Research Specialist II

The Department of Sociology at Princeton University seeks applicants for a post-baccalaureate research specialist position. Successful candidates will have a background in social science or the humanities.

The research specialist will work in the Eviction Lab at Princeton University, an interdisciplinary research team who has built the first-ever national database of evictions in America (evictionlab.org). The Eviction Lab is currently working on a large number of studies on housing instability, political economy, and inequality in America.

The research specialist will work directly with Professor Matthew Desmond, the Principal Investigator of the Eviction Lab and the Maurice P. During Professor of Sociology, on a new book project on child welfare and poverty. The work will entail conducting original and library research addressing questions regarding public policy, child protective services, family history, and poverty in America. The research specialist will also manage undergraduate research assistants and Eviction Lab staff who are contributing to the work.

We seek self-driven, creative thinkers with strong research and writing skills. Successful candidates must have previous experience conducting basic research, engaging and summarizing academic literature, and writing papers based on research. Successful candidates must also demonstrate the ability to read and interpret statistical research.

This is a full-time, one year term position. For full consideration, applicants are required to submit a writing sample (up to 5 pages), in addition to a cover letter and CV.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Conducting library research, reading and summarizing historical, sociological, public policy, and economic research on a number of topics related to families, children, social problems, and child welfare agencies.

Original research involving identifying and summarizing administrative and survey data on child neglect and abuse, accessing such data through administrative agencies and research outfits.

Writing briefs and memos summarizing research findings, displaying trends, and interpreting data patterns. These memos will be used to support a book project and may also support academic and magazine articles.

Attending and contributing to team meetings, collaborating with undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral researchers. Attending workshops, conferences and meetings at Princeton and other research organizations.

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Sociology or related field is required.

Must have experience reading and summarizing qualitative and quantitative data and academic research and writing papers based on that research.

3+ years of relevant work experience is required

Preferred Qualifications:

Previous coursework in sociology or social science on inequality is useful but not required.

Previous coursework in sociology, economics, urban studies, public policy, law or pre-law. Evidence of undergraduate research experience, including experience as a research assistant and a senior thesis.

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. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Standard Weekly Hours

36.25

Eligible for Overtime

Yes

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Probationary Period

90 days

Essential Services Personnel (see policy for detail)

No

Estimated Appointment End Date

6/2/2026

Physical Capacity Exam Required

No

Valid Driver’s License Required

No

#LI-CN1

Full-Time