to specific questions or hypotheses
• Analyze and synthesize data to identify patterns, correlations, shifts, and outliers
• Build simple quantitative models and comparative analyses where useful
• Research historical and contemporary trends across consumer behavior, economics, technology, media, culture, and related fields
• Fact-check numerical claims and trace statistics back to their original sources
• Create clear tables, charts, and data summaries that can inform the book's arguments
• Maintain an organized research database with sources, citations, methodology, and supporting documentation
• Help distinguish between interesting correlations and findings that can actually support a rigorous argument
• Occasionally conduct targeted literature reviews around specific questions

Qualifications – Education, Experience, and Skills

This is ideal for a student in economics, statistics, data science, social science, public policy, business, sociology, psychology, or a related field who is interested in applying quantitative research to broader questions about contemporary culture and behavior.

Required

• Strong quantitative and analytical skills
• Comfort working with large amounts of data and research
• Experience with Excel or Google Sheets
• Familiarity with statistical analysis tools such as R, Python, Stata, SPSS, or similar is a plus
• Strong research skills and an ability to identify reliable primary sources
• An understanding of basic research methodology and statistical interpretation
• Excellent attention to detail, particularly around numbers, citations, and sourcing
• Intellectual curiosity and an ability to investigate questions that do not always have obvious answers
• An ability to work independently and communicate findings clearly
• Experience with data visualization, academic research, econometrics, behavioral research, or large public datasets is particularly useful

Work Mode

Hybrid/Remote - Employees hired for this position primarily work remotely with the occasional on-campus presence required with advanced notice. Employees in this role will also be expected to use their best judgment to be on campus when necessary in order to best fulfill the responsibilities of their job descriptions.

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Hourly Rate: $31.37/hour

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, marital or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

The New School recognizes and values the benefits of a diverse workforce. This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between SENS-UAW, Local 7902 and the University.

Responsibilities: The Research Assistant will conduct quantitative research, identify datasets, statistics, longitudinal studies, surveys, and market research relevant to specific questions or hypotheses, analyze and synthesize data, among other responsibilities.

Since our founding in 1919, The New School has redrawn and redefined the boundaries of intellectual and creative thought as a preeminent academic center. At our university, students have the academic freedom to shape their unique, individual paths for a complex and rapidly changing world. As a New School employee, you will be a part of the university’s mission to prepare and inspire students to bring about positive change in the world.

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, marital or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. The New School recognizes and values the benefits of a diverse workforce.