The Position:
This is an entry-level position for an individual pursuing a career in social policy research. Primary tasks typically assigned to RAs include the following: organizing project materials, information and resources; library research; reviewing and abstracting published literature and other written materials; coding data elements; cleaning and troubleshooting data, performing data entry and management tasks; creating databases using spreadsheets, SPSS, Access or other software; creating word processing documents, and providing general support to the projects on which they work.

Depending on background and abilities, a research assistant also may be offered the opportunity to develop skills and gain experience in the following areas: conducting structured and semi-structured interviews to gather information; analyzing data, creating charts and tables for inclusion in reports; summarizing findings and their significance; and contributing to project reports.

In addition to project-specific work, Research Assistants are expected to participate in marketing efforts, such as helping with coordination, tracking, collecting relevant materials, proofreading, and quality assurance for proposal-writing teams. Research Assistants are also expected to participate actively in and contribute to BPA on the corporate as well as the project level.

Research Assistants work on several projects simultaneously, and are responsible for managing their time in such a way as to accomplish the work on each project within the time allotted. Research Assistants are expected to work constructively with other staff on a project team, contribute ideas, use time effectively, work productively without close supervision, and represent the company in a professional manner in dealings with outside individuals and organizations.

Primary Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a research/analysis-oriented discipline (such as sociology, public policy, social welfare, history, or economics)
• Verifiable spreadsheet and/or database applications skills
• Excellent and verifiable organizational skills
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Spanish language skills preferred but not required

Other Information:
Casual work environment with flexible work hours. Health, dental, retirement, and other benefits. Participation in employee ownership. Resumes and cover letters may be emailed to: maria@bpacal.com, or faxed to: Maria Coh-Prospero, Human Resources Manager, at (510) 465-7885. Postal address is: 440 Grand Avenue, Suite 500, Oakland, CA 94610.

Berkeley Policy Associates is an Equal Opportunity Employer; qualified minority candidates and/or candidates with disabilities are encouraged to apply.