Research Associate/Senior Research Associate

Position Type: 
Full-time
Posted On: May 28, 2014
Post Expires: November 1, 2014
Expiration Date: 
Saturday, November 1, 2014

 

The Center on Urban Poverty and Community Development (http://povertycenter.case.edu) is seeking an individual with expertise in spatial statistics, and longitudinal and multi-level modeling to work on applied research projects related to contextual influences on child wellbeing. In particular, we are seeking an individual with the ability to take the lead on spatial, multi-level and longitudinal modeling, in addition to the application of other statistical methods 

as needed. Much of the statistical analysis will be applied to large data sets that come from the Center’s Integrated Data System (IDS). The IDS incorporates millions of individual level administrative records from education, housing, human services and health systems that are linked together in longitudinal records with geographic identifiers. The individual will work with a multi-disciplinary team of faculty, research staff and graduate students to address research questions about patterns of neighborhood change over time and space, and the impact of 

neighborhood context and spatial process on people and places. 

 

Duties of the position 

 

The responsibilities of the Research Associate/ Senior Research Associate include: 

 

Develop and apply spatial, spatio-temporal, multi-level and longitudinal analysis methods using properly documented statistical and GIS software in a form suitable for dissemination; 

 

Advise members of the research team on spatial analysis and other statistical aspects of study design as needed; 

 

Prepare routine and special reports on statistical methods and findings; 

 

Present research and evaluation findings to local and national audiences; 

 

Contribute to the publication of articles and reports and the preparation of proposals for research funding. 

 

Qualifications 

 

The candidate should have education and experience related to the application of spatial and longitudinal analysis to social and geographic data. An earned doctorate in social work, social sciences, geography, public health, or epidemiology is preferred but highly experienced master’s level candidates will also be considered. Additional qualifications include the ability to: 

 

Carry out analysis using R, SAS, Stata, GeoDa or other software packages as needed; 

 

Organize large data sets and maintain a timely schedule of statistical analysis; 

 

Provide meticulous documentation of statistical analysis methods; 

 

Collaborate with individuals from several disciplinary backgrounds; 

 

Mentor graduate students and post-doctoral fellows in spatio-temporal and longitudinal statistical analysis methods; 

 

Act in accordance with human subjects protection principles and scientific research ethics; 

 

Incorporate a theoretical understanding of neighborhood context. spatial processes and human development into statistical modeling; 

 

Maintain and develop personal skills and general knowledge of spatial and longitudinal analysis by directed reading and participation in training or conferences; 

 

Evaluate the sensitivity of statistical results to model specification and alternative methods; 

 

Make productive connections among researchers and policy makers; 

 

Communicate effectively with academic, policy and general audiences. 

 

Appointment 

The individual will be considered for appointment at either the Research Associate or Senior Research Associate level, depending on education and experience. Full time and part time options are available. The appointment is renewable on an annual basis and accompanied by a faculty-equivalent benefits package. Salary is negotiable based on experience. 

 

Application 

 

To apply, please submit a letter of interest and curriculum vitae to: 

 

Claudia J. Coulton. Ph.D. 

Distinguished University Professor 

Lillian F. Harris Professor of Urban Social Research 

Co-Director, Center on Urban Poverty and Community Development 

Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences 

Case Western Reserve University 

10900 Euclid Avenue, M.L. 7167 

Cleveland, OH 44106 

Position Description: