Research Assistant - TemporaryUS-NJ-PrincetonJob ID: 2024-19827Type: Temporary# of Openings: 1Category: Research and LaboratoryOverview

Researchers at Princeton University, Stanford University and George Washington University are seeking a research assistant to support an ongoing project investigating how local organizations and residents participate in local politics to shape policy outcomes in the United States, particularly related to public service provision and natural disaster response and preparedness, and implications for equity and the distribution of risks. The project seeks to understand whose voices are heard - or left out - of critical local policymaking processes. The research assistant will work directly with Dr. Sara Constantino and Dr. Alicia Cooperman on a mixed-methods research project engaging with coastal communities on the Texas Gulf Coast, in Miami and other locations. The ideal candidate can come from various social science backgrounds but should be highly motivated and interested in political science (American politics or comparative politics) and/or public policy.

The research assistant’s primary task will involve overseeing a public opinion survey (online and/or mailer based) and identifying and analyzing pre-existing quantitative and spatial data related to voting behavior and natural hazards. The RA may participate in future fieldwork visits with the research team to conduct interviews or focus groups with policymakers, leaders, and residents related to issues raised during the public comment periods.

The position is ideal for someone considering a research career in quantitative political science or public policy and interested in applying research to address social problems (e.g. climate change and inequality). We are looking for someone with proficiency in quantitative data analysis in R and survey methods, but additional knowledge of qualitative methods are a benefit. This position offers ample opportunities to learn and develop research skills and receive professional mentorship from academics working across several institutions, and there is potential for co-authorship depending on the commitment and investment of the candidate in the research. We highly encourage current Masters and PhD students to apply.

Average of 10-20h/wk. Ability to work remotely. RA will be hired as a casual hourly paid employee by Princeton University at $20 per hour and must be eligible to work in the United States. Project does not cover fringe or benefits. We hope to start as soon as possible, but timing is flexible depending on the RA’s schedule. The position is temporary and will last from 3-5 months.

If you have any questions, or to apply, please send your CV/resume, a cover letter, and contact information for two references by email to Prof. Alicia Cooperman (acooperman@gwu.edu) and Prof. Sara Constantino (saraconstantino@stanford.edu) by September 15, 2024.

The research assistant’s primary task will involve overseeing a public opinion survey (online and/or mailer based) and identifying and analyzing pre-existing quantitative and spatial data related to voting behavior and natural hazards. The RA may participate in future fieldwork visits with the research team to conduct interviews or focus groups with policymakers, leaders, and residents related to issues raised during the public comment periods.

Required Skills:

• * Detail oriented, problem solver, conscientious, strong interpersonal skills
• * Excellent analytical, written and verbal communication skills
• * Quantitative research (e.g., identifying data sources, analyzing data in R, spatial data in GIS, econometrics analysis, causal identification)
• * Ability to meet weekly on Zoom
• * B.A. or B.S. in related field

Desirable but Not Required Skills:

• * Qualitative research (e.g. conducting interviews or focus groups)
• * Web scraping and/or machine learning
• * Site analysis (i.e. collecting data and contextual details related to specific sites, identifying key stakeholders)
• * Familiarity conducting literature reviews
• * Experience preparing IRB protocols
• * Experience with project management
• * Knowledge of environmental social sciences / political participation / local politics literature
• * Ability to travel within United States for up to a week at a time, scheduled for a mutually convenient time

Be advised that you will be contacted only if there is further interest in your application. Your candidate dashboard may not display status updates for this requisition.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer - https://rrr.princeton.edu/eop and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS - https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/EEOCKnowYourRightsscreenreader10_20.pdf