University of Massachusetts Amherst Hiring for Research Analyst – EPPR – Boston, MA (Hybrid) at Amherst Full Time

Research Analyst – EPPR – Boston, MA (Hybrid)

Apply now (https://secure.dc4.pageuppeople.com/apply/822/gateway/default.aspx?c=apply&lJobID=514948&lJobSourceTypeID=801&sLanguage=en-us) Job no: 514948

Work type: Staff Full Time

Location: Boston, UMass Amherst

Department:UMDI – Economic&Pub Policy Res

Union:PSU

Categories: 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 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. 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 in Economics, Geography, Regional Planning, Resource Economics, Public Policy, Sociology, or related discipline.

• 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 on an 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 in Economics, Geography, Regional Planning, Resource Economics, Public Policy, Sociology, or 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 position is funded by grants and/or contracts, and is contingent upon funding.

• This position is located in Boston, MA.

• No relocation assistance provided.

• This is a full time, benefited position.

Work Schedule

• Standard full-time work schedule consisting of five, eight-hour days and 40 hours each work week.

• Work performed in addition to the regular work hours may be necessary, as may be a change in availability at specific times, to accommodate for variations in work demands.

• This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee’s work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.

Salary Information

Level 25

PSU Salary Ranges (https://www.umass.edu/humres/psu-salary-ranges)

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references. The search will remain open until filled.

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: Jul 11 2022 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close: