[Jobs] Job posting - international survey research - Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life

[Leora Lawton]

Research Associate, Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life
Organization Overview

The Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that provides information on the
issues, attitudes and trends shaping America and the world. It does so by conducting
public opinion polling and social science research; analyzing news coverage; and
holding forums and briefings. It does not take positions on policy issues.

Its work is carried out by a core administrative and publishing unit and these seven
projects:



The Pew Research Center for the People and the Press (people-press.org) led by
Andrew Kohut
Pew Project for Excellence in Journalism (journalism.org) led by Tom Rosenstiel
Pew Internet & American Life Project (pewinternet.org) led by Lee Rainie
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life (pewforum.org) led by Luis Lugo
Pew Hispanic Center (pewhispanic.org) led by Paul Taylor
Pew Global Attitudes Project (pewglobal.org) led by Andrew Kohut
Pew Social & Demographic Trends (pewsocialtrends.org) led by Paul Taylor


Pew Forum Overview

The Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life, launched in 2001, seeks
to promote a deeper understanding of issues at the intersection of religion and
public affairs. The Pew Forum conducts surveys, demographic analyses and other
social science research on important aspects of religion and public life in the U.S.
and around the world. It also provides a neutral venue for discussions of timely
issues through roundtables and briefings.



Position Summary

The Research Associate supports all aspects of the Pew Forum’s international survey
research agenda. The Research Associate assists in the design and drafting of poll
questionnaires, creates top lines and tables for survey reports, performs
statistical analysis, assists with fact-checking and other aspects of report
production, and helps to write and review survey reports.  The Research Associate is
also responsible for managing projects and fielding requests for information from
the press, government officials and other Pew Forum target audiences. This position
works closely with other researchers on staff and reports to the Director,
International Survey Research.

Primary Responsibilities
Data analysis (25%)

·           Conduct advanced analyses of survey datasets

·           Prepare toplines

·           Prepare tables and charts



Survey design and questionnaire development (20%)

·         Develop main research questions

·         Compile and analyze trend data

·         Draft questionnaires



Writing and Communication (20%)

·         Write in-depth data analyses for research reports

·         Respond to external requests for information

·         Present research findings to Pew Forum audiences



Quality control (20%)

·         Fact-check and number-check reports

·         Check questionnaires

·         Prepare datasets for public release





Project Planning and Management (15%)

·         Allocate resources and staff time to best meet project objectives

·         Map out steps in projects

·         Set and adhere to deadlines and deliverables

·         Keep colleagues and senior staff informed

Education/Training/Experience
·         Ph.D. in Political Science, Sociology or related field strongly preferred

·         Proven experience in undertaking research involving data analysis,
including using SPSS, Excel and other software

·         Familiarity and experience with a range of statistical techniques,
including multiple regression analysis

·         Demonstrated experience writing for a non-academic audience

·         Training or experience in studying religion from a social scientific
framework

·         Knowledge and interest in international affairs

·         Experience in managing research projects, including working
collaboratively with other researchers, is highly desirable


Knowledge and Skill Requirements
·         Quantitative skills, including an ability to use SPSS and other
statistical programs to organize and analyze large amounts of data

·         Strong verbal and written communications skills

·         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

·         Skilled in project development and management

·         Ability to work collaboratively and collegially with staff from the Forum,
as well as with staff from other Pew Research Center projects and outside
organizations

·         Ability to balance multiple projects and meet tight deadlines while
ensuring accuracy in data management, fact checking and research

·         Ability to take a leadership role in managing the work of colleagues and
train staff when needed

Application Procedure
Applicant should send a complete resume and cover letter (indicating where you
learned of the opening) to:

Ms. April McWilliams
Human Resources Director
Pew Research Center
1615 L Street, NW Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036

Responses can also be faxed to 202-419-4339 or e-mailed to careers at pewresearch.org.

We are an equal opportunity employer.







-- 
Dr. Leora Lawton
Executive Director, Berkeley Population Center
 & Lecturer, Sociology Dept.
112A Survey Research Center
Corner Channing & Bowditch
(510) 643-1270 (office)
(510) 928-7572 (cell)