Social Science Data Analyst Intermediate

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How to Apply

A cover letter and resume are required for consideration for this position; include the cover letter as the first page of your application. The letter should specifically address your interest in this position and outline relevant skills and experience.

Job Summary

The Demography of Aging, Disability and Care Program (DADC) in the Survey Research Center at the Institute for Social Research (ISR) conducts research focused on the consequences of population aging. The program provides leadership for several research projects including the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) and the National Study of Caregiving (NSOC).

We are seeking a full-time social science data analyst intermediate to collaborate with DADC research faculty to conduct analyses related to population aging, disability and care. The successful candidate will specialize in quantitative social science and have experience working with population-based aging-related surveys, like the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) and the National Study of Caregiving (NSOC) or similar national surveys.

This is a two-year term limited position with the possibility of extension. An extension will be based on available funding and performance. This position will report to the DADC program director.

Responsibilities*

The job functions of this role will include, but are not limited to:

35% Preparing survey data and creating analytic files

• Writing programs to clean, recode and handle missing survey data using statistical packages such as Stata or R.
• Prepare and organizes data files for statistical analysis.

35% Performing statistical analyses

• Uses a variety of statistical methods and models. Selects and runs statistical tests in consultation with research faculty. Includes weighted analysis of descriptive data and model estimation, including generalized linear models (e.g., linear, logistic, and count regression), survival analyses, and mixed models. Advanced techniques like machine learning methods that may require deeper knowledge of R or Python are also of interest.

30% Documenting procedures and preparing methodological and technical materials

• Clearly documents decisions including analytic file construction, variable generation, and model estimation.
• Collaborate with research faculty to contribute technical material to publications and presentations. May include descriptions of data and methods, including design decisions, sample size justification, and analytic approach, and well-notated tables and figures.

Required Qualifications*

• Master's degree in social science or public health field (e.g., epidemiology, quantitative sociology, demography, health services), or related field.
• 2-3 years of relevant work experience with complex, population-based surveys including demonstrated data management skills and experience preparing data for analysis and solid grounding in statistical theory and application to social sciences.
• Highly motivated, organized, detail-oriented person with excellent multi-tasking ability and record-keeping.
• Must be able to program, manage data, and conduct statistical analyses using statistical software packages such as Stata or R.
• Willingness to learn and apply new methods and approaches.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, including ability to document complex data management and statistical work and excellent interpersonal skills.

Desired Qualifications*

• Experience with the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) and National Study of Caregiving (NSOC)
• Demonstrated interest in aging, health, caregiving or long-term care research.
• Experience working with interdisciplinary research teams.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Work Locations

Work location is expected to be onsite in Ann Arbor with flexibility for hybrid work within our overall Center guidelines.

Additional Information

The Institute for Social Research (ISR) at the University of Michigan seeks to create a community of respect and authentic collaboration by recruiting and retaining individuals that represent a variety of voices as a reflection of our commitment to serve the people of Michigan, to maintain the excellence of the university, and to ground our research in varied disciplines, perspectives, and ways of knowing and learning.

Benefits at the University of Michigan

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, U-M offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family, and plan for a secure future. Benefits include generous time off; retirement plan with two-for-one matching contributions after the first year; many choices for comprehensive health insurance; life insurance; long-term disability coverage; and flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses. Learn more about U-M benefits.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third-party administrator to conduct background checks.

Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Institute for Social Research job openings are posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.