New

Research Associate

North Carolina State University

Commensurate with education and experience (anticipated hiring range $70,000-$80,000)

United States, North Carolina, Raleigh

Sep 22, 2024

Posting Information

Posting Number	PG193592EP
Internal Recruitment	No
Working Title	Research Associate
Anticipated Hiring Range	Commensurate with education and experience (anticipated hiring range $70,000-$80,000)
Work Schedule	Monday - Friday, 8 am to 5 pm (work outside of standard hours may be required due to business needs)
Job Location	Raleigh, NC
Department	Data Science Academy
About the Department	The Data Science Academy is the first of several NC State Academies, which are true university-wide efforts involving all 10 colleges. The Data Science Academy's goal is to network and catalyze data science across all three pillars of the university's land-grant mission: education, research and service to the state of North Carolina. At NC State, data science is for everyone. The Data Science Academy offers 1-credit project-based courses and customized non-credit courses on a variety of topics grounded in our ADAPT course model (All Campus Data Science Accessible Project-based Teaching and Learning). We seek instructors from industry, government and academia who are excited about broadening participation in data science and welcoming learners from many disciplines.
Essential Job Duties	The Data Science Academy seeks a Research Associate to work as a data analyst, focusing on modeling and forecasting the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund for NC Department of Commerce Division of Employment Security. This position will be fully responsible for the UI modeling and forecasting processes, analyzing historical data, responding to policy changes, and informing operational and policy decision-making. Funding for this position is currently available for 24 months with the possibility of extending to a full-time staff position with satisfactory performance. Job Responsibilities: This position will work under the supervision of Dr. Huiling Ding, Professor and DSA's Director of Labor Analytics and Workforce Development at North Carolina State University. We are seeking a highly motivated individual to join the UI Trust Fund Modeling team. The detailed responsibilities are: Develop a deep understanding of policies and procedures surrounding unemployment insurance in North Carolina. Lead big data collection and analysis focusing on unemployment insurance modeling and prediction. Conduct statewide unemployment insurance forecasting. Consolidate data from various file formats across large volume of data from state and national administrative data sets using data analysis software, such as SAS, Python, SQL, and SPSS. Use statistical analysis software such as MS-Excel, SAS, Python, SQL, and SPSS to work on relatively complex data models and perform predictive statistical analysis. Develop and manage data governance procedures and access infrastructure to support analysis efforts. Synthesize findings from data analysis and present in tabular or visual form with MS Office or Tableau. Provide data support and scenario analysis to policymakers to inform decisions in unemployment insurance modeling. Maintain internal operational reporting, develop a knowledge base, and make recommendations for improvements in workflow and metrics. Communicate data analysis findings in the form of technical reports, memos, and presentations to DSA leadership, NC DOC leadership, and external stakeholders. Ensure timely completion of policy reporting and regulatory compliance. Coordinate with NC DOC/DES as well as Department of Labor to collect, process, and synthesize data that helps to inform and guide sound operational decisions and policymaking. Performs other relevant duties as assigned.
Other Responsibilities

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	A Master's degree in Economics, Sociology, Statistics, Mathematics, Data Science or a related field, or relevant Bachelor's degree plus 3 or more years of independent research experience. Experience working under state and federal policy constraints.
Other Required Qualifications	Experience with complex data models. Strong written and oral communication skills. Proven ability to work under pressure, with quick deadlines, in a fast-paced environment. Exceptional attention to detail and the ability to work on multiple projects at the same time. Experience with virtualized environments such as Amazon's AWS or Microsoft's Azure 2-3 years working with MS-Excel and other data and statistical analysis software such as SAS, Python, SQL, and SPSS.
Preferred Qualifications	A Ph.D. degree in Economics, Sociology, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related field, with quantitative expertise and understanding of policies. 3-4 years of experience analyzing and making recommendations based on analysis of relatively complex big data using MS-Excel, Python, SAS, SQL, or SPSS. 3-4 years of experience visualizing data or reports using Tableau. Proven ability to document reporting requirements and translate data analysis for a non-technical audience and state policy makers. Ability to respond to policy changes. Experience streamlining and automating data analysis workflows
Required License(s) or Certification(s)	N/A
Valid NC Driver's License required	No
Commercial Driver's License required	No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date	08/09/2024
Anticipated Close Date
Special Instructions to Applicants	Please attach a Cover Letter, CV, and contact information for three (3) professional references. Applications will be reviewed starting September 20th

Position Details

Position Number	00110991
Position Type	EHRA Non-Faculty
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)	1.0
Appointment	12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather	Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events	Non Mandatory - Emergency Event
Department ID	231010 - Data Science Academy
AA/EEO	NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-515-3148 to speak with a representative at the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity. If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu. Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit. NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.