Organization Overview

Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research in the areas of U.S. politics and policy views; media and journalism; internet and technology; science and society; religion and public life; race and ethnicity; global attitudes and U.S. social and demographic trends. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts. The Center’s work is carried out by a staff of about 180. 

Position Summary

Pew Research Center’s News and Information team is seeking temporary Content Analysis/Research Data Coders to support research projects examining the online information environment, including online video content.

These temporary full-time positions will run for a 16-week period beginning January 19, 2027 (with the possibility of a 4-week extension). Due to the nature of the work, candidates must be able to commit to 37.5 hours per week during regular business hours. Positions are paid at a rate of $18.50 per hour.

In this role, Content Analysis/Research Data Coders will research and code information as part of efforts to understand how people use and get news on different social media sites. The work supports Pew Research Center’s efforts to study Americans’ news habits and attitudes and changes in the news and information environment. Coders will apply content analysis research methods and review social media content and accounts as well as participate in quality-control activities.

Primary Responsibilities

Working under direction, Coders will have the following duties:

Coding & Data Entry

• Apply Pew Research Center’s codebook to code content following Pew Research Center's methodology.
• Discuss research findings and provide input on shaping the coding guidelines and process.
• Enter codes and supporting evidence into a database.
• Compare coding with partners to spot discrepancies and reconcile differences appropriately, in consultation with researchers.

Education/Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Recent graduate or current student (must have completed at least 2 years of college) with an interest in news and information, social media, and/or other topics relevant to the study of video news consumption and content analysis of news.
• Previous coding (content analysis) experience, qualitative research experience, or work in similar research projects is an advantage, but not required.
• Basic familiarity with Excel is required.
• Detail oriented with exacting standards to maintain accuracy and impartiality in all work products.
• Ability to work well in a team setting.
• Ability to take instructions and follow through well.
• Ability to work diligently under deadlines.
• Ability to communicate clearly in a remote work environment, including documenting coding notes, questions and decisions appropriately and clearly.
• Ability to read through lengthy reports and code relevant information.

Requirements

This is a full-time temporary position located in Washington, DC. Candidates must reside in the following states for the duration of employment (DC, MD, VA). Coders have the option to work in the office or remotely and must be available during established business hours.

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Salary: $18.50 per hour

Location: Hybrid or Remote

(Pew Research Center can only employ remote candidates in the following states- District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia).

Application Procedure: Click on the Apply button, and complete required fields. Both cover letter and resume are required.  

When requested, please upload a copy of your resume/cv, as well as a copy of your cover letter in the section labeled Resume/Cover Letter. If the documents have successfully uploaded, you should see 2 attached files beneath the “Drop files here” box. Please make sure you have uploaded a resume AND a cover letter before moving on to the next page.

EEO:   

Pew Research Center makes employment decisions without regard to age, sex, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, military/veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. We encourage applications from candidates who represent a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills.