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

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 24: People sit and have a picnic in Washington Square Park during a heat wave on July 24, 2022 in New York City. The five boroughs of New York City are under a heat advisory until 8 PM on July 24th according to the US National Weather Service. Much of the East Coast is experiencing higher than usual temperatures as a heat wave moves through the area forcing residents into parks, pools and beaches to escape the heat. (Photo by Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images)

Daniel A. Cox
December 20, 2022

Why Americans are Spending Less Time with Friends — And What to do About it

A full work week. Hours on housework, yard work, time spent with your kids or partner. Then there’s all the time we spend online. Where is the time for friends? Today, On Point: Declining time with friends, increasing loneliness. We hear what to do about Americans’ lost connections.

Four cartoon black hanging lamps on a blue background, one light bulb is not working.

Daniel A. Cox, Brent Orrell
December 16, 2022

Women are More Likely to Make Friends at Work than Men. Here’s Why that Matters

Research shows that the more friends we have, the less likely we are to be depressed or anxious, and work friendships boost productivity and worker retention

At Orange Bowl Stadium, immigrants demonstrate their patriotism during what could be the largest naturalization ceremony in American history. c. 1984 (GettyImages).

Brent Orrell
November 18, 2022

How Hispanic Americans Think About Work and Identity

If we want to understand the evolving role of Hispanic Americans in American culture and politics, one useful on-ramp is studying Hispanics in the workplace.

A cartoon of three miniature persons sitting on another person's hands that has shrubbery on them.

Daniel A. Cox, Brent Orrell, Jessie Wall
October 31, 2022

The New Workplace Gender Imbalance: Social Capital and Job Satisfaction

New data suggests gender and education are the difference between liking and loving your job. But there’s a price to be paid.