Assistant Researcher

27343BR

Inst for Policy & Social Res

Position Overview

The Institute for Policy & Social Research (IPSR) is a designated research center for the social sciences, supporting social science researchers at the University of Kansas. IPSR supports faculty-led research centers, their directors, and a network of more than 100 affiliates, and staff.

The Assistant Researcher supports the Kansas Water Dashboard Convergence Accelerator Project. The Assistant Researcher’s primary responsibilities include data preparation, queries, documentation, analysis, and report preparation. These tasks are performed to support the Kansas Data Science Consortium and IPSR’s mission for research. The Assistant Researcher must handle competing deadlines and be able to prioritize and balance competing demands with guidance the Principal Investigator.

Job Description

40% – Data Queries and Documentation
Prepare, test, and document complex water quality and water quantity datasets for sponsored research: Combine data from multiple sources. Combine data from multiple time periods to create longitudinal datasets. Recode data from various sources so that variables have common codes and interpretations over time, so that longitudinal analysis may be performed. Test created datasets for consistency, outliers, and missing values. Document code to make updating and revision easier. Work performed as part of a research team. Programming languages used include SAS, Access, Stata, R, and Python. Communicate with principal investigator and work team to prepare data for further use.

45% – Analysis, Interpretation, Dashboard
Design and perform descriptive and econometric analysis for research projects. Create variables for analysis from administrative and survey data. Create graphs and cross-tabulations as part of exploratory analysis. Design data collection tools (such as survey questions) when necessary. With guidance from principal investigator and work team, develop and test econometric models. Interpret research results, write research reports, and present results.  Work to push the visual and statistical analysis to a public-facing water dashboard.

15% – Proposal Drafting & Other Duties
Assists in writing research proposals. Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in economics, business, statistics, or related social science field or HS diploma/GED and 4 years of research experience in either economics, statistics, or related field.

6 months experience creating tabular and graphical displays of quantitative information using Microsoft Excel, Word, and other software.

6 months experience with research writing under competing deadlines.

6 months experience collecting data from both published and on-line sources.

6 months experience creating and managing data sets using SAS, STATA, Excel, Access, or other similar software programs.

Demonstrated understanding of econometric or statistical tools and techniques, as evidenced in application materials.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in economics, business, statistics, or related social science field.

Experience building dashboards.

Experience making oral presentations.

Experience developing data collection protocols for interviews and surveys.

Experience in successfully developing and managing sponsored research projects.

Additional Candidate Instruction

A complete online application includes a cover letter, a resume/CV, and names and contact information for 3 professional references.

Review will begin March 18th, 2024.  To ensure consideration, please apply prior to March 18th. 2024.

Advertised Salary Range

$31,940 – $52,700

Application Review Begins

18-Mar-2024

Anticipated Start Date

31-Mar-2024

Primary Campus

University of Kansas Lawrence Campus

Employee Class

U-Unclassified Professional Staff

Work Schedule

40 hours/week

Conditions of Employment

Contingent on Funding

Work Location Assignment

Hybrid

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university’s programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights and Title IX, [email protected], Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.