Join the Team

The Roper Center is currently seeking a research assistant to support the continued advancement of our world-renowned public opinion archive.

This position will report to the Data Archivist and project leads from the data team and will assist the data team in accurately inputting a variety of polling research results and documents into the Roper Center database and performing basic data cleaning functions, such as normalizing and recoding variables. Duties and responsibilities may vary and will be assigned based on experience, including:
• Perform data entry and data proofing tasks
• Organize work, collect and analyze data, keep records
• Make independent decisions as well as ask for clarification when necessary
• Review online and paper versions of relevant datasets
• Adhere to workflow process already in place
• Ensure that all online documentation is searchable
• Inventory the physical archive and other related tasks as requested
• Enhance datasets with data labels or recodes

Required Qualifications/Skills/Experience:

• Experience with data entry/analysis
• Conscientious attention to detail and accuracy
• Excellent interpersonal skills and independent problem solving abilities
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Basic computer skills
• Experience with a statistical software package such as Stata, SPSS, or R

Preferred experience:
• Prior research experience using data

The Roper Center for Public Opinion Research at Cornell University – the world’s largest public opinion data archive – has openings on a regular basis and is always interested in hearing from interested candidates. Inquiries should be emailed to mfr47@cornell.edu.

The Andrew Kohut Research Fellowship 2024 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; and (4) 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. Information about past recipients is available at:
https://ropercenter.cornell.edu/about-the-center/staff/andrew-kohutfellowship-
program/

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) Whether or not you expect to be in Ithaca this summer
(3) An up-to-date transcript
(4) Current resume/CV
(5) Professional reference from a member of the Cornell Faculty who
will serve as a mentor on the summer research project

Applications are due Friday, February 9, 2024, by 5 PM.

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, 2024-2025 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. Information about past recipients is available at: https://ropercenter.cornell.edu/staff/mitofsky-graduateresearch-
fellows

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 Friday, February 9, 2024, by 5 PM.

W.E.B. Du Bois Fellowship in Support of Diversity and Inclusion in Public Opinion & Survey Research

The Roper Center for Public Opinion Research is currently seeking a part-time graduate
student to assist with development of educational materials. This position will work
directly with the data team and will play an important role in increasing use of the Roper
Center in introductory college courses and improve understanding of public opinion
polling among both faculty and students.

Duties include:
• Identification of archival materials suited to 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 Vitae/Resumé
• Letter of intent
• Two Professional/Academic Reference letters written to the fellowship intents

Applications are due Friday, February 9, 2024, by 5 PM.