Research Assistant
Reporting to a Senior Research Associate (Economics) and Deputy Director.
The research assistant position requires strong analytical and writing skills, and a good knowledge of research methods. The ability to manipulate both primary and secondary data using software on a personal computer is important. The ability to work independently at the Joint Center or at other sites (e.g., in local libraries) without close supervision is essential. Sound analytical judgment is needed to select from the large amount of material that may be useful or appropriate for a given project. Also, strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well in high-demand situations are necessary. Since the research assistant may be called upon to work for more than one senior staff member, or to work on several projects simultaneously, solid time management skills are essential.
Information Retrieval
The research assistant contributes to the development of proposals for funding and to the completion of research projects by reviewing literature on specific research or policy topics. This includes:
• conducting literature searches and reviews, using databases and on-line tools through the Internet and at local libraries
• reviewing material available at the Joint Center
• reading and summarizing retrieved articles; synthesizing the salient findings for the researcher with whom he/she works
• attending local forums and seminars on selected subjects to learn about studies in progress, and summarizing or sharing information acquired in this manner with other Joint Center staff.
Data Analysis
Under the direction of senior researchers, the research assistant would perform data analyses and develop tabular and graphical material for inclusion in reports and other printed publications or the Joint Center website. This will entail:
• retrieving data from the Internet, CD-ROM, or printed sources to prepare tables and graphs, using appropriate software for data manipulation;
• collaborating with senior staff in decisionmaking related to the format and content of charts, tables, and graphics for Joint Center products; and
• drafting text to accompany the primary or secondary data analyses performed.
Document Preparation
The research assistant spends much of his/her time writing. He/she will draft text for a variety of documents—e.g., items for FOCUS (the Joint Center’s bi-monthly public policy magazine); text for fact sheets; narrative summaries of project progress and findings; and text for major Joint Center publications. During the development of the product, the research assistant will be required to do some or all of the following:
• draft text for review by project manager or senior author;
• revise text in accordance with instructions or suggestions;
• be responsive to editorial queries;
• review edited text to ensure that errors of fact or interpretation do not exist; and
• assist in final proofreading of text and tables in Joint Center products.
The duties and responsibilities of the Research Assistant are subject to change as needs arise. While topics may change, the research assistant must have a distinct set of skills and is expected to perform similar tasks on all projects.
QUALIFICATIONS:
The research assistant position requires an undergraduate degree in a social science discipline such as economics, sociology, or public policy (with an emphasis on health policy preferred).
Applications: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please submit a cover letter, résumé, three references, and a brief sample of your writing to: Luther Elliott, HR and Administration Manager, JCPES, 1090 Vermont Ave. NW Ste 1100, Washington, DC 20005 4928 Or email to: lelliott@jointcenter.org