Casual Hourly - Research Assistant

The BSPL cuts across three academic units at Princeton University: (a.) the Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment within the School of Engineering and Applied Science, (b.) the Science, Technology, and Environmental Policy Center within the School of Public and International Affairs, and (c.) the Department of Psychology. Directed by Dr. Elke Weber, the BSPL’s mission is to put Weber’s previous research insights about the full range of human motivation and human decisions processes into a broader context. Analyzing how decision makers who are imbedded in social networks and their physical and social environment receive information and cues from those sources as well as feedback from the effect of their decisions. The BSPL puts a special emphasis on applying this knowledge of decision making and motivations to climate change. There is also a special emphasis on cross-cultural studies.

This position is temporary.

The BSPL seeks a researcher who will conduct mixed-methods research on utility-scale rebates in New Jersey. The position is to assist with qualitative interviews with utility decision-makers and analysis of interview transcripts generated throughout this research. Findings will be written up into a manuscript for publishment in an energy policy-related journal. This position is ideal for someone considering a research career in mixed-methods social science and interested in applying research to address social problems. This position also includes opportunities to learn and develop research skills and receive professional mentorship (e.g., in preparation for applying to a PhD).

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

• Compiling various utility-scale rebates for residential consumers into an energy program database
• Conducting interviews with key representatives from various organizations to gather insights on residential energy rebates.
• Assisting in qualitative data management, including cleaning and data analysis.

Required skills / qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Public Policy, or similar quantitative behavioral science
• 2+ years research experience in academic research lab or similar
• Expertise in survey experiments and Qualtrics platform
• Familiarity with R Statistical Software and inferential statistics
• Familiarity with NVivo
• General knowledge of social science research methods, statistics, and experimental studies with human subjects
• Self-motivated, highly organized, conscientious, and good team player

Preferred skills / qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in relevant field (any quantitative behavioral science)
• 2+ years research experience in social psychology, public policy, business, or related field
• Prior research experience with field partners, including companies, communities, and other stakeholders
• Interest in renewable energy and climate policy

Pay: $20/hr, 20hrs/week

Be advised that you will be contacted only if there is further interest in your application. Your candidate dashboard may not display status updates for this requisition.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS