Researcher – Hispanics and Religion, Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life
Organization Overview
The Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan "fact tank" that provides information on the issues, attitudes and
trends shaping America and the world. It does so by conducting public opinion polling and social science
research; analyzing news coverage; and holding forums and briefings. It does not take positions on policy
issues. Its work is carried out by a "Core" administrative and publishing unit and these seven projects:
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The Pew Research Center for the People and the Press (people-press.org) led by Andrew Kohut
Pew Project for Excellence in Journalism (journalism.org) led by Tom Rosenstiel
Pew Internet & American Life Project (pewinternet.org) led by Lee Rainie
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life (pewforum.org) led by Luis Lugo
Pew Hispanic Center (pewhispanic.org) led by Paul Taylor
Pew Global Attitudes Project (pewglobal.org) led by Andrew Kohut
Pew Social & Demographic Trends (pewsocialtrends.org) led by Paul Taylor
Pew Forum Overview
The Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life, launched in 2001, seeks to promote a deeper
understanding of issues at the intersection of religion and public affairs. The Pew Forum conducts surveys,
demographic analyses and other social science research on important aspects of religion and public life in the
U.S. and around the world. It also provides a neutral venue for discussions of timely issues through
roundtables and briefings.
Position Summary
The researcher supports all aspects of the Pew Forum’s research agenda in the area of religion in the growing
Latino community in the U.S. In close collaboration with the director, the researcher will assist in developing
a research plan for this field. The researcher will identify and analyze data on Hispanics and religion from
existing Pew Research sources and other external data sources. The researcher performs analysis of data from
surveys and other sources, consults researchers and drafts reports. The researcher will also assist in fielding
requests for information from the press, government officials and other Pew Forum target audiences. This
position works closely with other researchers on staff and reports to the director and associate director for
research of the Pew Forum. Title and level of responsibilities will be commensurate with education and
experience.
Primary Responsibilities
Research design and data analysis (60%)
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In close consultation with the director, Pew Forum research staff and external advisors,
develop a research plan for the study of religion in the Latino community
Identify and analyze data on Hispanics and religion from existing Pew Research survey
and demographic sources for presentation to Pew Forum audiences
Gather and analyze other sources of data on Hispanics and religion
Conduct meta-analyses of existing datasets
Construct datasets and prepare tabular information
Stay abreast of research related to Latinos and religion
Writing and Communication (30%)
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Write in-depth analyses for research reports as well as timely news briefs
Respond to external requests for information
Present research findings to Pew Forum audiences
Project Planning and Management (10%)
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Allocate resources to best meet project objectives
Map out project timelines and manage deadlines
Set and adhere to project timelines and deliverables
Explore opportunities for outside partnerships
Update senior staff on progress
Train new staff as necessary
Education/Training/Experience
 Master’s degree in the social sciences required; Ph.D. preferred
 Minimum 2-5 years experience or equivalent working as a researcher in the study of religion
and/or Hispanics from a social scientific framework
 Experience using bilingual skills (English-Spanish) in a professional environment
 Proven ability to undertake rigorous research involving data is essential, including facility in using
appropriate statistical packages (SAS, STATA, SPSS), Excel and other software, to organize and
analyze large datasets
 Familiarity and experience with a range of statistical techniques, including multiple regression
analysis
 Experience in managing research projects, including working collaboratively with other
researchers, is highly desirable
Knowledge and Skill Requirements
 Strong quantitative research skills and the ability to readily analyze large datasets
 Strong knowledge of the field of religion in the Hispanic community
 Attention to detail, including exacting standards to maintain accuracy and impartiality in all work
products
 Editorial judgment and proven ability to communicate research results clearly and concisely in
Pew’s style in both verbal and written form
 Skilled in project development and management
 Strong verbal and written communications skills, both English and Spanish
 Ability to balance numerous projects simultaneously
 Ability to work in a collegial, team-oriented environment
Application Procedure
Applicant should send a complete resume and cover letter (indicating where you learned of the opening) to:
Ms. April McWilliams
Human Resources Director
Pew Research Center
1615 L Street, NW Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036
Responses can also be faxed to 202-419-4339 or e-mailed to careers@pewresearch.org.
We are an equal opportunity employer.