Temporary vacancy. Quantitative Research Assistant / Technician (Full time, fixed term)

Centre d’Estudis Demogràfics (CED)

Ref. SINGLEdem S02_01T/2026 - SINGLE project (ERC-2024-STG No. 101163333)

Project general description

We’re looking for a Quantitative Research Assistant/Technician (S2 – Tècnic/a de nivell mitjà) to join the ERC-funded project, ‘SINGLE – Understanding the Demography and Stratification of Singlehood in Europe’ in the Centre d’Estudis Demogràfics (CED). SINGLE is a comparative 5-year project dedicated to understanding the drivers and consequences of singlehood. 

Function description 

We are looking for a quantitatively trained researcher to join the SINGLE project and contribute to the empirical execution of an established research program. The role focuses on translating existing research questions and analytical plans into high-quality statistical analyses using comparative European demographic and social survey data.

The successful candidate will contribute across the empirical research workflow, including integrating and harmonizing datasets into the project’s existing data infrastructure; executing established statistical analyses; conducting data-quality and sensitivity checks; and producing reproducible, publication-standard tables, figures, code, and documentation.

The role combines three main areas of work: quantitative research and statistical analysis (~70%), data harmonization and project data infrastructure (~20%), and reproducible research outputs and documentation (~10%).

This is an execution-focused research role: the research questions and analytical program are already established. The position suits someone who enjoys working with data, quantitative problem-solving, and translating research designs into reliable empirical results. The role requires statistical judgment, attention to detail, and high standards of reproducibility and research practice.

Requirements

Required

• Master’s degree in demography, sociology, statistics, data science, or a related field 
• Demonstrated experience conducting quantitative research, preferably with Stata 
• Ability to learn datasets, methods, and procedures quickly 
• Experience working with large-scale or complex data, e.g., cross-national, longitudinal, household surveys, or repeated cross-sectional data
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
• Strong attention to detail, reproducibility, and documentation

Assets

• Familiarity with demographic methods and research 
• Experience with data visualization for academic and non-academic dissemination 
• Research experience related to family and social stratification, or concrete interest singlehood research 
• Motivation to pursue a PhD and strengthen academic profile 

Conditions of employment

• Contract type: Full-time (37.5 hours/week) S2 contract starting on 15 November 2026 
• Duration: 6 months  
• Gross annual salary: in accordance with CED’s S2 salary scale (14 payments per year). The position offers full employment benefits in accordance with Spanish labor laws, including healthcare, vacation days, social security etc. 
• Workplace: The position is based at the Centre d’Estudis Demogràfics (Barcelona). The work is hybrid with the option of working up to two days from home. While remote work is possible, the selected candidate needs to hold valid authorization to work in Spain (DNI/NIE/TIE) at the start of employment.

Applications

Interested candidates should submit their application materials in English through the application form. 

Required materials (PDF): 

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
• Cover/Motivation Letter (maximum 1 page) – Please describe your research skills and interests, highlighting your experience with quantitative research, datasets, and methods.

Optional materials (PDF):

• Analytical code sample (maximum 2 pages) – Candidates may provide a short sample of code in Stata or R, demonstrating data preparation and/or statistical analysis. The sample may come from previous research, coursework, or other relevant work. Briefly indicate the context and your contribution if collaborative. Please do not submit confidential or restricted code or data. 

Deadline

Applications are due by 15 October 2026 at 12:00PM (noon), CET