Research Associate - Social/Behavioral Sciences

A cover letter is required for this position. The cover letter should specifically address why you are interested in this position, describe specific skills and experiences in your history, and directly relate them to the responsibilities of, and qualification for this position. The Career Portal system only accepts your cover letter as the first page of your resume document.

The Surveys of Consumers at the University of Michigan is recruiting for a Research Area Specialist Intermediate/Associate. The Surveys of Consumers measure consumer expectations to capture the impact of the expectations of consumers on their spending and saving behavior. The consumer expectation index is a component of the Index of Leading Economic Indicators due to its ability to predict future changes in the economy. The data are widely used by government agencies, financial institutions, business firms, and scholars, as well as by ordinary citizens.

The longstanding research program conducts monthly surveys of economic expectations and behaviors of American households and how changes in their expectations influence the course of the macro economy. Market-moving economic data on consumer confidence and other measures are released twice a month to the public, market participants, and policymakers. The surveys also include data on other related topics from sponsors within and outside the University. This project is located in the Survey Research Center (SRC), at the Institute for Social Research (ISR).

• Using SAS, create and maintain complex datasets for internal and public use.
• Perform a wide range of data cleaning procedures.
• Assist in public use data file processing, checking, cleaning, coding, archiving, and documentation.
• Assist in developing, updating, maintaining, and documenting data processing and reporting systems using SAS (programming and macro development), Excel (VBA and macro automation), SQL, and Python.
• Assist with data analysis and preparation of results (tables and charts) for presentations, publication, or reports including internet distribution using SAS, Excel, Adobe Acrobat, and Tableau
• Create database preload for monthly web-based surveys; supervise undergraduate and graduate employees; miscellaneous data, SAS programming support for small unit.

We'd like to hear from you if you have:

• Bachelor's degree in economics, statistics, quantitative social sciences, survey methodology, engineering, biostatistics, or computer science.
• Associate: One to three years of demonstrated professional SAS programming experience, including macro programming (or related coursework).
• Intermediate: Four to five years of demonstrated professional SAS programming experience, including macro programming.
• Demonstrated ability with standard office productivity software, including Word and Excel.
• Demonstrated foundation in applied econometrics or statistics, including multiple regression (experience or related coursework).
• Must have excellent attention to detail, be well organized, and can prioritize and work on multiple projects simultaneously in a team environment; should be able to work independently.
• Successful candidates will exhibit the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, set priorities, and take initiative while keeping supervisors and project managers informed.

This position may be under-filled at an associate level (Research Area Specialist Associate) depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate. Candidates with a Bachelor's degree and 1-3 years of experience will be considered at the Associate level, with a salary range of $54,000.00 - $62,000.00.

The Institute for Social Research (ISR) at the University of Michigan seeks to create a community of respect and authentic collaboration by recruiting and retaining individuals that represent a variety of voices as a reflection of our commitment to serve the 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.

Benefits at the University of Michigan

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 that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting upon meeting eligibility requirements
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

Learn more about U-M benefits.