Research assistant - Ref. CPIS-PSR-2025-22

Description

This call is to recruit a research assistant who will work on projects involving survey data and statistical analyses. The candidate will work on data analysis in the framework of the European Social Survey (ESS ERIC) and other projects at the Research and Expertise Centre for Survey Methodology (RECSM) under the supervision of Diana Zavala-Rojas and Hannah Schwarz. The position will be based in the Political and Social Sciences Department at Pompeu Fabra University (Barcelona) and will be starting on November 1st, 2025. The planned duration of the position is until October 31, 2026. Tasks are specified below.

We are a research group focused on social sciences from a quantitative and computational perspective. We love science! And would like to invite candidates who share our passion for knowledge.  

Tasks

• Data analysis for the European Social Survey and other survey databases.
• Work on research projects at UPF/RECSM, mainly focused on quantitative Social Sciences.
• Work on technical reports as well as academic papers, specifically reporting on the results of statistical analysis.
• Work on database management.
• Conducting literature reviews on topics in the quantitative social sciences/survey science.
• Managing scientific communication content. 
• Support with the submission of academic articles to peer-reviewed journals.
• Support with the creation of Open Science data and code repositories.
• Work cooperatively with the PI and other research team members.
• Participate in UPF/RECSM research activities, such as seminars.

Qualifications

• Experience in conducting statistical analysis, employing R.
• Experience drafting technical reports and/or academic articles communicating statistical analysis results.
• The position is in English language, fluency in written and oral English language is a requirement. Fluency of Catalan language is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree in Political and Social Sciences or related fields with a focus on quantitative methodology.
• Familiarity with LaTex (Overleaf).
• Knowledge of MS Office suite. 
• A general ability and affinity to using computer tools and programs. We employ tools and create methods, so abilities to handle tools and willingness to learn more are needed. 

Application Instructions

To apply for this position, candidates send the documentation by Interfolio through the following link: https://apply.interfolio.com/174662 

1. A letter of motivation (max 2 pages) explaining how the candidate fulfills the qualifications mentioned in the job description.
2. A CV 
3. A sample of written material in English (it can be any short text or texts, max 5 pages). 
4. A copy of your ID card or passport.
5. A recommendation letter

Selection Criteria

• CV and previous experience: 1-5
• Disciplinary fit with the project: 1-5 points 
• Relevant additional skills: 1-5 points

The candidate must obtain a minimum of 3.5 points for each of the selection criteria to be invited to an interview.

The selection committee will decide on the need for an interview with the shortlisted candidates.

Selection Committee:

• President: Diana Zavala-Rojas 
• Secretary: Hannah Schwarz 
• Member: Matvei Poletaev

Deadline to submit application: October 6, 2025

Contact email: hannah.schwarz@upf.edu

Interfolio link: https://apply.interfolio.com/174662 

Euraxess link: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/376243

Information about the selection process: https://www.upf.edu/web/politiques/ofertes-de-treball

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

UPF promotes a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applicants regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, race, religion or sexual orientation.