Research Analyst - Economic & Public Policy Research - Hadley, MA & Boston, MA

Job description

Job no: 506436
Work type: Staff Part Time
Location: UMass Amherst
Department: UMDI - Economic&Pub Policy Res
Union: Non-Unit Exempt
Categories: Administrative/Office Support, Research, Analytics/Programming/Data

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

The University of Massachusetts Donahue Institute (UMDI) Economic & Public Policy Research group (EPPR) conducts a range of customized economic and demographic data analysis and policy studies on topics of interest to policymakers in government, business, and academia. Workforce, housing, infrastructure, local and regional economic development, industry ecosystems, demographic and socioeconomic trends, population estimates and projections, and economic impact are frequent themes of EPPR’s policy-related work.

Research Analysts contribute to project implementation working under the direction of experienced UMDI research professionals. Research Analysts’ work focuses heavily on activities related to data collection, analysis, and reporting of findings. Depending on the qualifications of the successful applicant, the position may entail writing duties and some independent project tasks.

Essential Functions

  • Complete literature reviews and background research, which may include research articles, secondary data, and policy/program information.
  • Develop and/or acquire instruments and training protocols to support primary data collection activities.
  • Coordinate logistical support, including working with clients and stakeholders to ensure timely and accurate data collection.
  • Identify and utilize secondary data from a range of public and private sources.
  • Develop and maintain project databases. Conduct and/or oversee data entry, data management, and quality assurance protocols.
  • Conduct analysis of quantitative and qualitative data.
  • Contribute to the development of high-quality project deliverables by developing clear visual and narrative descriptive summaries of data.

    • Other Functions

  • Share expertise with colleagues within the business unit and across UMDI.
  • Assist with responses to development opportunities, including proposal-related research and writing
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

    • Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

  • Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Geography, Regional Planning, Resource Economics, Public Policy, Sociology, or related disciplines;
  • Completion of a statistics course and/or research methods course;
  • Experience with statistical software such as Stata, SPSS, R, or SAS;
  • Demonstrated proficiency in professional office software, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint;
  • Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written;
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and engage in collaborative research in a team setting.
  • This position requires strong attention to detail, high levels of accuracy and organization, and the necessity to meet deadlines.
  • Must have the flexibility to travel on an as-needed basis within Massachusetts and occasionally outside of the Commonwealth to attend meetings and collect data.
  • Ability to transport supplies up to 20 pounds.

    • Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

  • Master’s degree in Economics, Geography, Regional Planning, Resource Economics, Public Policy, Sociology, or related disciplines;
  • Experience with other specialized software packages such as Access, ArcGIS, or other database software;
  • Experience working with public data sources including the U.S. Census, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts;
  • One year of relevant professional experience in economics, demographics, or public policy.

    • Physical Demands/Working Conditions

  • Multiple hours in stationary position, using office equipment and computers, attending meetings, working closely and collaboratively with others.
  • Environment is a busy, open office area with multiple interruptions and requests for assistance.
  • The physical/mental demands and work environment factors described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

    • Additional Details

    This position is being recruited for in both Hadley, MA and Boston, MA.

    Work Schedule

    Part-time work schedule, during standard working hours, of 20 hours (0.5 FTE) per week. Hours/FTE level may increase dependent upon organizational demands. Work performed may require a change in availability at specific times, to accommodate for variations in work demands.

    Salary Information

    Level 25

    Exempt Salary Ranges

    Special Instructions to Applicants

    Along with your application, please submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references by January 22, 2021.

    UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of the UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

    Advertised: Jan 8 2021 Eastern Standard Time
    Applications close: Jan 22 2021 Eastern Standard Time

     

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    Job No:
    Posted: 1/10/2021
    Application Due: 1/22/2021
    Work Type: Full Time
    Salary:
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