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

Former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a rally at the Steer N' Stein bar at the Iowa State Fair on August 12, 2023. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

Daniel A. Cox
September 10, 2023

Trump is Not as Strong as He Looks

Despite an early polling lead, Donald Trump’s position in the 2024 GOP primary is more tenuous than it appears.

farmers in the fields

Daniel A. Cox
August 17, 2023

Boys Aren’t Growing More Conservative. They’re Just Not That Into Politics.

In fact, many young people remain politically noncommittal as they figure out where they fit in.

Abortion protesters gathered with "love them both" and "keep abortion legal" signs

Daniel A. Cox, Amelia Thomson-DeVeaux
June 29, 2023

Nonreligious Americans are the New Abortion Voters

After Dobbs, abortion might prove a bigger motivating factor for nonreligious voters than religious, pro-life Americans

image of a man sitting before a cyber-like face

Daniel A. Cox
June 7, 2023

The Price We’ll Pay for Our AI Future: More Loneliness

Americans are trapped in a loneliness epidemic and AI chatbots like ChatGPT could make it even worse.