Research Assistant/ Senior Research Assistant, SRH/PFD

Program Area Description

Research in the Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) area aims to ensure that teens and young adults (1) have access to high-quality, accurate, and inclusive sexual and reproductive health care and knowledge; (2) are able to engage in and plan for safe, consensual, healthy, and empowered sexual activity; and (3) can have wanted and healthy pregnancies and births. Additionally, we study how sexual and reproductive health is linked to child and family well-being. 

Research in the Parenting and Family Dynamics (PFD) area focuses on enhancing (1) fathers’ engagement with their children across diverse family types and living arrangements, and through all child developmental stages; (2) the parenting and co-parenting relationships that help children develop in healthy ways; and (3) our understanding of the trends in relationship and family formation and the implications for child and parent well-being.

Our dynamic, multi-disciplinary teams have expertise in quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research; intervention development; measurement design; program evaluation; policy design; and technical assistance. Much of our research focuses on improving outcomes for communities with low incomes; young people with disabilities; and communities in under-resourced or rural areas, including Tribal communities.

 Position Summary

Child Trends has multiple openings for a research assistant or senior research assistant to work across our Sexual and Reproductive Health team and Parenting and Family Dynamics team. As part of Child Trends, the Research Assistant will have the opportunity to provide research and/or project management assistance to multiple projects and teams. 

Typical Duties and Responsibilities:

Required Skills and Qualifications: 

Desired but not required Qualifications

Candidates will be considered for an assistant level or senior assistant level depending on skills, qualifications, and experience. We encourage candidates across this range to apply and will discuss level placement during the interview process. Don’t see yourself in every requirement? Please apply anyway. Many strong candidates talk themselves out of roles they’d excel in, and we’d rather you let us decide. Tell us how your experience could contribute to this work.

Compensation

Work Arrangement

This is a full-time position with some flexibility in schedule but we ask staff to keep core hours of availability between 10 am -3 pm ET. Specific needs should be discussed during the interview process. 

Location

While our work is largely remote, some project activities will require occasional in-person project activities. We are open to considering candidates working in any state but cannot consider staff working outside the U.S. One of the projects we are hiring for will require traveling to the Washington, DC area, so we’ll be looking to hire at least one person located in or near the Washington, DC/Maryland/Virginia area. 

Background Investigation

Jobs that involve interactions with children and positions that rely on high levels of trust to perform duties are subject to a background check at the time of hire, with roles being offered contingent upon results. We will always conduct interviews of qualified individuals prior to requesting a criminal background check and never inquire into an applicant's criminal history until interviews have been conducted and offer decisions are being made. Current employees may also be subject to future background checks depending on the nature of their duties. A criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate or current employee from employment; however, any convictions related to the responsibilities and requirements of the position may do so.

Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed in the order they are received. Position will be closed on 10/30 or sooner if filled.

How to Apply

Please follow the “apply” link to submit your application. Please upload your resume/CV and cover letter as well as a brief writing sample, and three professional references.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Child Trends provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Child Trends does not require or request applicants’ salary. Protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact recruitment@childtrends.org.