Research Assistant Director Research

Job Overview

Research Assistant Director Research: New York, United States

About Data & Society Research Institute

Data & Society is an independent nonprofit research organization. Specifically, we study the social impact of data-driven technologies and automation. These innovations offer societal benefits. However, they can also lead to privacy invasion, discrimination, limited opportunities, and harm to individuals and communities. Therefore, through original research and broad engagement, we ensure that empirical evidence and human dignity guide technology’s development and governance.

The Opportunity: Research Assistant Director Research Role

Data & Society seeks a detail-oriented and proactive Research Assistant Director Research to directly support our Director of Research. Indeed, this vital role ensures the smooth operation of the Director’s activities. Responsibilities include administrative coordination, logistical support, and editing research publications. Moreover, some light research work also forms part of the role.

The Research Assistant Director Research will attend all research team meetings. Furthermore, they will manage the Director of Research’s calendar. Additionally, they will handle various impromptu communications tasks. This role also provides close support for the Director of Research’s review of publications. Often, they will manage citations and perform copy editing.

This position reports directly to the Director of Research. Significantly, it has no people management responsibilities.

Remote US Research Assistant

Who We’re Looking For (The Candidate for Research Assistant Director Research)

We are seeking a candidate with strong organizational skills. Clearly, a proactive approach is essential. Editorial and research experience are also key. Furthermore, the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently is crucial. The Research Assistant Director Research should comfortably take initiative in completing tasks. Additionally, meticulous tracking of details is required. The ideal candidate blends administrative precision with knowledge of social science research processes.

Key Responsibilities

Administrative Coordination:

Manage the Director of Research’s calendar. This includes scheduling meetings and handling requests.
Assist in planning and preparing meeting agendas.
Take meeting notes and summarize key points.
Triage and manage email communications. Specifically, this involves 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 assigned tasks.

Research Support:

Provide both line-level and structural edits on academic reports, public-facing work, and internal documents. Consequently, this ensures clarity, coherence, and impact.
Conduct literature searches and reviews, synthesizing key findings.
Review academic papers, books, and other relevant materials. This supports the Director of Research’s work and Research Management team objectives.
Participate actively in Research team meetings.

Skills and Qualifications

Education: Holds a Master’s degree in Communication, Sociology, Information Science, Media Studies, Political Science, Anthropology, or a related field.
Experience: Possesses a minimum of two years of experience in qualitative social science research, as a research assistant or independent researcher.
Core Skills: Demonstrates excellent research, writing, and communication skills.
Editorial Expertise: Shows strong editorial skills, including line editing and structural editing, with experience in academic, policy, or organizational writing.
Work Environment: Works effectively and independently in a remote environment.
Efficiency: Exhibits effective task prioritization, problem-solving, and initiative-taking skills.
Research Familiarity: Understands qualitative research methods and academic research processes.
Technical Proficiency: Is familiar with cloud-based productivity suites and software applications.

Core Competencies

Communicates with superior written and verbal skills.
Manages competing priorities and deadlines effectively.
Maintains high attention to detail and organizational proficiency.
Possesses strong problem-solving skills.
Applies enhanced critical thinking. Indeed, this includes analyzing information objectively, identifying biases, drawing logical conclusions, and making sound judgments.
Demonstrates expertise in qualitative social science research methodologies.
Manages multiple research tasks effectively.

To Apply

Please submit the following:

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

We will begin reviewing applications on July 21, 2025. For any questions about the role, please contact jobs@datasociety.net. Asking questions will not negatively impact your application.

Apply now: https://unjobs.org/vacancies/1752946285479

Practical Considerations

COVID-19 Vaccination: Data & Society has committed to safety requirements. Therefore, we require prospective employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before joining our organization. Please note that we will evaluate any reasonable accommodation request against business needs, in compliance with ADA-related requirements.
Position Type & Start Date: This is currently a full-time, exempt, remote position in the Research department. The expected start date is August 2025. Furthermore, this is a one (1) year appointment. Data & Society is based in New York City. For the foreseeable future, we will operate as a Remote-First organization. While this role will start as completely virtual, it may involve on-site components in the future.
Work Authorization: You must be living and authorized to work in the United States. Crucially, we are unable to sponsor visas.
Salary & Benefits: This role offers an annual salary range of $60,000 to $70,000, commensurate with experience. Importantly, this salary offer includes a generous benefits package. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance. Furthermore, you will access a range of opt-in products and services. These include additional insurance and 401k management, as well as paid time off and paid federal holidays. Compensation within this range depends on factors such as actual compensation for current/former employees in the subject position, market considerations, budgetary considerations, and an applicant’s overall qualifications: knowledge, skills, pertinent experience, and abilities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Research Assistant Director Research

Q1: What is the primary purpose of the Research Assistant Director Research role? A1: This role primarily provides direct administrative and research support to the Director of Research. Consequently, it ensures the smooth operation of their activities. These include calendar management, communications, editing research publications, and light research tasks.

Q2: Is this a remote position, and what are the location requirements for the Research Assistant Director Research? A2: Yes, this is currently a full-time, remote position. Therefore, candidates must live in and be authorized to work in the United States. Data & Society cannot sponsor visas for this role. While the role starts virtually, it may include future on-site components in New York City.

Q3: What qualifications are essential for this Research Assistant Director Research role? A3: Key qualifications include a Master’s degree in a relevant social science field (e.g., Communication, Sociology). Also, a minimum of two years of experience in qualitative social science research is necessary. Strong editorial, writing, and organizational skills are also crucial. Furthermore, experience managing multiple tasks and taking initiative is vital.

Q4: What is the salary range for the Research Assistant Director Research position? A4: The annual salary range for this position is $60,000 to $70,000. This depends on experience and qualifications. Significantly, this salary includes a generous benefits package.

Q5: What kind of research does Data & Society focus on? A5: Data & Society is an independent nonprofit research organization. Specifically, they focus on studying the social implications of data-centric technologies and automation. Ultimately, their work aims to ensure that technology develops and governs with empirical evidence and respect for human dignity.