About BDI

The Bridging Divides Initiative (BDI) is a non-partisan research project at Princeton University that tracks and mitigates political violence in the United States. BDI is working for a future where thriving communities are prepared to respond in periods of risk, empowered to address long-term divides, and supported to build a pluralistic, multi-racial democracy.

We believe that BDI can help make this future a reality by: 1) producing action-oriented research to enable trend monitoring and early warning; 2) creating space for cross-sector collaboration to foster connections among pro-democracy stakeholders; and 3) building policy frameworks that equip community leaders and decision-makers with the tools they need to advance positive change. Since the project was first established in 2019, BDI has increased awareness and understanding of political violence risk in America, while driving effective interventions to reduce harm. BDI’s research, resources, and policy tools are essential components of the wider risk mitigation ecosystem working to protect our democracy and keep our communities safe.

BDI is based at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA). For more information, please visit our website: bridgingdivides.princeton.edu. 

Position Overview

BDI seeks a full-time Research Analyst to support research analysis, Early Warning activities, and analytic products across the organization. 

Reporting to the Research Director, the Research Analyst will work closely with members of the Data and Tools and Early Warning teams to support quantitative research on political violence trends, actors, and regional and local risk dynamics, with a focus on making data and research findings accessible and actionable for internal and external collaborators, community partners, and the general public. This includes data and trend analysis, data preparation and quality assurance, visualization, and contributions to briefings, memos, and public-facing analytic products — including BDI’s County Risk Index and related tools.

The Research Analyst will also support the fulfillment of research requests from BDI teams and community partners, providing timely, accurate analysis drawn from BDI's growing library of data sources. Over time, the Research Analyst will develop through increased responsibility for research projects and analytic products as familiarity with BDI's data, methods, and research portfolio grows.

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible, 1-year term position with the possibility of extension. Work must be performed within the United States and is fully remote.

Research and analysis writing, drafting, or editing

• Conduct and contribute to research products that translate complex information into clear, timely, and actionable analysis for BDI staff, partners, or other audiences.
• Draft and edit BDI’s regular reporting on trends and events, memos, and other written analytical briefs, including products developed with external organizations.
• Support research requests by performing background research, synthesizing. available evidence, and developing timely, accurate analysis and data for BDI staff, community partners, and other stakeholders.

Quantitative analysis and visualization

• Prepare and support quantitative analysis for ongoing research projects and requests, including the Risk Index and other tools developed to identify and understand trends and risks related to political violence.
• Identify emerging trends and areas for further investigation using appropriate statistical or research methods, and translate findings into clear visualizations and analytical outputs.

Data & Tools Team Support

• Work closely with the Research Director and BDI’s Data and Tools team to support emerging research priorities, cross-team projects, and other research activities as needed. 
• Support research documentation, quality assurance, and improvements to research methods, analytical products, data, and data tools.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Political Science, Public Policy, Sociology, Applied Behavioral/Social Science, Statistics, or a related field.
• 2-3+ years of experience in research, policy, community engagement, or related role.
• Interest in and commitment to supporting civil society efforts to address political violence in the United States, including work with partner organizations across diverse political affiliations, geographies, and sectors.
• Interest and ability to translate research findings for policy, practitioner, and community audiences.
• Experience conducting quantitative analysis, including analyzing event-based or other structured data and developing clear, accessible visualizations. Demonstrated data analysis skills will be assessed through a technical exercise for shortlisted candidates.
• Ability to think critically and creatively about social and geographic data, including identifying trends, gaps, and opportunities for further analysis.
• Ability to work collaboratively and proactively in a fast-paced research environment, including responding to emerging questions and priorities.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a multidisciplinary team and collaborators, including partners from diverse backgrounds and in a remote work setting.
• Detail-oriented, self-directed, and able to manage multiple priorities while maintaining quality and meeting deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to write clearly and concisely using a variety of quantitative and qualitative inputs.

Preferred

• Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Experience with political violence research in the United States, with both quantitative and qualitative research experience as a plus.
• Past experience writing policy-focused memos, recommendations, or reports.
• Experience with quantitative data analysis and data visualization using tools such as R, Tableau, or similar software. 
• Experience with spatial analysis, including aggregation of demographic and point data to geographic units alongside data visualization or cartography.
• Experience with time series or event data and methods such as scale development, indices, factor analysis, or regression.
• Experience working with data pipelines, Tableau dashboards, or other research-related technical infrastructure.
• Familiarity with data sources relevant to political violence, threats and harassment, elections, civic engagement, or related topics.

Application Instructions 

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience as they relate to the Research Analyst role and BDI’s mission. Applications without a cover letter that meets this criteria will not be considered.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity 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.

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.