Research Assistant – Quantitative Analysis & Data Research

Faculty Laura Lanteri is looking for a strong student or junior researcher to support the development of a nonfiction book currently in progress.

The book examines patterns in contemporary behavior, culture, markets, and institutions, with a particular interest in how behaviors become concentrated, standardized, and reinforced at scale. The research assistant will primarily support the quantitative and data-driven dimensions of the project.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Conduct quantitative research across academic, government, industry, and other credible data sources
• Identify datasets, statistics, longitudinal studies, surveys, and market research relevant to specific questions or hypotheses
• Analyze and synthesize data to identify patterns, correlations, shifts, and outliers
• Build simple quantitative models and comparative analyses where useful
• Research historical and contemporary trends across consumer behavior, economics, technology, media, culture, and related fields
• Fact-check numerical claims and trace statistics back to their original sources
• Create clear tables, charts, and data summaries that can inform the book's arguments
• Maintain an organized research database with sources, citations, methodology, and supporting documentation
• Help distinguish between interesting correlations and findings that can actually support a rigorous argument
• Occasionally conduct targeted literature reviews around specific questions

Qualifications – Education, Experience, and Skills

This is ideal for a student in economics, statistics, data science, social science, public policy, business, sociology, psychology, or a related field who is interested in applying quantitative research to broader questions about contemporary culture and behavior.

Required:

• Strong quantitative and analytical skills
• Comfort working with large amounts of data and research
• Experience with Excel or Google Sheets
• Familiarity with statistical analysis tools such as R, Python, Stata, SPSS, or similar is a plus
• Strong research skills and an ability to identify reliable primary sources
• An understanding of basic research methodology and statistical interpretation
• Excellent attention to detail, particularly around numbers, citations, and sourcing
• Intellectual curiosity and an ability to investigate questions that do not always have obvious answers
• An ability to work independently and communicate findings clearly
• Experience with data visualization, academic research, econometrics, behavioral research, or large public datasets is particularly useful.

WORK MODE

Hybrid/Remote - Employees hired for this position primarily work remotely with the occasional on-campus presence required with advanced notice. Employees in this role will also be expected to use their best judgment to be on campus when necessary in order to best fulfill the responsibilities of their job descriptions.

Hourly Rate: $31.37/hour

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, marital or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. The New School recognizes and values the benefits of a diverse workforce.

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between SENS-UAW, Local 7902 and the University.

Responsibilities:

The Research Assistant will conduct quantitative research, identify datasets, statistics, longitudinal studies, surveys, and market research relevant to specific questions or hypotheses, analyze and synthesize data, among other responsibilities.

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