Research Assistant

Summary

Join Data & Society as a Research Assistant, supporting the Director of Research. You will manage the Director's calendar, handle communications, and provide administrative and logistical support. Responsibilities include editing research publications, conducting literature reviews, and attending team meetings. The ideal candidate possesses strong organizational and editorial skills, experience in qualitative social science research, and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently. This is a full-time, remote position with a one-year appointment, offering a competitive salary and benefits package. The position requires a Master's degree and relevant experience.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Communication, Sociology, Information Science, Media Studies, Political Science, Anthropology, or related field
• Minimum of two years of experience in qualitative social science research, as a research assistant or independent researcher
• At least one year of experience in administrative support or a related field is required
• Excellent research, writing, and communication skills
• Strong editorial skills, including line editing and structural editing, with experience in academic, policy, or organizational writing
• Strong ability to work independently in a remote environment
• Effective task prioritization, problem-solving, and initiative-taking skills
• Familiarity with qualitative research methods and academic research processes
• Familiarity with cloud-based productivity suites and software applications
• Superior written and verbal communication skills
• Strong ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines effectively
• High attention to detail and organizational proficiency
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Enhanced critical thinking with the ability to analyze information objectively, identify biases, draw logical conclusions, and make sound judgments
• Expertise in qualitative social science research methodologies
• Effectively manages multiple research tasks

Responsibilities

• Manage the Director of Research’s calendar, scheduling meetings, and handling requests
• Assist in planning and preparing meeting agendas
• Take meeting notes and summarize key points
• Triage and manage email communications, including prioritization and drafting standard replies
• Plan and coordinate travel arrangements
• Prepare and submit expense reports
• Work with the Research Management team on key projects and priorities
• Attend Research Management and Research Team meetings, providing administrative support as needed
• Perform other tasks as assigned
• Provide both line-level and structural edits on academic reports, public-facing work, and internal documents to ensure clarity, coherence, and impact
• Conduct literature searches and reviews, synthesizing key findings
• Review academic papers, books, and other relevant materials to support the DoR’s research and the objectives of the Research Management team
• Participate in Research team meetings

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401k management
• Paid time off
• Paid federal holidays