Summer Research Assistant, La Alianza

Status: Contractor

Term: A 10 week contract, with a start date in June 2022

Reports to: Data Specialist

Location: Remote (within United States)

Start Date: Open until filled

Compensation: $30/hour 

In 2020, NDWA Labs developed our La Alianza Messenger news chatbot into a groundbreaking research tool that surveys thousands of Spanish-speaking domestic workers every week, producing first-of-its-kind data for a workforce that is essential but overlooked, in mainstream economic analysis. 

As part of this ongoing research, we produce regular reports on Spanish-speaking domestic workers' economic situation and working conditions. In October 2020, we released a report which showed, 6 months into the pandemic, how domestic workers had been impacted by this crisis. We found devastating job loss, low wages, and economic insecurity at alarming levels. 

Starting in 2021, we released a monthly Economic Situation report on the same day as the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Jobs report release. We've also released periodic reports on domestic workers' access to the COVID-19 vaccine, and on special topics such as domestic workers' experience of family caregiving. In addition to public reports, La Alianza also creates internal reports for our and other teams.

 NDWA Labs’ survey research prioritizes building trust with domestic workers, centering their experience in our data collection efforts. This guides our decisions on which questions to ask, which not to ask, and when and how to ask them. Each survey experience in the chatbot begins with a news offering and ends with additional news and resources. As part of the data collection process, we gather suggestions and insights for what information and resources workers would value in future news articles and chatbot conversations. 

What You’ll Do

NDWA Labs is seeking a current student or recent graduate to join us as a research assistant to support our Data Specialist with programming, data analysis, research, and reporting tasks as needed on the economic and working conditions of domestic workers nationwide.

Responsibilities:

  • Build weekly surveys in our chatbot platform that we send to thousands of Spanish-speaking domestic workers and which fill a crucial gap in our understanding of the sector

  • Use Python or R scripts to clean and manipulate data files for use in statistical analysis

  • Convert analytical outputs into compelling visualizations for reports and presentations

  • Offer feedback and a fresh perspective on internal dashboards and external publications

  • Assist with miscellaneous administrative tasks

  • Assist with special projects as time and interest permit, such as to compile, read, and provide analytical reviews of existing literature and data

Skills and Experience We’re After

  • Prior programming experience in R or Python and ability to work with empirical data and statistics

  • Undergraduate, graduate student or recent graduate with strong coursework in statistics, survey design, programming, social science, or other relevant fields 

  • Prior experience in survey methodology/quantitative research in social sciences is required

  • Ability to synthesize and present complex data in a simple, compelling, meaningful way 

  • Strong writing and research skills

  • Ability to take initiative, assess priorities, handle multiple assignments, and meet deadlines

  • Understanding of issues facing low-wage workers, immigrant communities, and other communities of color

Preferred 

  • Bilingual English/Spanish

We Can Offer

  • The compensation for this contract position is $30/hour

  • Term of ten weeks, 35 hours/week, with a start date in June (with some flexibility)

  • Unfortunately, we are not able to offer VISA sponsorship for this position at this time.

  • This role is not eligible for Medical, dental, or vision benefits. 

About Us

Founded in 2007, the National Domestic Workers Alliance is widely recognized as one of the nation’s most dynamic and innovative social justice and worker organizations. NDWA is the national voice and vehicle for respect, recognition, and inclusion in labor protections for the 2.5 million domestic workers in the United States. 

NDWA Labs is the innovation partner of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, one of the country’s leading progressive social movement organizations. At NDWA Labs, we’re building products that transform domestic work jobs into good jobs by bringing respect, living wages, and benefits to an invisible, undervalued, and vulnerable part of the economy. Rather than optimizing within the status quo, NDWA Labs leverages tech to disrupt power and fundamentally change the ways in which work is organized and paid, for the millions of women and immigrants in the domestic work industry.


Women, People of Color, People with Disabilities and LGBTQ people strongly urged to apply. Applications will only be accepted electronically. Please send resume to admin@ndwalabs.org. This position will remain open until filled.