Research Assistant - Temporary

The Behavioral Science for Policy Lab (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.

The BSPL seeks a researcher who will develop and deploy surveys in collaboration with private sector partners, has experience with survey research, and a background in psychology or business. The position is to assist in the day-to-day development, deployment, collection, processing, and analysis of survey data about corporate climate action. This position is ideal for someone considering a research career in quantitative 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.

Start Date: Early summer

End Date: One year (possibility of renewal)

Pay: $50/hr, 20hrs/week

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

• Assisting in designing and conducting online surveys related to corporate action and policies related to climate change. Support research projects by creating research study materials and scientific protocols, conducting background research, including managing the Qualtrics and data collection.
• Assisting in data management, including cleaning, processing, and storage, and data analysis. Strong data analysis/visualization skills in R are essential.

Required skills / qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Business, 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
• Data analysis and data visualization in R (advanced)
• Strong written communication (can write an analysis white paper)
• Ability to review and summarize academic literature
• 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 or more advanced Degree in relevant field (any quantitative behavioral science)
• 2+ years research experience in social psychology, business, or related field 
• Prior research experience with field partners, including companies, communities, and other stakeholders
• Interest in renewable energy and climate policy

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 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.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.