Data Analyst, Center on Opportunity and Social Mobility

Overview

The AEI Center on Opportunity and Social Mobility seeks a full-time, in-person data analyst to work with the center’s deputy director Kevin Corinth and conduct data-focused projects. The data analyst will contribute to research on safety net programs, measurement of economic well-being, social capital, poverty, homelessness, and related topics. The anticipated start date for this position is as soon as possible.

Launched at the beginning of 2023, the Center on Opportunity and Social Mobility seeks to shrink opportunity gaps facing disadvantaged Americans and strengthen social mobility by publishing rigorous research and developing innovative policy solutions.

AEI offers a stimulating and harmonious work environment and excellent benefits. Applicants must submit a resume noting quantitative experience and skills, a cover letter demonstrating interest in poverty and social mobility, unofficial academic transcripts for all coursework completed at post-secondary levels, and a writing sample (such as a thesis or independent research paper) with the online application.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to all stages of the research process, with opportunity to coauthor work for academic journal publication
• Collect, clean, manipulate, and merge large datasets, especially large administrative datasets and household surveys such as the Current Population Survey, American Community Survey, Panel Study of Income Dynamics, and the Survey of Income and Program Participation
• Conduct empirical analysis and modeling using statistical and econometric methods
• Interpret and clearly communicate complicated empirical work, both verbally and in writing
• Build data-visualization products, including but not limited to interactive tables and figures, maps, and publicly accessible databases
• Assist in drafting scholarly papers, policy papers, and short-form articles aimed at both public policy and general audiences
• Provide occasional administrative support and other duties as assigned

Physical requirements and working conditions at AEI:

• The employee is regularly expected to stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, and keyboard. This job requires close vision abilities due to computer work.
• The employee must be able to lift up to 30 pounds at times.
• The employee must be able to work in a confined area.
• Moderate noise (e.g., from computers, phone, printers, and light traffic) is expected.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities associated with this position.

Qualifications

• Applicants who have a bachelor’s degree and/or master’s degree in economics, statistics, or related discipline with 1–3 years of work experience in quantitative research or data analysis are preferred. Applicants with neither full-time work experience nor a master’s degree are encouraged to apply for this position and may be considered for a research assistant role.
• Proficiency in Stata and ability to use or learn other programming applications such as R and Python are required.
• Significant coursework in mathematics (e.g., multivariable calculus, linear algebra, statistics) is required.
• Demonstrated interest in disadvantaged populations, social mobility, and public policy is required.
• Applicants must be comfortable working independently on research, have strong initiative, and be excited about learning new skills.