Research Assistant

Job description

Organizational Summary

Data & Society is an independent nonprofit research organization studying the social implications of data-centric technologies and automation. We recognize that the same innovative technologies that may benefit society can also be abused to invade privacy, provide new tools of discrimination, foreclose opportunity, and harm individuals and communities. Through original research and inclusive engagement, we work to ensure that empirical evidence and respect for human dignity guide how technology is developed and governed.

About [The Role]

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Research Assistant to provide direct support to the Director of Research. The Research Assistant will ensure the smooth operation of the Director’s activities through administrative coordination, logistical support, editing research publications, and light research work. The Research Assistant will attend all research team meetings, manage the Director of Research’s calendar, and be responsible for a variety of impromptu communications tasks. In addition, the Research Assistant will provide close support to the Director of Research’s review of research publications, often taking responsibility for citation management and copy editing.

This position will report to the Director of Research and will not have people manager responsibilities.

The Candidate [You]

We are seeking someone with strong organizational skills, editorial and research experience, and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently. The Research Assistant should be comfortable taking initiative in completing tasks and be comfortable with meticulous tracking of details. The ideal candidate will have experience with both the minutiae of administration and the processes of social science research.

Primary Responsibilities

Administration Coordination:

• Manage the Director of Research’s calendar, scheduling meetings, and handling requests.
• Assist in planning and preparing meeting agendas.
• Take meeting notes and summarize key points.
• Triage and manage email communications, including prioritization and drafting standard replies.
• Plan and coordinate travel arrangements.
• Prepare and submit expense reports.
• Work with the Research Management team on key projects and priorities.
• Attend Research Management and Research Team meetings, providing administrative support as needed.
• Perform other tasks as assigned.

Research Support

• Provide both line-level and structural edits on academic reports, public-facing work, and internal documents to ensure clarity, coherence, and impact.
• Conduct literature searches and reviews, synthesizing key findings.
• Review academic papers, books, and other relevant materials to support the DoR’s research and the objectives of the Research Management team.
• Participate in Research team meetings.

Skills & Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Communication, Sociology, Information Science, Media Studies, Political Science, Anthropology, or related field.
• Minimum of two years of experience in qualitative social science research, as a research assistant or independent researcher.
• At least one year of experience in administrative support or a related field is required.
• Excellent research, writing, and communication skills.
• Strong editorial skills, including line editing and structural editing, with experience in academic, policy, or organizational writing.
• Strong ability to work independently in a remote environment.
• Effective task prioritization, problem-solving, and initiative-taking skills.
• Familiarity with qualitative research methods and academic research processes.
• Familiarity with cloud-based productivity suites and software applications.

Core Competencies

• Superior written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines effectively.
• High attention to detail and organizational proficiency.
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Enhanced critical thinking with the ability to analyze information objectively, identify biases, draw logical conclusions, and make sound judgments.
• Expertise in qualitative social science research methodologies
• Effectively manages multiple research tasks.

To Apply, please submit the following items:

1. A cover letter explaining your interest in this role and why you would be a good fit for this position.
2. Your resume/CV is required.

Applications will be reviewed beginning 07/21/2025. Please feel free to contact us at [email protected] should you have any questions about the role. Questions about the opportunity or process will not reflect negatively on your application.

Practical Considerations

1. Data & Society has committed to safety requirements to protect our staff from the COVID-19 pandemic. We require that prospective employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before joining our organization. Please note that any reasonable accommodation request is not guaranteed to be approved, and we will comply with ADA-related requirements to evaluate the accommodation against business needs.
2. This is currently a full-time, remote position in the Research department with an expected start date of August 2025. This is a full-time, exempt role that is targeted to begin in August 2025 and is set as a one (1) year appointment. Data & Society is based in New York City and will, for the foreseeable future, operate as a Remote-First organization. While this role will start as completely virtual, it may involve on-site components in the future.
3. You must be living and authorized to work in the United States; we are unable to sponsor visas.
4. The salary range for this role is $60,000 to $70,000 annually, commensurate to experience. This salary offer will include a generous benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, and access to a range of opt-in products and services, including additional insurance and 401k management, as well as paid time off and paid federal holidays.

The salary range for this position is noted within this job posting. Where a prospective employee or employee is compensated within this salary range is dependent upon, among other factors, actual compensation for current/former employees in the subject position; market considerations; budgetary considerations; tenure, and standing with the organization (applicable to current employees); as well as the employee’s/applicant’s overall qualifications: knowledge, skills, pertinent experience, and abilities.