Join the Team

The Kohut Fellowship honors the memory of Andrew Kohut and his numerous contributions to the science and art of survey research.

Kohut Fellows will (1) engage in their own original public opinion- focused research project using data from the Roper Center archives; (2) publish a post on the Roper Center Blog that summarizes the research results and experience, (3) learn about the methods and techniques of survey research and other forms of public opinion research, analysis, and dissemination; (4) engage in conversation with leaders in the field of public opinion, and (5) devote roughly 10 hours a week on a Roper Center archive-related project(s) at a level appropriate to their abilities, training and educational goals.

Kohut Fellows will receive a $5,000 stipend for the summer.

Cornell graduate students and undergraduate students are encouraged to apply. 

Applications must include:

1. A two-page statement of qualifications and purpose which describes the proposed research (collaborative research projects with faculty are acceptable); relevant skills and experience; and how the fellowship experience will contribute to their career goals
2. Indication of whether or not you expect to be in Ithaca this summer 
3. An up-to-date transcript
4. Current resume/CV
5. List of at least one member of the Cornell faculty who will serve as a mentor on the summer research project

Applications are due via email to bmp6@cornell.edu by Friday, March 14th, 2025

The Roper Center for Public Opinion Research at Cornell University – the world’s largest public opinion data archive – has one Graduate Assistantship available for the 9-month, 2024-25 academic year.

Mitofsky Fellows will: 

1. Receive a full year of PhD funding, including tuition, stipend and healthcare
2. Focus on preparing and processing archived data and assist with preparing new data, including: cleaning and harmonizing data; writing syntax to read and translate ASCII data files; performing basic statistical analyses; proofreading data labels; and participating in other archive-related projects.

Pre and post A-Exam Doctoral candidates matriculated at Cornell University are encouraged to apply. 

Requirements for candidates:
 

• Prior research experience using data

• Knowledge of a statistical package, such as SPSS, R, and/or STATA

• Conscientious attention to detail and accuracy

• Excellent interpersonal skills and independent problem-solving

• Good written and oral communication skills
   

Preferred:
 

• Awareness of the purpose and use of metadata

• Prior experience working with a digital data archive or repository

• Experience analyzing public opinion data

• Dissertation research that relates to public opinion
   

Applications including a letter of intent listing at least one faculty reference, current CV and current transcript are due via email to bmp6@cornell.edu by Friday, March 14th, 2025.

In partnership with the American Association of Public Opinion Researcher (AAPOR), the Roper Center for Public Opinion Research is seeking a graduate student to assist with the development of educational materials. This fellowship is open to graduate students currently enrolled in a U.S. college or university and is focused on students who identify as a member of a racial or ethnic minority group that has been underrepresented in the field of polling research.

Fellowship efforts are primarily focused on the development of introductory-level instructional materials in public opinion survey research for use by educators. In exchange for roughly 10 hours of effort per week, W.E.B. Du Bois Fellows receive a $5,000 stipend for the summer and a complimentary AAPOR membership. Fellows will also participate in weekly conversations with leaders in the field of polling research. The entire Fellowship program is conducted remotely. 

Duties include:

• Identification of archival materials for use in introductory early and college-level courses

• Research existing introductory materials available for educators on topics related to the
  archive’s holdings, such as statistics, government, history, or survey research methods

• Design and develop digital media assets to enhance instruction based on Roper Center
  archival materials and support for the attainment of relevant learning outcomes for inclusion in introductory early-college and college-level curricula, including a sample syllabus, classroom exercises, methodology reviews, etc.
   

Required qualifications:
 

• Experience with use and development of instructional materials at the college level

• Knowledge of survey research methodologies and familiarity with opinion polling

• Conscientious attention to detail and accuracy

• Excellent independent problem-solving abilities and writing skills

• Enrollment in a graduate program in survey research, political science, sociology, public policy, history, or related fields

• Knowledge and experience working within the Microsoft Office or similar programs 

Preferred qualifications:
 

• Experience with R, SPSS, or Stata data packages

• Experience with teaching at a college level
   

Application components:
 

• Curriculum Vieta/Resumé
• Letter of intent
• Two Professional/Academic Reference letters written to the fellowship intents
   

Applications are due via email to bmp6@cornell.edu by Friday, March 14th, 2025.