Research Specialist

The Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies (CMJS) at Brandeis University is seeking a research specialist 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.

You would be an excellent fit for this position if you have outstanding written and oral communication skills, 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 US Jewish community.

Located at Brandeis University, CMJS 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:

• 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

Other Responsibilities:

• 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 US 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

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Diversity, equity and inclusion are important values at Brandeis today and always have been for they are rooted in our founding as an institution. These values serve as a reminder for self-reflection, and a continuous call to grow for us as Brandeisans. Founded as a model institution for ethnic and religious pluralism, Brandeis University welcomes students, faculty, and staff of all nationalities, religions, and orientations. Moreover, social justice is central to the mission of Brandeis, which endeavors to foster a just and inclusive campus culture that embraces the evolving diversity of our larger society. Read more online about our Mission and Diversity Statements at Brandeis Mission and Diversity Statements.

If you are interested in a role and have relevant experience but your work history does not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we nevertheless encourage you to apply.

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.