Pre-Doctoral Research Specialist

Upenn; Fargo (ND); Remote; USD 57,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Pennsylvania's Wharton BEPP invites applications for a Pre-Doctoral Research Specialist to join a team focusing on workplace access and participation in the US and developing countries.

The role involves performing statistical and econometric analyses, data cleaning, literature reviews, and collaborating with faculty on projects that may lead to co-authorship in academic papers. This two-year, full-time position offers mentorship and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in Economics, Statistics, Data Science, or related quantitative discipline.
• Experience as a research analyst or conducting independent research using STATA or R is preferred.
• Ability to process and analyze large data sets and write reports.
• Self-directed, intrinsically motivated, capacity to manage work independently and organize workflows across multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Perform a variety of statistical and econometric analyses.
• Clean and analyze data, write research reports, and conduct literature reviews.
• Identify and obtain secondary data; code survey questionnaires.
• Manage field activities and support public communication of findings.
• Collaborate with professors and be mentored within BEPP; contribute to research papers.

Skills

Data analysis

Independent research

Self-motivation

Education

BA/BS in Economics, Statistics, Data Science, or related quantitative discipline

Tools

STATA

R

Job description

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Pre-Doctoral Research Specialist

Job Profile Title

Research Specialist A

Job Description Summary

Seeking a pre-doc to work with Professor Corinne Low on projects related to workplace access and participation in the US and developing countries. Example of recent projects include: running experiments to measure hiring bias among employers, examining changes in women's labor force participation over time, studying the division of home production within the household, and modeling the impact of assisted reproduction technology on careers.

You will join Wharton's Department of Business Economics and Public Policy (BEPP) and become part of a cohort of predoctoral research fellows. BEPP offers many opportunities for personal and professional development through learning new technical skills, attending seminars, and taking courses. In some instances, predoc RAs have become co-authors of academic papers.

Job Description

Job responsibilities include performing a variety of statistical and econometric analyses, cleaning and analyzing data, writing research reports, conducting background research and literature reviews, identifying and obtaining secondary data, coding survey questionnaires, and managing field activities. You may also be involved in creating research briefs or materials to support public communication about research findings.

Independent thinking, a thorough understanding of economics or related disciplines, an ability to manage work flows on multiple projects, and self-motivation are highly valued in performing these functions.

This is a challenging opportunity for an early-career professional who is passionate about social science research and has a strong desire to expand and deepen skills in economic research and quantitative data analysis. You will work closely with one or more of the professors, who will provide supervision on research and offer mentorship on academic development more broadly. You will also be encouraged to be an active part of the research community, within the BEPP department and in relevant Wharton research centers. We anticipate that the successful candidate would work in this position for 2 years, before going on to graduate programs or careers in Economics, Public Policy, or another quantitative social science.

QUALIFICATIONS

• BA/BS in Economics, Statistics, Data Science, or a related quantitative discipline;
• Previous experience as a research analyst or conducting independent research using statistical software such as STATA or R is preferred;
• Ability to process and analyze large data sets and write reports;
• Self-directed, intrinsically motivated, capacity to manage work independently and organize workflows across multiple projects.

SALARY & BENEFITS

This is a full-time, limited-term position typically intended for recent graduates who are seeking predoctoral research experience. The position is designed for a maximum duration of 2 years and cannot be extended beyond the initial term. Annual salary is in the range of $57,000-61,000 plus benefits. For more information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit: https://hr.wharton.upenn.edu/benefits-comp/. Remote work may be possible for a temporary period.