Research Analyst

Overview About BDI

The Bridging Divides Initiative (BDI) is a non-partisan research project at Princeton University that tracks and mitigates political violence in the United States. BDI is working for a future where thriving communities are prepared to respond in periods of risk, empowered to address long-term divides, and supported to build a pluralistic, multi-racial democracy.

We believe that BDI can help make this future a reality by:
1) producing action-oriented research to enable trend monitoring and early warning;
2) creating space for cross-sector collaboration to foster connections among pro-democracy stakeholders; and
3) building policy frameworks that equip community leaders and decision-makers with the tools they need to advance positive change. Since the project was first established in 2019, BDI has increased awareness and understanding of political violence risk in America, while driving effective interventions to reduce harm. BDI’s research, resources, and policy tools are essential components of the wider risk mitigation ecosystem working to protect our democracy and keep our communities safe.

BDI is based at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA). For more information, please visit our website: bridging divides.princeton.edu.

BDI seeks a full-time Research Analyst to support research analysis, Early Warning activities, and analytic products across the organization.

Reporting to the Research Director, the Research Analyst will work closely with members of the Data and Tools and Early Warning teams to support quantitative research on political violence trends, actors, and regional and local risk dynamics, with a focus on making data and research findings accessible and actionable for internal and external collaborators, community partners, and the general public. This includes data and trend analysis, data preparation and quality assurance, visualization, and contributions to briefings, memos, and public-facing analytic products — including BDI’s County Risk Index and related tools.

The Research Analyst will also support the fulfillment of research requests from BDI teams and community partners, providing timely, accurate analysis drawn from BDI's growing library of data sources. Over time, the Research Analyst will develop through increased responsibility for research projects and analytic products as familiarity with BDI's data, methods, and research portfolio grows.

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible, 1-year term position with the possibility of extension. Work must be performed within the United States and is fully remote.

Research and analysis writing, drafting, or editing

• Conduct and contribute to research products that translate complex information into clear, timely, and actionable analysis for BDI staff, partners, or other audiences.
• Draft and edit BDI’s regular reporting on trends and events, memos, and other written analytical briefs, including products developed with external organizations.
• Support research requests by performing background research, synthesizing available evidence, and developing timely, accurate analysis and data for BDI staff, community partners, and other stakeholders.

Quantitative analysis and visualization

• Prepare and support quantitative analysis for ongoing research projects and requests, including the Risk Index and other tools developed to identify and understand trends and risks related to political violence.
• Identify emerging trends and areas for further investigation using appropriate statistical or research methods, and translate findings into clear visualizations and analytical outputs.

Data & Tools Team Support

• Work closely with the Research Director and BDI’s Data and Tools…