Research Specialist I

Department:
Cohen Ctr for Mod Jewish Study – PM (Masha Lokshin)

The Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies (CMJS) at Brandeis University is seeking a recent college graduate to provide support for an interdisciplinary, forward-thinking team of researchers and scholars who conduct quantitative and qualitative studies of the American Jewish community. This is an entry level position with room for growth and designed for someone who would like to gain experience in social science research.

You would be an excellent fit for this position if you have outstanding written and oral communication skills, if you are detail-oriented and a motivated team player, and if you love to learn new skills in a dynamic work environment. It is an excellent opportunity to explore the world of social science research and apply those skills to help understand the dynamics of the U.S. Jewish community.

Located at Brandeis University, the Cohen Center fosters a nurturing environment that prioritizes personal and professional growth. Intellectual exploration and creative thinking are encouraged along with taking advantage of the many benefits an elite liberal arts university has to offer, including graduate level courses.

Key responsibilities of this position:
Serve as the primary support contact during survey administration. Field emails and phone calls from organizations and survey respondents.

Oversee the coding of qualitative survey data.

Train and manage a team of part-time undergraduate research assistants who work on coding, follow-up calling, and other research support tasks.

Manage data collection of online surveys

Assist in developing, programming, and testing survey instruments in Qualtrics

Assist with reports and presentations. Make charts, figures, and slides using Excel and PowerPoint.

Work with the full research team on other tasks as needed.

Schedule and conduct phone interviews with respondents

Potential travel opportunities to conduct observations

Conduct literature searches and write short summaries

Requirements:
Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in social sciences or related field

Highly organized and detail oriented

Strong team player

Outstanding written and verbal communication skills

Desire and ability to learn new skills quickly

Comfort with technology

Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel

Familiarity with the U.S. Jewish community

Preferred but not required:
Training in quantitative methods and statistics

Experience conducting telephone and/or in-person interviews

Data visualization skills

Knowledge of non-English languages including Hebrew, Russian, and/or Spanish

Closing Statement

Brandeis University is committed to providing its students, faculty and staff with an environment conducive to learning and working and where all people are treated with respect and dignity. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, ethnicity, caste, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, including transgender identity, religion, disability, age, genetics, active military or veteran status and any other characteristics protected under applicable federal or Massachusetts law.

Closing Statement

Brandeis University is committed to providing its students, faculty and staff with an environment conducive to learning and working and where all people are treated with respect and dignity. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry , national origin, ethnicity, caste , sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, including transgender identity, religion, disability, age, genetics, active military or veteran status and any other characteristics protected under applicable federal or Massachusetts law.