Research Associate, Race & Ethnicity

American Association for Public Opinion Research; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 81,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care

401(k) plan

Paid leave

Telework flexibility

Job summary

Pew Research Center is seeking a Research Associate to study race, ethnicity and immigration, translating complex topics into accessible survey questions and rigorous analysis. The role includes developing questionnaires, analyzing survey data, creating charts and communicating results to journalists, policymakers and the public.

The position requires strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple workflows in a fast-paced environment, reporting to the Associate Director of

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree preferred; degree or training in the social sciences, survey research, statistics, public policy, political science, psychology, demography or a related field is desirable.
• Training or experience in attitudinal or behavioral research related to racial and ethnic groups and/or immigration is required, specialty in U.S. Black population preferred.
• 5-10 years of research experience, including 3-6 years of specialized survey research and analysis experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in survey development, including writing and refining close-ended questionnaire items.
• Strong quantitative skills and experience analyzing survey data using statistical software such as R, SPSS, Stata or similar programs.
• Familiarity with a range of statistical techniques, including multivariate analysis, weighting, subgroup analysis or other methods commonly used in public opinion research.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Survey design and questionnaire development: Lead the development, refinement and execution of survey questionnaires, from initial concept through fielding, on topics related to race and ethnicity in the U.S. Translate complex concepts into clear, methodologically sound survey questions and identify relevant trend questions from past Center surveys and external sources.
• Data analysis and interpretation: Conduct rigorous analysis of survey datasets and, as needed, secondary data sources. 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.

Skills

Survey design

Data analysis

Writing & communication

Project management

Statistics software

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree

Tools

R

SPSS

Stata

Job description

Organization Overview

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

The Center is seeking a Research Associate to help study how Americans understand and experience issues related to race and ethnicity and/or immigration. We are looking for a seasoned survey researcher or pollster who is skilled at translating complex topics into accessible survey questions and rigorous analysis. The Research Associate will play a central role in developing questionnaires, analyzing survey and secondary data, identifying compelling findings, creating charts and tables, and helping communicate results to journalists, policymakers, researchers and the broader public. They will also bring strong project management skills, with a track record of managing complex workflows, working on multiple projects simultaneously, and keeping projects on track in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment. This position reports to the Associate Director of Race and Ethnicity Research.

Primary Responsibilities

• Survey design and questionnaire development: Lead the development, refinement and execution of survey questionnaires, from initial concept through fielding, on topics related to race and ethnicity in the U.S. Translate complex concepts into clear, methodologically sound survey questions and identify relevant trend questions from past Center surveys and external sources.


• Data analysis and interpretation: Conduct rigorous analysis of survey datasets and, as needed, secondary data sources. 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.

Education/Training/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree preferred; degree or training in the social sciences, survey research, statistics, public policy, political science, psychology, demography or a related field is desirable.


• Training or experience in attitudinal or behavioral research related to racial and ethnic groups and/or immigration is required, specialty in U.S. Black population preferred.


• 5-10 years of research experience, including 3-6 years of specialized survey research and analysis experience. Equivalent experience in an applied polling, public opinion, market research, nonprofit, media or policy research setting will be considered.


• Demonstrated expertise in survey development, including writing and refining close-ended questionnaire items and translating complex concepts into accessible measures.


• Strong quantitative skills and experience analyzing survey data using statistical software such as R, SPSS, Stata or similar programs.


• Familiarity with a range of statistical techniques, including multivariate analysis, weighting, subgroup analysis or other methods commonly used in public opinion research.


• 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.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements

• Strong background in creating and analyzing general-population surveys, with a solid understanding of questionnaire design, measurement, sampling and survey methodology.


• 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.

FLSA Status: Exempt

Compensation: The typical starting salary for this position is $95,370 annually.

Location: Pew Research Center staff are required to be present in the Center’s Washington, D.C., office three core days weekly (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday). Staff may work virtually from remote locations on other days in a typical work week.

Total Rewards

• 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.

EEO: Pew Research Center makes employment decisions without regard to age, sex, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, military/veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. We encourage applications from candidates who represent a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills.

Pew Research Center is a great place to work, learn and grow. Our culture is open, collegial, collaborative, supportive and down-to-earth. Our staff is made up of more than 180 smart, talented, mission-driven people who care deeply about the work they do. We hire people from a wide variety of backgrounds, including social science researchers, data scientists, survey methodologists, journalists, graphic artists, web developers, communications professionals, and administrative support and operations staff. In our work we value independence, objectivity, accuracy, rigor, humility, transparency, and innovation.

An extension of these values is our vision of a positive, welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration, openness, accountability, and community building – one where everyone can thrive and contribute to the mission.