Research Specialist, Civic Education Research Lab

Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce

. Conduct research tasks associated with grant-related activities of the Literacy for We the People and Documents of Democracy projects .

Posted 11/3/2026full-timeWashington, D.C. • Washington • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $47,586 - $87,558 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in research design, data analysis, and statistical methodology, particularly using SPSS and Excel. Strong ability to communicate findings effectively and collaborate within a research environment focused on civic education.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Master’s DegreeStatistical MethodologySPSS ProficiencyResearch DesignCivic Education Research

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Quantitative Data AnalysisQualitative Data EvaluationData CleaningSurvey Data AnalysisResearch Instrument DevelopmentChart and Graph ProductionReport WritingInterview TranscriptionStatistical AnalysisResearch Principles

Soft Skills

Strong Work EthicSelf-MotivationEffective CommunicationTime ManagementOrganizational Skills

Tools & Technologies

SPSSExcel

Industry Keywords

Civic LiteracyPolitical KnowledgeK-12 EducationAmerican HistoryAmerican GovernmentEducational ResearchResearch CommunicationGrant ManagementCollaborationPublications

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Conduct research tasks associated with grant-related activities of the Literacy for We the People and Documents of Democracy projects
Manipulate, compute, and critically analyze quantitative data
Evaluate qualitative data to assess students’ reading and writing literacy
Collaborate with Dr. Owen and CERL staff on complex research projects
Develop instruments measuring students’ civic literacy, political knowledge, and civic competencies
Produce charts, graphs, tables, and slide decks of research protocols and results
Conduct and transcribe recorded student and teacher interviews
Produce reports for educators, academics, and policymakers
Conduct research design, data collection, data cleaning, and basic and advanced statistical analysis of survey data using SPSS
Supervise and mentor undergraduate and graduate student research assistants
Contribute to CERL’s public-facing research communications, including its Substack
Share research findings and content knowledge at professional meetings
Help prepare articles for publication
Support administrative, research, and evaluation functions of the LWTP and DOD grants
Work with Dr. Owen on research design, studies, dissemination of results, and related events and symposia

Requirements

What you’ll need

Master’s Degree in relevant field and 5-7 years of related experience
Ability to operate with minimal supervision
Strong research, analytical, and writing competencies
Strong statistical methodology skills, especially analyzing large survey research and experimental data
Proficiency in SPSS and Excel
Ability to perform independently, communicate scientific results effectively, and participate in a highly collaborative environment
Strong work ethic and self-motivation to learn and become familiar with primary scientific literature
Knowledge of research principles, concepts, practices, and methods
Excellent communication, time management, and organizational skills
Attention to detail
Doctoral degree strongly preferred
At least two years of hands-on experience conducting research on K-12 civic education preferred
Strong knowledge of American history, politics, and government preferred
Familiarity with the American educational system preferred
Cover letter and resume required for consideration

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Disability insurance
Life insurance
Retirement savings
Tuition assistance
Work-life balance benefits
Employee discounts
Voluntary insurance options
Professional development opportunities
Community involvement opportunities