Part-Time Research Assistant- Smeal

The Pennsylvania State University; University Park (PA, TX); On-site; USD 25,000 - 35,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading university is seeking a part-time research assistant to support a research project on environmental policy uncertainty. The role involves data collection, analysis, and constructing indices focusing on local environmental policies. Ideal candidates should have a background in computer science, data analytics, economics, or finance, and proficiency in Python.

Qualifications

• Background in computer science and/or data analytics.
• Background in economics, finance, and/or real estate.

Responsibilities

• Data collection and analysis for environmental policy project.
• Constructing state- and local-level environmental policy uncertainty indices.

Skills

Python

Data Analytics

Computer Science

Economics

Finance

Real Estate

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Professors Steiner, Ambrose and Gustafson are looking to hire a part-time research assistant to support a joint research project. The project is about the effects of environmentalpolicy uncertainty on households' investments in sustainable home upgrades. The research assistant would be expected to work on average 5 hours per week.

Duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Data collection
• Data analysis

A key part of the project is constructing an index of environmental policy uncertainty. This index will follow the methodology outlined here: http://www.policyuncertainty.com.

However, in contrast to the economic policy uncertainty index described on the website, our index will focus on environmental policy, and it should be on the state-level or ideally MSA-level rather than nationwide.

We are looking for a research assistant to take the methodology behind the economic policy uncertainty index and adapt it (under our guidance) to construct state- and local-level environmental policy uncertainty indices.

The work needs to be completed by the end of the spring semester 2025. Once the indices have been constructed, we hope to build a website for them and turn them into a regular research product like my co-author's alternative inflation index here: https://sites.psu.edu/inflation/ We are also thinking about building an application for interested researchers to access and use the indices based on our data, etc.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Background in computer science and/or data analytics
• Background in economics, finance, and/or real estate
• Python proficiency

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging in all its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports both broad and specific equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster

PA State Labor Law Poster

Penn State Policies

Copyright Information

Hotlines