How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter describing their scholarly activities and interest in the PSID at the Survey Research Center, curriculum vitae, a list of three references, up to three recent publications or manuscripts, and a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) statement. All applicants must submit their applications on our online applications site, Interfolio, at http://apply.interfolio.com/117626

Please direct questions or inquiries to srcsearches@umich.edu.  Reference #117626.

Summary

The Survey Research Center (SRC) at the Institute for Social Research (ISR), University of Michigan, invites applications for a full-time position of Assistant Research Scientist with the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID).

The SRC is a unique, world-renowned social science research center that conducts investigator initiated, survey-based research on theoretical and applied problems of social and scientific importance (please see our website): http://www.isr.umich.edu/src/. The PSID is the world’s longest running national household panel study and has collected economic, social, and demographic data from U.S. families since 1968 (http://psid.org). PSID has several large ongoing supplements including the Child Development Supplement (CDS) and the Transition into Adulthood Supplement (TAS) that have collected data on children and young adults in PSID families. A central mission of the project is to disseminate high quality data and documentation to social science researchers.

SRC seeks to hire an Assistant Research Scientist who will provide research support and administration and conduct research both independently and as part of a team of faculty. We seek an individual with scientific expertise in one or more of the principal content areas of PSID, such as program participation, socioeconomic status, health, and family dynamics. Significant quantitative and methodological training and experience in the analysis of complex panel survey data is a requirement for the position. Candidates should have an emerging record of research, including peer-reviewed publications and demonstrated success and/or aptitude for obtaining funding in partial support of their own research portfolio.

Responsibilities*

The responsibilities of the position include:

• Providing significant day-to-day management of PSID staff working in areas such as user education and outreach, questionnaire development, web site maintenance, and data processing;
• Developing instructional content and teaching data user workshops;
• Collaborating on the development of proposals for funded research;
• Serving as an expert and resource for their content area of expertise to inform instrument development and evaluation of data quality;
• Conducting data analysis and preparing PSID-specific technical reports and user documentation;
• Preparing scientific articles for publication.

Required Qualifications*

• Ph.D. in a social science field, such as sociology or demography, and graduate-level training in quantitative methods and statistics;
• 5-7 years of experience/training in the collection, processing, and dissemination of longitudinal survey data;
• Research focus aligned with principal content areas of PSID;
• Strong data analytic and statistical skills using large panel data sets;
• Proficiency in SAS and Stata statistical software; 
• Supervisory experience;
• Strong communication skills;
• Excellent presentation and writing skills.

Additional Information

This would be a 12-month appointment located onsite at the Institute for Social Research, Survey Research Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  Salary is competitive.

The DEI statement should include a discussion of demonstrated or planned contributions relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion in research, teaching or mentoring, and service.

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; a 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. Ann Arbor and its surrounding communities in the Detroit-Warren-Ann Arbor Combined Statistical Area offer a variety of climate-resilient, family-friendly communities within commuting distance of several universities and major employment centers.

The Institute for Social Research (ISR) at the University of Michigan seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitment to serve the diverse 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.

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

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.   Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

U-M COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

COVID-19 vaccinations, including one booster when eligible, are required for all University of Michigan students, faculty and staff across all campuses, including Michigan Medicine.  This includes those working remotely and temporary workers.   More information on this new policy is available on the U-M Health Response website or the UM-Dearborn and UM-Flint websites.