Pew Research Center is Hiring: Senior Researcher – Global Attitudes (Job ID-R002930)

The Pew Research Center, a nonpartisan fact tank based in Washington, D.C., is currently seeking a Senior Researcher to join its Global Attitudes team. This full-time role offers a unique opportunity to help shape public understanding of international issues through high-quality survey research, data analysis, and project management.

The Global Attitudes team conducts cross-national surveys on critical global themes, including perceptions of the U.S. and its foreign policy, views on China, democracy, global economic confidence, and citizens’ assessments of their own lives and societies. The Senior Researcher plays a key leadership role in designing, managing, and analyzing international survey projects and helps guide the team’s long-term research agenda.

Key Responsibilities

The role follows a cyclical annual calendar, with responsibilities shifting between project management, data collection, and research design depending on the time of year. The position requires a highly organized individual who can manage complex timelines, delegate effectively, and balance strategic oversight with hands-on implementation when needed.

Survey Design & Project Management (50%)

• Oversee the end-to-end survey process, including writing proposals and managing RFPs and vendor contracts.
• Develop and monitor detailed project timelines, ensuring deliverables are met across teams and stakeholders.
• Supervise fieldwork operations and ensure data quality through comprehensive quality control protocols.
• Manage the design and release of toplines, crosstabs, and public-use datasets in line with Pew’s open science standards.
• Coordinate international survey translation, verification, and final approval of datasets.
• Assist in the design and implementation of supplemental research projects, such as focus groups or cognitive interviews.

Questionnaire Development (25%)

• Lead the questionnaire drafting process—from topic ideation to the final question set.
• Conduct background research and coordinate with internal teams to align content across research streams.
• Test for methodological robustness, including analysis of potential order effects or wording issues.
• Incorporate external data sources—e.g., macroeconomic or demographic data—to contextualize survey findings.

Data Analysis & Innovation (25%)

• Conduct advanced data analysis, including multivariate regressions and multilevel modeling.
• Collaborate on the development of new methodologies involving “big data” or non-survey data.
• Explore opportunities for automation and AI to streamline survey and analysis processes.
• Represent the Center at professional conferences through presentations and white papers.

Required Qualifications

• Education: A bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in political science, sociology, international relations, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 10 years of research experience, ideally including graduate-level training and a proven publication or editorial track record.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in statistical tools such as SPSS, Stata, or R is essential. Experience with international surveys and familiarity with big data tools is a plus.
• Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage large-scale, multi-phase research projects and supervise cross-functional teams.
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to convey research findings to diverse audiences.
• Editorial Judgment: Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining the integrity and impartiality of research outputs.

Work Environment and Compensation

The Senior Researcher will be based at Pew’s Washington, D.C. headquarters, with a hybrid work arrangement. As of January 2026, staff are expected to work in-office Tuesdays through Thursdays, with the option to telework on other days.

Compensation:

• Starting salary: $120,000
• 37.5-hour workweek and generous paid leave, including a winter break from December 25 to January 1
• Employer-paid benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and family leave
• Up to 12% 401(k) employer contribution
• Access to health savings or flexible spending accounts
• Support for professional development and conference participation

Commitment to Diversity

Pew Research Center is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a workplace that is inclusive and reflective of a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, gender, age, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected category. The Center actively encourages individuals from underrepresented communities in the research and data fields to apply.

Application Process

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply online via Pew Research Center’s careers portal. The requisition ID for this role is R002930. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.