Research Associate, Economist, Social & Demographic Trends

Department Overview

Pew Research Center’s Social Trends team studies how social and demographic change affects the way Americans view and experience work and family life, with a particular focus on differences by gender, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic class. The team explores these topics by combining original public opinion survey research with social, economic and demographic analysis. The Social Trends team also works closely with other teams at the Center on research about Americans’ attitudes about race.

Position Summary

The research associate will be primarily focused on the role of AI in the workplace. The research associate will also contribute to research on key economic trends that are shaping American life and play a role in other aspects of research related to social and demographic change. This includes idea generation, assisting in the design and analysis of research and helping to write and review reports. The Research Associate is also responsible for helping to manage projects and field requests for information from the press, government officials, and other target audiences.  This position requires substantial knowledge and skill in economics, statistics, data analysis, and project management. Familiarity with major government surveys and other key administrative data sources that touch on the labor market, income and wealth is essential. Some knowledge of public opinion surveys is a plus.

The Research Associate will work integrally within a broader research team to ensure that data management and coding are carried out without errors and that data analysis and reports meet the highest standards of accuracy and impartiality. The Research Associate will also conduct background research, write research reports, produce charts and tables and fact-check research products. This position works closely with other researchers on staff and reports to the Associate Director for Research.

This is a term-limited position expected to extend 3 years.

Primary Responsibilities

Data Analysis and Research Design (40%)

• Conduct advanced analyses of large, complex government surveys and other datasets

• Help identify important timely research topics and develop research questions within the area of AI in the workplace and key economic trends for a general audience

• Develop research designs that are appropriate to project goals

• Analyze and assess key findings

• Prepare tables and charts

• Stay abreast of research related to AI in the workplace and key economic trends that are shaping American life

Writing and Communication (30%)

• Write research reports and blog posts that distill complex findings for a general audience

• Respond to external and internal requests for information

• Present research findings to external audiences, including media

Quality Control (20%)

• Present research findings to external audiences, including media

Project Planning and Management (10%)

• Map out project plans

• Allocate resources and staff time to best meet project objectives

• Set and adhere to deadlines and deliverables

• Keep colleagues and senior staff informed

Education/Training/Experience

·       B.A. required, advanced degree preferred; degree in the social sciences with a preference for economics or a related field. 5-9 years of research experience, with at least 3-5 years of specialized research and analysis experience expected. Often includes significant graduate training at the Ph.D. level or equivalent experience in an applied setting. Candidates with significantly more experience will be considered at the Senior Researcher level.

• Proven experience in undertaking research involving demographic and economic data analysis, including using SPSS, Stata, R, or other statistical software

• Familiarity and experience with a range of statistical techniques, including multiple regression analysis and synthetic cohort analysis