Senior Research Associate

Note for Current UM Employees

Current employees must apply internally via connectU > connectu.olemiss.edu

Position Description

The Center for Population Studies (CPS, http://cps.olemiss.edu) and State Data Center of Mississippi (SDC, http://sdc.olemiss.edu) at the University of Mississippi invite applications for a Senior Research Associate, beginning Fall or Winter 2024. We seek a researcher/scholar to support the demographic and outreach mission of the Centers. Specifically, we invite applications from individuals with expertise and an interest in working with staff, non-profit, local, state, and federal organizations on research projects related to Mississippi’s demographic characteristics, population change, population projections, data collection and cleaning. 

About UM Center for Population Studies and State Data Center of Mississippi

The Center for Population Studies (CPS) educates, conducts research, and engages in public outreach concerning population issues and is the lead agency for the State Data Center (SDC) of Mississippi. CPS works closely with faculty, government and non-profit agencies, and community organizations across the State and has a 40-year history of helping Mississippians access, use, and interpret public data for the purposes of local development.  In this capacity, CPS distributes census and related data, provides instruction on data analysis, and serves as the liaison between the Census Bureau and the users of census and related data.

CPS also houses the Applied Policy and Community Research Laboratory, providing an avenue through which students are able to collaborate with faculty and nonprofit organizations to engage in timely and meaningful research. CPS also coordinates the Society and Health Minor in collaboration with the College of Liberal Arts. This minor is for undergraduates interested in the social, cultural, and ethical dimensions to understanding and improving population health. 

The SDC exists through a collaborative agreement established in the late 1970’s between UM, the State of MS, and the US Census Bureau and provides outreach, technical assistance, and dissemination of public data, particularly concerning population characteristics and change. Much of this work is conducted in partnership with the SDC Affiliates network across the state, including planning and development districts. The SDC also plays a key role in the Decennial Census in MS, providing demographic expertise to state-level and federal stakeholders on census participation, dissemination of data, and education related to accessing, using, and reporting on the data. Center Staff have participated in the 2020 Census Count Review Operation (CRO) in Mississippi, routinely engage in outreach activities with rural communities around the state, and work in partnership with state agencies, including MS State Extension specialists. 

CPS, through the SDC, represents MS in the Federal-State Cooperative for Population Estimates (FSCPE), coordinating the fulfillment of data requests for official population estimates, participating in the statewide Complete Count Committee, and calculating and publishing population projections for the state and counties. The latter are used by state agencies, businesses, foundations, and researchers to plan for the future. Additionally, with the releases of 2020 Decennial Census data for redistricting, the SDC is responsible for providing technical input and legal testimony related to redistricting plans. 

CPS is committed to building an inclusive, equitable, and supportive environment for scholars and students form historically underrepresented groups.

Position Details-

Appointment: 12-month

Essential Duties/Responsibilities: 

•    Working knowledge of population projection methodology.
•    Act as a liaison between the State Data Center (SDC) and the United States Census Bureau.
•    Mange and led SDC Affiliates workshops or activities.
•    Assist in Census data collection, outreach, and reporting, including but not limited to participating in the Census CRO.
•    Engage in independent research and publish academic research
•    Produce public-facing publications on relevant population trends to Mississippi and your own research interest.
•    Supervise a research team including research associates, graduate, and undergraduate students.
 

Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: 
•    Detailed knowledge and experience using demographic concepts and techniques, statistics, and methods independently.
•    Comprehensive knowledge of U.S. Census Bureau and other population related data sources.
•    Experience or interest in writing peer-reviewed publications.
•    Highly proficient programming skills (your choice of statistical packages, and ArcGIS/QGIS). Senior level skills with Microsoft office products; Word, Excel, PowerPoint. 
•    Excellent oral, written, and presentation skills (both technical and non-technical)
•    Ability to present and communicate demographic concepts, procedures, and information to lay and professional audiences
 

Application Procedures

For full consideration, candidates will submit the following documents: (1) a cover letter outlining your research qualifications and related experience for the advertised position, (2) a Resume or C.V. detailing your applicable experience and education, (3) reference three professional references with current telephone numbers and email addresses. Review of applications will begin August 30, 2024, and will continue until the position is filled.

 If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Jamiko Deleveaux, chair of the search committee and Director of CPS at jvdeleve@olemiss.edu or (662) 915-7295.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's degree and five (5) years of related research experience developing, maintaining, and analyzing matters relevant to research projects; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualification:

Ph.D. in Demography, Applied Demography, Sociology, Statistics, or a closely related discipline.

Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

Background Check Statement

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

EEO Statement

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and affirmative action and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information.