The Survey Center on American Life is a project of the American Enterprise Institute. Our dedicated team conducts original survey research to examine how cultural, political, and technological changes affect the lives of everyday Americans.

Interested in joining the team? Please see below for opportunities.

Internships are available at the Survey Center on American Life for the Fall, Spring, and Summer to experienced undergraduate students, graduate students, and recent graduates.


Research Assistant

AEI is seeking a full-time research assistant to work on polling, demographic trends, and American politics. The chosen research assistant will report to Research Fellow and Center Director Daniel Cox. This person will also conduct work with other scholars on a case-by-case basis.

Responsibilities for this position include assisting with research, writing, and editing for studies, papers, articles, op-eds, and media appearances. Additional responsibilities include using statistical software programs to clean, manipulate, and analyze data, as well as using data-visualization software to develop charts and graphs. Finally, this position is also responsible for helping plan and execute conferences and events. Duties include long-term projects and administrative support.

Desired skills for this position include excellent organizational and writing skills, attention to detail, and a demonstrated interest in social policy, demographic trends, American governmental institutions, and social mobility. Knowledge of current events, politics, and economic news is important. A bachelor’s degree is required; a bachelor’s degree in political science, sociology, statistics, or a related field is preferred. 

Qualified applicants should send their resume, cover letter, transcripts, and 500-word writing sample on any topic with their online application at www.aei.org/jobs.

Recent Commentary

Family in wheat field at sunset

Daniel A. Cox
March 5, 2024

The Societal Cost of the Marriage Decline

Marriage is positively associated with greater community involvement across a range of different activities.

Young man laying down scrolling on his cell phone

Daniel A. Cox
February 9, 2024

Gen Z’s Romance Gap: Why Nearly Half of Young Men Aren’t Dating

Until very recently, American culture has operated on the flawed notion that teenage dating and sex required little encouragement. Teenage romance was once seen as a natural part of American adolescence. This, it turns out, is completely wrong. Teenage dating is not inevitable and it’s a rapidly disappearing part of the American teenage experience. These

Young man and woman walking away from one another

Daniel A. Cox
January 23, 2024

The War within Gen Z

Young men and women no longer agree on anything. What happened?

Teenage boy texting

Daniel A. Cox
November 21, 2023

Smells Like Teen Solitude

Smartphone and parenting trends have pushed off major life milestones.