Senior Research Assistant (Adding It Up (AIU))

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.

Adding It Up (AIU) is one of Guttmacher Institute’s ongoing multi-component research projects that estimates the need for, impact of and costs associated with providing essential sexual and reproductive health services for women of reproductive age (15-49), their newborns, and adolescents.

Position summary

The Senior Research Assistant (AIU) will provide research assistance and coordination support across AIU’s key component projects and deliverables. The Senior Research Assistant (AIU) will support senior and mid-level staff with data processing and management, analysis, data visualizations, manuscript and presentation drafting and preparation, and operational tasks, among other duties. The Senior Research Assistant (AIU) will work with some degree of independence, under the direction and supervision of a Senior or Principal Research Scientist. The Senior Research Assistant (AIU) may also review tasks done by other research assistants on the project.

Responsibilities

Support Senior and Mid-Level staff with data-related tasks, including:

• Investigate and troubleshoot issues related to data collection, including respondents, database, and other technical issues
• Data processing, cleaning, and checking
• Programmatically output data into tables
• Oversee coding and preparations for data processing, develop coding instructions, train Research Assistants in coding procedures
• Support senior staff with data management, analysis of international surveys (e.g. DHS, MICS, PMA), program code and associated documentation for all component projects for AIU
• Assist with any necessary original data collection activities, including programming questionnaires and tools for collecting cost data

Assist Senior and Mid-Level staff in preparing manuscripts and presentation materials:

• 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
• Reviewing and formatting references and formatting to meet journal specifications, including text, tables, figures
• 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, policy analyses or articles
• Review, provide feedback, and fact-check communications materials (including factsheets, social media posts, press releases, and online digital tools)
• Help prepare materials for stakeholder meetings, and technical advisory group meetings, such as manuals and presentations

Support with Operational and Administrative tasks, as needed:

• Archive work during and after project completion
• Provide operational and administrative support to the AIU Program Manager and/or Research Project Lead, as needed
• Coordinate meetings, including taking notes, scheduling, and drafting agendas
• 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
• Perform other job-related tasks and projects, as assigned

Qualifications:

• 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
• Proficiency in using quantitative analysis software (Stata, R, etc)
• Advanced proficiency in using Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint, and willingness to gain proficiency in other computer programs
• Ability to assume responsibility for organizing and managing data collection activities
• 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 ad
• ce to deadlines
• Familiarity with reproductive health topics, including abortion, contraception, sexual health
• Experience in performing and understanding progressively more complex research activities
• Good judgment in terms of asking for clarification when necessary, updating supervisors of progress/problems on a timely basis
• Assume progressively more responsibility for project tasks and work independently without close supervision
• Ability to assist in the training of research assistants
• Fluency in French and/or Spanish is desirable

Salary and Benefits:

The salary range for this position is between $64,500 to $80,600 and will be commensurate with experience. This range is specific to the New York and DC area, and base pay may vary depending on a wide range of factors. New hires are typically brought into the organization between the minimum to midpoint of the salary range posted depending on knowledge, skills and experience, and qualifications. Internal equity considerations will be reviewed before making a final offer. This is a Union represented position. The Guttmacher Institute practices a hybrid work schedule, requiring in-office attendance 8 days per month at our NYC location. We offer excellent benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; vacation, personal, and sick time; paid parental leave; tuition reimbursement; commuting subsidy; and a 401(k) plan with employer match.

Guttmacher Institute strives to provide the training and support for staff needed to be successful in their positions and to grow professionally.