Temporary Research Assistant

The Roy Wilkins Center seeks a research assistant to assist with its research on quantitative analyses of racial and ethnic economic inequality. The position will be supervised by Dr. Samuel L. Myers, Jr. The position is for 14 hours per week.

The research assistant is expected to work with the research teams at the Roy Wilkins Center and contribute to existing research projects on drowning disparities, health inequities, and cannabis business ownership racial disparities. Primary tasks include investigating and gathering data from online databases and relevant literature, validating data, and contributing to internal and external research reports.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Research (100%)
The primary expectation for the research assistant is to participate in and contribute to quantitative and qualitative data collection, including investigating, gathering, and validating data. Duties include:

• Compiling comprehensive and detailed literature reviews
• Archiving of large data sets
• Compiling of new data from web scraping and reviews of legislation, ordinances, and state laws and regulations
• Utilizing BERT or other LLMs for categorizing local programs and initiatives
• Merging of multilevel data sets
• Validation and testing of external and internal validity of merged data sets
  

Required Qualifications:

• BS/BA
• Prior course work in computer analytics and advanced mathematics
• Programming experience preferred: SAS, R, STATA and Python
• Eligibility for certification using restricted CDC data sets

Preferred Qualifications:

• Research interests related to social justice and disparate impacts of public policy.
• Cross-cultural competency and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups of people
• Creativity, enthusiasm, positive attitude, and ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Ability to work quickly and efficiently, manage deadlines, and pick up new skills and areas of expertise
• Familiarity with the social justice goals of the Roy Wilkins Center.

The Roy Wilkins Center for Human Relations and Social Justice is dedicated to finding solutions to racial and ethnic inequality. Using an integrated model of research, dialogue, and community partnerships, the center guides and empowers policymakers and community leaders in developing and promoting solutions to the problems of racism and racial and ethnic inequality.

Pay Rate: $15.25 per hour

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

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Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

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