Research Associate, Science

Pew Research Center; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 85,833 - 104,907; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care

Paid annual leave

401(k) employer contribution

Telework flexibility

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Pew Research Center is seeking a Research Associate on the Science and Society team to study how the public understands and experiences science innovations and issues at the center of societal discussion, including trust in science, AI, vaccines, and the STEM workforce.

You will lead development, refinement, and execution of survey questionnaires, analyze data, create charts, and communicate findings to policymakers, journalists, researchers, and the public.

Qualifications

• BA required, advanced degree preferred in social sciences such as sociology, political science, or related field.
• 5–9 years of research experience, with at least 3–5 years of specialized survey research and analysis experience.
• Demonstrated expertise with survey development, including question writing.
• Proven ability to conduct rigorous data analysis, including substantial experience with statistical software, preferably R.
• Familiarity with a range of statistical techniques, including multiple regression analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, refinement, and execution of survey questionnaires, from initial concept through fielding.
• Identify and collate trend questions from external sources and past Center surveys.
• Conduct advanced analyses of survey datasets and secondary data sources.
• Interpret data, home in on key findings and patterns, and identify compelling stories emerging from the data.
• Create clear, accessible charts and tables.
• Write research reports and blog posts that distil complex findings for a general audience.
• Fact‑check and number‑check all research products.
• Respond to external and internal requests for information.
• Contribute to creating digital content featuring research findings.
• Present research findings to external audiences.
• Map out and manage project plans, timelines, and end‑to‑end workflows, ensuring projects stay on track and on time.
• Coordinate multiple workstreams across research, communications, and other functions.
• Proactively communicate with colleagues to keep them apprised of project status, key decisions, emerging roadblocks, and timelines.
• Maintain strong knowledge management systems, ensuring project and team documentation is organized, accessible, and up to date.
• Coordinate with outside vendors, including overseeing development of contracts, as needed.

Skills

Survey development

Data analysis

Question writing

Statistical software (R)

Project management

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

SPSS

R

Job description

As a Research Associate on the Science and Society team, you will study how the public understands and experiences science innovations and issues at the center of societal discussion and debate, such as trust in science, artificial intelligence, vaccines, and the STEM workforce.

We’re looking for a seasoned pollster skilled at translating complex concepts into smart, accessible surveys. You understand the craft of developing methodologically sound survey questions and are energized by digging into data and finding compelling stories. You will play a central role in developing questionnaires, analyzing data, creating charts and tables, and communicating findings to policymakers, journalists, researchers, and the broader public.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead development, refinement, and execution of survey questionnaires, from initial concept through fielding
• Identify and collate trend questions from external sources and past Center surveys
• Conduct advanced analyses of survey datasets and secondary data sources
• Interpret data, home in on key findings and patterns, and identify compelling stories emerging from the data
• Create clear, accessible charts and tables
• Write research reports and blog posts that distil complex findings for a general audience
• Fact‑check and number‑check all research products
• Respond to external and internal requests for information
• Contribute to creating digital content featuring research findings
• Present research findings to external audiences
• Map out and manage project plans, timelines, and end‑to‑end workflows, ensuring projects stay on track and on time
• Coordinate multiple workstreams across research, communications, and other functions
• Proactively communicate with colleagues to keep them apprised of project status, key decisions, emerging roadblocks, and timelines
• Maintain strong knowledge management systems, ensuring project and team documentation is organized, accessible, and up to date
• Coordinate with outside vendors, including overseeing development of contracts, as needed

Education, Training, and Experience

• BA required, advanced degree preferred in social sciences such as sociology, political science, or related field
• 5–9 years of research experience, with at least 3–5 years of specialized survey research and analysis experience
• Demonstrated expertise with survey development, including question writing
• Proven ability to conduct rigorous data analysis, including substantial experience with statistical software, preferably R
• Familiarity with a range of statistical techniques, including multiple regression analysis
• Training or experience in attitudinal, behavioral or demographic research related to social, economic or political change
• Experience managing complex research projects, including collaboration across functions

Knowledge and Skill Requirements

• Strong background in creating and analyzing general‑population surveys
• Excellent quantitative skills, including ability to use SPSS and other statistical programs to analyze large datasets
• Attention to detail and high standards for accuracy and impartiality
• Editorial judgment and ability to communicate research results clearly and concisely for general audiences
• Exceptionally strong project management skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with team members and staff from other research teams and functions
• Ability to balance multiple projects and meet tight deadlines while ensuring accuracy in data management, fact‑checking, and research

Compensation and Benefits

• Typical starting salary: $95,370 annually
• Comprehensive health care, including medical, dental 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, vesting at the end of the first year
• Health savings or flexible spending account options with employer funding component
• Flexibility to telework a portion of each week, with an additional four telework flexibility weeks each year for most staff
• 37.5‑hour workweek
• Hybrid work model: staff expected to work in the office at least 3 days per week and may work from home up to 2 days per week

Location

This position is based in Washington, DC.

FLSA Status

Exempt

EEO Statement

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.