Temporary Professional (Research Associate)

Apply now Job no:523914
Work type:Hourly
Location:UMass Amherst
Department: UMDI - Economic&Pub Policy Res
Union: Non-Benefited
Categories:Temporary Non-Benefited, Research

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 Associates contribute to project implementation working under the direction of experienced UMDI research professionals. Research Associates’ work focuses heavily on activities related to data collection, analysis, and reporting of findings. 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.
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

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

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 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.
• Strong attention to detail, high levels of accuracy and organization, and the ability to meet deadlines.
• Must have the flexibility to travel as-needed basis within Massachusetts and occasionally outside of the Commonwealth to attend meetings and collect data.

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

• Master’s degree.
• Academic discipline in Economics, Geography, Regional Planning, Resource Economics, Public Policy, Sociology, or a related discipline.
• 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 (1) 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.
• Ability to transport supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.

Additional Details

• This is a temporary, unbenefited position with variable hours.
• This position is funded by grants and/or contracts and is contingent upon funding.

Work Schedule

• This is a part-time hourly position with variations in weekly schedule depending on project need.
• This position is temporary, non-benefited. 

Salary Information

$22.00 - $26.00 per hour.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination 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 UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Advertised:Jun 25 2024 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:Sep 25 2024 Eastern Daylight Time