Research Associate

About the Nexus Center for Antisemitism Research

The Nexus Center for Antisemitism Research (NCAR) produces and elevates rigorous research on antisemitism to better understand the harms Jews face and to strengthen society's ability to respond. We conduct original research, highlight important scholarship, scrutinize widely shared claims, and serve as a bridge between research and the institutions, leaders, and communities seeking evidence-based insight. In an age of polarization and partisanship, our goal is to deepen understanding, build trust, and ensure that conversations about antisemitism are guided by rigor, transparency, and intellectual openness.

Position Summary

NCAR seeks a full-time social science Research Associate to advance our quantitative research on antisemitism in the U.S. They will serve as a thought partner to the director of NCAR on social science-related issues, and will take the lead on designing, implementing, and interpreting quantitative research studies. They will compose internal memoranda to document our findings and assist with composing public NCAR publications. They will also assist with primary source research into antisemitic movements and controversies in the U.S.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, administer, and interpret large scale quantitative research projects in collaboration with external consultants, academics, and partners.
• Critically evaluate existing scholarship, reports, datasets, and public claims about antisemitism, with close attention to methodology, evidence, and limitations.
• Produce clear internal memos, research briefs, and backgrounders that synthesize complex material and inform NCAR's agenda, publications, and external engagements.
• Draft and co-author NCAR publications (reports, explainers, talking points, presentations), ensuring they are rigorous, accessible, and responsive to media, policy, and communal debates.
• Maintain organized research assets (datasets, notes, bibliographies, document repositories) and support replicable, transparent workflows.

Qualifications

Required

• Master's degree in a relevant field.
• Approximately 2–4 years of substantive research experience in a social science field.
• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to assess the strength of evidence, evaluate research design, and distinguish clearly between empirical findings and normative claims.
• Excellent writing and editing skills, with a record of producing well-structured memos, briefs, or reports for non-specialist readers.
• Familiarity with contemporary debates about antisemitism, Israel/Zionism, Jewish life, extremism, racism, and/or political polarization.
• Experience working with data analysis tools.
• High level of organization, reliability, and follow-through in a remote, small-team setting, including managing multiple projects and deadlines.
• Ability to work independently on sensitive and politicized topics while exercising sound judgment and contributing constructively to an intellectually diverse team.

Preferred

• Substantive prior work directly on antisemitism, Jewish politics or history, extremism, or closely related topics (e.g., thesis, publication, major report, or portfolio of briefs).
• Proficiency with more advanced statistical methods or tools.
• Experience presenting research to non-academic audiences (briefings for practitioners, community leaders, journalists, or policymakers).
• Experience helping to shape project scopes, manage timelines, or informally guide more junior researchers or interns.

Work Environment and Culture

NCAR is a small, collaborative research center with a strong commitment to methodological rigor, transparency, and intellectual openness. The Research Associate will work closely with the Director and a small team of partners and affiliates, with regular opportunities to shape projects and contribute ideas. The position is fully remote within the United States, with reasonable core hours for coordination and flexibility for independent work. Occasional travel for meetings, convenings, or conferences may be requested but is not expected to be frequent.

Salary and Benefits

This is a full-time, exempt position. The salary range for this position is $85,000 to $95,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. NCAR offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance and generous paid time off; specific details will be discussed with candidates during the interview process.

Location and Work Arrangement

The position is remote and U.S.-based. While NCAR does not require residence in a specific city, the role involves regular collaboration with the Director and external partners, so the ability to participate in video meetings during standard U.S. working hours is important. Occasional in-person meetings or events may be scheduled with advance notice.