Demographics Research Specialist, Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

UVA benefits

Job summary

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia is seeking a Research Specialist in Charlottesville to support demographic data production and research, working with senior analysts on population estimates, projections, and related analyses.

The role emphasizes data quality, independent work, and collaboration within a research team, with opportunities to contribute to policy-relevant projects in Virginia and beyond.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in demography, education, sociology, urban planning, public policy, economics, or a related field.
• Master's degree in a relevant field is preferred.
• Experience with GIS and/or spatial data analysis is desirable.
• Experience with large-scale data extraction, processing, and analysis is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support demographic data production and research, including population estimates and projections.
• Contribute to external contract projects under project leads.
• Assist with dissemination of findings through presentations, publications, and web content.
• Perform data collection, processing, and quality checks as part of research workflows.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Independence

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

R

Stata

SAS

Job description

The Demographics Research Group at the University of Virginia's Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service is seeking a bright, self-motivated, and responsible individual to join our highly respected team as a Research Specialist. The successful candidate will work closely with senior research specialists on a wide range of demographic data production and research projects.

This position provides an opportunity to develop expertise in demographic research and applied data analysis while contributing to projects that inform public policy and planning in Virginia and beyond.

Responsibilities

The Research Specialist will:

• Support demographic data production and research. Assist senior research specialists with the production of Virginia population estimates, population projections, school-age population estimates, and school enrollment projections. Responsibilities may include data collection and processing, data quality checks, methodological research, statistical analysis, documentation, and preparation of blog posts, reports, presentations, and other materials to communicate research findings.
• Support external projects. Serve as a member of project teams on external contract projects, working under the direction of project leads. Responsibilities may include data collection and analysis, research, report preparation, and other project-related tasks.
• Contribute to outreach and dissemination. Assist with the preparation and dissemination of research findings through presentations, publications, web content, and other outreach activities.
• Other duties as assigned

We are seeking an individual who demonstrates:

• Honesty, integrity, and accountability
• Eagerness to learn and grow professionally
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data quality
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively as part of a research team

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in demography, education, sociology, urban planning, public policy, economics, or a related field

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field
• Experience with GIS and/or spatial data analysis
• Familiarity with Virginia's demographic, socioeconomic, and geographic landscape
• One to three years of relevant professional or research experience
• Experience with at least one statistical software package, such as R, Stata, or SAS
• Experience with large-scale data extraction, processing, and analysis

Physical Demands

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

The hiring range is $60,000-$80,000, commensurate with education and experience.

This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits.

This is a restricted position, which is dependent on funding and is contingent upon funding availability.

This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and is eligible for a hybrid schedule of on grounds and remote work, with additional on-site presence as needed, in accordance with UVA's remote work guidelines.

To learn more about UVA and the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.

Application review will begin after October 13, 2026.

Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.

This position will notconsider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

For questions about the position, please contact Qian Cai, [e-mail].

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.