Research Analyst

The Research Analyst will support an empirical research program on the public returns to higher education.

Please submit the following application materials for full consideration.

Required:

• A cover letter
• A current résumé/curriculum vitae
• College transcripts (unofficial) combined in a single document
• Contact information for 3 recommenders

Optional:

• Writing sample(s) of any length

The Research Analyst will help build and manage linked, individual-level administrative datasets on postsecondary enrollment, degree completion, and subsequent labor-market outcomes, integrating them with supplementary survey and labor-market data sources. They will implement quasi-experimental research designs - including regression-discontinuity designs at admissions thresholds and instrumental-variables strategies exploiting geographic variation in college access - to estimate the causal effect of postsecondary attainment on earnings and mobility. They will prepare this analysis for presentation and publication, conduct literature reviews in the economics of education and public finance, and contribute to drafting academic and policy-relevant output.

This position is well suited to a candidate planning to pursue a PhD in economics or a related field who wants substantive, hands-on training in causal inference, administrative-data methods, and applied welfare analysis. This position includes mentorship in how to conduct research and present the results, the ability to take Stanford classes for credit, support in applying to PhD and JD programs, dedicated time for professional development, and career advice from highly successful academics.

Core Duties:

• Participate in the planning and approach to experiments or study in support of research projects. Recommend and perform research tasks requiring independent initiative and judgment by applying specific Advanced Knowledge and understanding of scientific or other discipline theory when precedents do not provide specific guidance, under minimum instruction by supervisor.
• Assist in designing, constructing and implementing experiments, survey instructions and scoring scales requiring independent judgment, discretion and authority over matters of significance to the university in applying non-routine data, methods, procedures and processes. Exercises independent initiative, expertise and judgment in completing a variety of high-level assignments, including activities such as defining variables, formulating hypotheses, and selecting subjects, sources of information, or planning and coordinating experimental or research protocols.
• Compare and evaluate possible courses of conduct related to the research and act with independence and decision-making authority based on various possibilities within scope, with minimum immediate or specific direction or supervision with respect to matters of significance to the project.
• Adapt or work out the details of new, nonstandard procedures or methods, with the supervisor providing general guidance and suggestions.
• Interpret, synthesize, and analyze data using scientific or statistical techniques. Solve problems and make decisions that affect the direction of the research and result in independent contributions to the overall project.
• Apply the theories and methods of science or other specific discipline to not only synthesize, develop, deliver and interpret research results, but also to make recommended suggestions to procedures and protocols using independent judgment, discretion and authority over matters of significance to the university. Select and apply standard calculations and formulas independently to compile data or process documents; often serve as a resource for research methods and numerical analyses.
• Review literature on an ongoing basis and write summaries to remain current with new procedures or methods and apply learnings to related research projects. Contribute to publication of findings, participate in the preparation of written documents, including procedures, presentations and proposals. May co-author sections of research literature manuscripts, publications and regulatory reports requiring preliminary judgments after the supervisor outlines the conceptual approach.
• Complete project-related administrative and budgetary responsibilities of a limited scope. Act as team lead for others, including orientation, mentorship and instruction on techniques, as well as guidance on project work.

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in an applicable life science, social science, physical science or similar specific discipline.

A minimum of two years of prior research assistant or research professional experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Comprehensive understanding of scientific theory and methods. Demonstrated ability to apply theoretical knowledge of specific discipline's principles to problem solving work.
• General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs.
• Strong analytical skills and excellent independent judgment.
• Ability to present and explain probabilistic and statistical concepts to others, including research and/or students and trainees and experience in data visualization.
• Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance.
• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to complete detailed work accurately.
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work with human subjects and study participants.
• Developed team and project lead skills.

Core Duties:

• Participate in the planning and approach to experiments or study in support of research projects. Recommend and perform research tasks requiring independent initiative and judgment by applying specific Advanced Knowledge and understanding of scientific or other discipline theory when precedents do not provide specific guidance, under minimum instruction by supervisor.
• Assist in designing, constructing and implementing experiments, survey instructions and scoring scales requiring independent judgment, discretion and authority over matters of significance to the university in applying non-routine data, methods, procedures and processes. Exercises independent initiative, expertise and judgment in completing a variety of high-level assignments, including activities such as defining variables, formulating hypotheses, and selecting subjects, sources of information, or planning and coordinating experimental or research protocols.
• Compare and evaluate possible courses of conduct related to the research and act with independence and decision-making authority based on various possibilities within scope, with minimum immediate or specific direction or supervision with respect to matters of significance to the project.
• Adapt or work out the details of new, nonstandard procedures or methods, with the supervisor providing general guidance and suggestions.
• Interpret, synthesize, and analyze data using scientific or statistical techniques. Solve problems and make decisions that affect the direction of the research and result in independent contributions to the overall project.
• Apply the theories and methods of science or other specific discipline to not only synthesize, develop, deliver and interpret research results, but also to make recommended suggestions to procedures and protocols using independent judgment, discretion and authority over matters of significance to the university. Select and apply standard calculations and formulas independently to compile data or process documents; often serve as a resource for research methods and numerical analyses.
• Review literature on an ongoing basis and write summaries to remain current with new procedures or methods and apply learnings to related research projects. Contribute to publication of findings, participate in the preparation of written documents, including procedures, presentations and proposals. May co-author sections of research literature manuscripts, publications and regulatory reports requiring preliminary judgments after the supervisor outlines the conceptual approach.
• Complete project-related administrative and budgetary responsibilities of a limited scope. Act as team lead for others, including orientation, mentorship and instruction on techniques, as well as guidance on project work.

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in an applicable life science, social science, physical science or similar specific discipline.

A minimum of two years of prior research assistant or research professional experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Comprehensive understanding of scientific theory and methods. Demonstrated ability to apply theoretical knowledge of specific discipline's principles to problem solving work.
• General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs.
• Strong analytical skills and excellent independent judgment.
• Ability to present and explain probabilistic and statistical concepts to others, including research and/or students and trainees and experience in data visualization.
• Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance.
• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to complete detailed work accurately.
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work with human subjects and study participants.
• Developed team and project lead skills.