Computational Social Science Assistant, Data Labs

Position Summary 

The Computational Social Science Assistant works with other staff at Data Labs to produce original research that expands on the work of the Pew Research Center using new methods, data sources and tools. The primary responsibilities of the role include: writing data collection scripts and analysis code in R and Python for a wide variety of data sources; reviewing code written by other team members and fact-checking our publications; and helping to build and evaluate machine learning models. 

The ideal candidate will have at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, data science or in the social sciences with strong quantitative training. But we are open to all educational backgrounds. 

This position reports to the Associate Director of Data Labs. 

Primary responsibilities 

• Executes well-defined data collection and analysis tasks under the guidance of more senior researchers. 

• Writes code that is clear, well documented and follows the team’s best practices for analysis and development. 

• Thoroughly reviews the team’s published products – as well as the code that produced them – for accuracy and clarity. 

• Contributes to exploratory data analysis, literature review, and project brainstorming in collaboration with senior researchers 

Education/Training/Experience 

• Demonstrated experience writing production-level data collection and analysis code, preferably for data science or other social science research projects. 

• BA/BS preferred 

Knowledge and Skill Requirements 

• Experience programming with standard statistical tools, particularly Python and R required 

• Some familiarity with git and GitHub, SQL, CLI tools and machine learning models preferred 

• Clearly and effectively communicate project updates and technical roadblocks with collaborators 

• Highly organized, able to balance multiple projects under deadline while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail 

• Intellectual curiosity 

• Interest in quantitative social science topics, such as political science, media studies, sociology, or other social science preferred 

FLSA Status: Non-exempt 

Salary: The starting salary for this position is based on compensation market data and candidate experience. The typical starting salary for this position is $71,604. 

Location 

Pew Research Center staff are required to be present in the Center’s Washington, D.C., office on core in-office days on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday as of January 2026). Staff may work virtually from remote locations on other days in a typical work week. 

Application Procedure 

Click on the Apply button and complete the required fields. Both cover letter and resume are required. 

When requested, please upload a copy of your resume/cv, as well as a copy of your cover letter in the section labeled Resume/Cover Letter. If the documents have successfully uploaded, you should see 2 attached files beneath the “Drop files here” box. Please make sure you have uploaded a resume AND a cover letter before moving on to the next page. 

Total Rewards 

In addition to competitive pay, Pew Research Center’s employees enjoy a robust total rewards package that includes: 

• Affordable, comprehensive health care that includes medical, dental (including adult orthodontia) and vision benefits.

• Generous paid annual leave plan, including a winter break between Dec. 25 and Jan. 1

• Employer-paid disability, life insurance and paid family leave plans

• Up to a 12% employer 401(k) contribution, with vesting at the end of the first year.

• A 37.5-hour workweek.

• Health savings or flexible spending account options with employer funding component.

• Flexibility to telework a portion of each week, with an additional four telework “flex weeks” each year for most staff.

EEO:   

Pew Research Center makes employment decisions without regard to age, sex, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, military/veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. We encourage applications from candidates who represent a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills.