Senior Research Assistant
Organization
Founded in 1968, the Guttmacher Institute is a global leader in advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights. Through a unique and interrelated program of high-quality research, evidence-based advocacy and strategic communications, the Institute works to generate new ideas, encourage enlightened public debate, and promote sound policy and program development; its overarching goal is to ensure the highest standard of sexual and reproductive health and rights for all people worldwide. The Institute is engaged in building a more inclusive, transparent and equitable organization.
Position summary
Provide research assistance and assist in coordination of assigned projects related to sexual and reproductive health, including contraception, abortion, unintended pregnancy and adolescent sexual and reproductive health. A senior research assistant is expected to be able to perform tasks with considerable independence, to perform a variety of research tasks, and to supervise tasks done by research assistants, especially on fielding activities.
Three (3) positions available.
Responsibilities
- Data collection
- Investigate and troubleshoot issues related to data collection, including for respondent, database, and other technical issues
- Edit, format, print, and test data collection instruments
- Program and revise questionnaires for electronic data collection, such as in Open Data Kit, RedCap, or Qualtrics and manage set-up and use of the electronic data collection interface for a project
- Coordinate a variety of tasks necessary for the fielding of large, national surveys
- Monitor responses and management of respondent database
- Supervise fielding staff and assist with follow-up of non-respondents; provide guidance and expertise to fellow fielding team members with all tasks related to maintaining proper documentation of fieldwork activities and archiving of project files
- Oversee coding and preparations for data entry; develop coding instructions; train research assistants in coding procedures
- Help prepare materials for stakeholder meetings, fieldworker trainings, and technical advisory group meetings, such as manuals and presentations
- Assist senior staff in preparing manuscripts and presentation materials
- Formatting to meet journal specifications, including text, tables and figures
- Checking and formatting references
- Fact-checking manuscripts, reports and fact sheets
- Create tables and figures for manuscripts and presentations
- Assist with preparing abstracts, posters or presentations for conferences
- Participate in the drafting and/or review of project reports or articles
- Review, provide feedback, and fact-check communications materials (including factsheets, social media posts, and press releases)
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Data-related tasks
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Assume responsibility for more advanced programming to read data, create and recode variables, generate descriptive tabulations, and implement analyses
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Data entry, cleaning, and checking
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Compile data into tables
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Manage qualitative data sets, including respondent recruitment information, cleaning and de-identifying transcripts, and coding
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Search for and gather literature and relevant information; draft summaries of articles for a literature review; maintain updated reference lists and group library settings in Zotero
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Archive work during and after project completion
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Serve as a project manager or assist project manager or project principal with tasks, which could include budget, project schedules, work plan, meetings, contracts, payments, and drafting IRB materials and other reports
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Coordinate meetings, including taking notes, scheduling, and drafting agendas
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Serve as an in-house “expert” for queries on computer applications or software (e.g., Powerpoint, MS office applications, Stata, R, NVIVO, Git, Zotero, etc.) that the employee is especially skilled with or has received additional training
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Perform other job-related tasks and projects as assigned.
Qualifications and skills
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Proficiency in using quantitative or qualitative data analysis software (Stata, R, NVivo, etc.)
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Advanced proficiency in using Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint, and willingness to gain proficiency in other computer programs
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Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and a minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible, related work experience; or a Master’s degree in a relevant field and a minimum of 1 year of related work experience; or equivalent relevant work experience considered
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Ability to assume responsibility for organizing and managing data collection activities
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Strong organizational and communication skills, ability to manage competing tasks and deadlines, accuracy and attention to detail, as well as a self-motivated work style and ability to work well both individually and in a group. Conscientious work habits and adherence to deadlines
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Familiarity with reproductive health topics, including abortion, contraception, sexual health
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Experience in performing and understanding progressively more complex research activities
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Good judgment in terms of asking for clarification when necessary, updating supervisors of progress/problems on a timely basis
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Assume progressively more responsibility for project tasks and work independently without close supervision
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Ability to assist in the training of research assistants
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Fluency in French and/or Spanish is desirable
Salary and benefits
Salary starting at $54,000 to $76,000, commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits that include medical, dental, vision and life insurance; vacation, personal and sick time; paid parental leave; tuition reimbursement; commuting subsidy; and 401(k) with employer match. The Guttmacher Institute strives to provide the training and support staff need to be successful in their positions and to grow professionally.
The Guttmacher Institute is an equal opportunity employer.
To apply, submit resume and cover letter here.
Please note that telephone inquiries will not be acknowledged. No agencies, please.
Guttmacher is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer
The Guttmacher Institute seeks to foster a diverse, inclusive and equitable work environment, where employees’ talents are valued and recognized as an asset to the achievement of our mission. We endeavor to make the application process accessible to all users. If you need assistance learning about or applying to our employment opportunities, please contact our human resources department at (212) 248-1111 or [email protected].