Position Function:
This position is through The National Strategic Planning & Analysis Research Center (NSPARC) at Mississippi State University (www.nsparc.msstate.edu). The successful candidate will conduct research and analysis, write reports and produce other materials for a diverse team of researcher faculty and scientists on projects related to workforce and economic development, skill development and career technical education, aligning higher education with workforce needs, workforce participation, program outcomes, and return on investment. The position will require the ability to work closely with an interdisciplinary team of researchers, professionals, and students, and the ability to work and think independently.
Salary Grade: Level II: 13; Level III: 14; Senior: 15
Please see Staff Compensation Structure for salary ranges.
Department Profile:
Mississippi State University is a top-ranked research institution, and NSPARC has a strong applied research focus to address critical challenges faced by government, economic and workforce development professionals, educational institutions, nonprofits, and the private sector. NSPARC is well-known for its expertise in longitudinal data, advanced analytics, and machine learning to evaluate outcomes of programs and policies, assess return on investment, and modeling and forecasting future trends. The 30 plus staff come from a variety of backgrounds including Sociology, Economics, Geosciences, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Statistics, Criminology, and Computer Engineering. For additional information see nsparc.msstate.edu.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Participate as a team member within the research and analysis teams and interact with scientists from other areas in NSPARC.
• Provide research support including data collection, database management, statistical analysis, and the tabulation of analytical results.
• Draft technical reports, research briefs, presentations and other materials related to funded research projects.
• Assist in project and program planning and scheduling activities related to funded research projects.
• Conduct research and data analysis on topics related to NSPARC funded research projects and projects under development for potential funding. This could involve the collection of data through surveys and focus groups, compiling and analyzing data from secondary sources.
• Balancing projects. Working with clients
• Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Rural Sociology, Demography, Political Science, Economics, Business Administration, or comparable field.
Rank and salary will be commensurate with individual’s background, education, and experience.
Beginning with a bachelor’s degree:
To begin at the Research Associate II level, one must have a bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Rural Sociology, Demography, Political Science, Economics, Business Administration, or comparable and a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience and the equivalent of a master’s degree.
Beginning with a master’s degree:
A professional employee with a master’s degree in Sociology, Rural Sociology, Demography, Political Science, Economics, Business Administration, or comparable field and one year of relevant experience and demonstrated competence can begin work at the Research Associate II level.
To begin at the Research Associate III level, one must have a master’s degree in the required discipline and a minimum of three years relevant experience and the equivalent of a master’s degree.
To begin at the Senior Research Associate level, one must have a master’s degree in the required discipline and a minimum of six years relevant experience.
Beginning with a doctoral degree:
A professional employee with a doctoral degree in Sociology, Rural Sociology, Demography, Political Science, Economics, Business Administration, or comparable with 2 years of relevant experience and demonstrated competence can begin work at the Research Associate lII level.
To begin at the Senior Research Associate Level, one must have a doctoral degree and a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Master's degree in Sociology, Rural Sociology, Demography, Political Science, Economics, Business Administration, or comparable field.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a trans-disciplinary team comprised of individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
• Experience managing research projects in an academic setting.
• Experience writing technical reports, journal articles, and preparing presentations for academic, industry, and lay audiences.
• Experience with data management and conducting data analysis.
• Experience with data analysis tools such as Python, SAS, Stata, or SPSS.
• Experience with data analytics platforms such as REMI, Lightcast, and S&P Capital IQ.
• Experience designing and fielding web, phone, and in-person surveys.
• Experience conducting focus groups.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Strong interpersonal communication and coordination skills.
• Ability to work closely with an interdisciplinary team of researchers, professionals, and students.
• Ability to work and think independently.
• Strong writing skills for report development.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
• Job frequently requires walking, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, handling objects with hands.
• Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically.
• No unusual physical requirements. Requires limited lifting of files and records and nearly all work is performed in a comfortable indoor facility.
• Frequent external imposed deadlines; set and revised beyond one’s control; interruptions influence priorities; difficult to anticipate nature or volume of work with certainty beyond a few days; meeting of deadlines and coordination of unrelated activities are key to position; involves conflict-resolution or similar interactions involving emotional issues or stress on a regular basis.
• Occasional overnight travel should be expected.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and a copy of your transcript(s) via the following link. Any social security numbers included on the requested transcripts should be redacted prior to submitting online.
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
