Child Trends has an opening for a Senior Research Assistant in our Population-Focused Research area. The Senior Research Assistant will work on a variety of projects across program areas.

Our research focuses on the well-being of children, youth, and families across different communities and populations. We are committed to producing rigorous, scientifically grounded work that reflects the experiences of the populations we study. Candidates with relevant language skills, research experience, and knowledge of the communities represented in our work are encouraged to apply.

Typical Responsibilities and Duties

Under the supervision of more experienced researchers, this position assists in the performance of social science research with the following responsibilities and duties:

• Conduct literature reviews and synthesize findings in the form of bibliographies, abstracts, memos, and reports. 
• Complete fact and citation checks on journal articles, research reports, website content, presentations, and other publications.
• Prepare, code, clean, and organize quantitative and qualitative data for analysis, including maintaining data files and producing tables and graphs. 
• Assist with the analysis and interpretation of quantitative and qualitative data to support research projects and dissemination activities.
• Produce visual representations of research findings and results. 
• Assist with stakeholder engagement, outreach, and data collection activities in English and Spanish. 
• Translate materials between English and Spanish as needed. 
• Prepare presentations and support the development of written products and other dissemination materials. 
• Support project coordination activities, including scheduling meetings, organizing project files, tracking deadlines, monitoring shared inboxes, and documenting meeting discussions and action items. 
• Perform other research support and administrative tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

• Fluency in Spanish required for some tasks.
• B.A. in sociology, demography, public policy, economics, psychology, human development, or a related field.
• Coursework and applied experience in quantitative or qualitative research methods.
• Two or more years of relevant post-bachelor's research experience.
• Excellent writing, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work well with others. 
• Strong attention to detail, especially in data tracking, quality monitoring, and analysis output review.
• Demonstrated ability to manage recurring research support tasks and deadlines across multiple projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to work at a high level of autonomy. 
• Experience conducting research with specific populations relevant to Child Trends' portfolio.
• Experience preparing, analyzing, and interpreting quantitative and qualitative data to support research projects.

Location

Flexible remote, in most states. Child Trends does not yet operate everywhere in the US and may require additional start up time in certain states. We currently do not support work overseas.

Background Investigation

Jobs that involve interactions with children or positions that rely on high levels of trust to perform duties are subject to a background check at the time of hire. Employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history. We will always conduct interviews of qualified individuals prior to requesting a criminal background check and never inquire into an applicant's criminal history until interviews have been conducted and offer decisions are being made. Current employees may also be subject to future background checks depending on the nature of their duties. A criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate or current employee from employment; however, any convictions related to the responsibilities and requirements of the position may do so.

Benefits: 

Child Trends offers a comprehensive benefits package for all full-time and part-time employees working a minimum of 20 hours per week, including:

• 403(b) retirement plan with immediate vesting and Child Trends contributions after one year of employment
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for individuals and families, effective the first day of employment
• Employer paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage
• Pre-tax reimbursement accounts (FSA, HSA, and commuter benefits)
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Paid parental and bereavement leave
• Professional development, tuition reimbursement, and lifestyle spending funds.
• Optional pet insurance

To learn more, visit: https://www.childtrends.org/careers/benefits 

 How to Apply

Please follow the “apply” link to submit your application. Please upload your resume/CV and cover letter as well as a brief writing sample, and three professional references.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Child Trends is a nonprofit, nonpartisan research center headquartered in Rockville, MD with staff in over 28 states that provides valuable information and insights on the well-being of children, youth, and their families. For more than 40 years, policymakers, funders, educators and service providers in the U.S. have relied on our data and analyses to make better decisions and policies on programs serving children, families, and youth. www.childtrends.org