Are you an inquisitive, creative, passionate, data-driven researcher with an interest in economics and public policy? The Hoover Institution at Stanford University is seeking a full-time predoc Research Analyst for a one-year fixed-term (with an option for a second year, dependent on performance).
We invite you to join us to help improve economic policymaking and governance by state and local governments throughout the U.S. The State and Local Governance Initiative, led by Senior Fellow, produces policy-relevant academic research by assembling novel datasets and conducting rigorous quantitative analysis. Our primary topic areas include pensions/public finance, taxation/fiscal issues, economic development (including incentives, regulation, and workforce training), infrastructure and energy policy, and education/child welfare policy.
To ensure your application information is captured in our official files for immediate access to your resume and cover letter, you must apply to http://stanfordcareers.stanford.edu and in the key word search box, indicate Requisition #105175
Please submit a cover letter and resume for full consideration
WORKING TITLE: Research Analyst for State and Local Government Initiative
JOB TITLE: Research Data Analyst 1
JOB PURPOSE:
The Hoover Institution’s State and Local Governance Initiative seeks a capable, self-starting, predoc RA who is interested in working on a wide variety of topics, including education/workforce development, business incentives, energy, public policy, and debt. The team, led by a Hoover Senior Fellow/Stanford Graduate School of Business Professor of Finance, produces novel and impactful research aimed at providing state and local policymakers with data-driven, evidence-based policy solutions.
The successful candidate for this role will be able to manage and analyze large amounts of information, typically technical or scientific in nature, under the direction of project researchers, investigators, or managers. They will also need to present findings in organized, professional documents. The ability to multitask and appropriately prioritize different projects is essential.
This is a one year fixed-term position.
CORE DUTIES*:
- Collect data from a variety of sources, including proprietary, surveys, and government records. Manage and clean datasets.
- Generate research insights using new and existing tools to interpret, analyze, and visualize multivariate relationships and trends in data.
- Create databases and reports, develop algorithms and statistical models, and perform statistical analyses appropriate to data and reporting requirements.
- Use system reports and analyses to identify potentially problematic data, make corrections, and suggest solutions.
- Conduct literature reviews and develop written summaries and reports. Prepare charts, graphs and tables for use by senior researchers and fellows, and for publication and presentation.
- Analyze data processes in documentation.
- Collaborate with faculty and research staff on data collection and analysis methods.
- Provide documentation based on audit and reporting criteria to investigators and research staff.
- Communicate with government officials, agencies, and industry representatives.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Education & Experience:
Bachelor's degree in economics, finance, statistics, public policy, engineering, or a related field, or a combination of education and relevant experience in a quantitative discipline.
Relevant experience may include: Research assistance for a professor of economics, finance, or statistics; analyst position of substantive internship in economic or financial consulting; analyst position or substantive internship in a government agency such as a central bank, tax authority or treasury/finance department.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Substantial experience with MS Office
- Strong writing and analytical skills.
- Ability to prioritize tasks effectively and communicate updates to research leaders
Desired/Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Effective communication skills and comfort working with prominent individuals.
- An understanding of domestic and international economic policy – particularly in the research areas mentioned earlier - and the effects of these on economic activity.
- Experience with various forms of quantitative analysis.
- Experience with creating and cleaning databases.
- Experience with Stata and R.
- Programming proficiency and experience in other programming languages such as Matlab, Python, SAS, or C.
- Experience with data visualization tools, such as Tableau, to present large volumes of data in a user-friendly and visually pleasing format.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:
- Sitting (or standing) in place at a desk and using a computer for long periods of time with extensive keyboarding/dexterity.
- Occasionally use a telephone.
- Rarely writing by hand.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- May be required to work non-standard, extended, or weekend hours in support of research work.
About Stanford University’s Hoover Institution:
The Hoover Institution on War, Revolution, and Peace is a public policy research center devoted to the advanced study of economics, politics, history, and political economy—both domestic and foreign—as well as international affairs.
