Description
Project Scientist, Labor Economics University of California Los Angeles Requisition Number: JPF10825 About the California Policy Lab The California Policy Lab (CPL) generates research insights for government impact. Through hands-on partnerships with government agencies, CPL performs rigorous research across issue silos and builds the data infrastructure necessary to improve programs and policies that millions of Californians rely on every day. We work on California’s most urgent issues, including homelessness, unemployment, poverty, criminal justice reform, and education inequality. We facilitate close working partnerships between policymakers and researchers at the University of California to help evaluate and improve public programs through rigorous empirical research and technical assistance. CPL recognizes the value of having a diverse staff at all levels of the organization. We are looking for equity-minded applicants who represent and understand the diverse racial and ethnic, gender identity, sexual orientation, educational, socioeconomic, cultural, and disability backgrounds present in California. When you join our team, you can expect to be part of an inclusive and equity-focused community. The Position This is an exciting role for a mid- or advanced-career Project Scientist who wants to design and conduct policy-relevant research in partnership with state and local agencies in California. The administrative data available for research includes roughly two decades worth of linked employer-employee earnings and unemployment insurance (UI) claims microdata for the universe of UI-covered jobs in California, as well as CPL’s other extensive data holdings. The ideal candidate has expertise in labor economics, workforce development, or the social safety net. The Project Scientist conducts quantitative research, including conceptualizing research questions and designs; overseeing the requesting, receiving, and cleaning of data files; creating and overseeing the implementation of analysis plans; conducting quality assurance reviews; summarizing results in documents for both academic and policy audiences; and generating replicability documentation. The Project Scientist can implement and defend multiple causal research designs, including randomized control trials, quasi-experimental designs, and non-experimental designs. The Project Scientist will also design, supervise, and implement descriptive analyses and other observational statistical analyses. The Project Scientist will write grant proposals to support research tasks and contribute to grant reporting. The Project Scientist will also supervise junior staff. A successful candidate has demonstrated experience managing research projects, supervising research teams, assigning tasks, mentoring junior staff, and supporting professional development of team members. The position will report to the Faculty Director, and will work directly with leading social policy researchers at UC and beyond, state and local government agency staff, and CPL’s leadership team. This position could be fulfilled either remotely, or in a hybrid manner, with some in-person meetings. Principal Responsibilities: Conduct quantitative research, including conceptualizing research questions and design; creating and implementing analysis plans; requesting, receiving, and cleaning data files; conducting quality assurance reviews; summarizing results in documents for both academic and policy audiences; and generating replicability documentation. Annually publish multiple reports and policy briefs based on research. Implement multiple research designs and analysis techniques, including but not limited to randomized control trials, quasi-experimental designs, and non-experimental designs, including descriptive and correlational analyses. Lead research teams, write proposals to support research projects, and ensure timely and high-quality completion of research tasks. Supervise research staff, including making decisions regarding hiring and promotions, providing professional development, assigning tasks, assessing progress, and other related tasks. Partner effectively with state and local agency staff to build a joint research agenda. Basic Qualifications: To apply, please visit: https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/JPF10825 The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy, see: UC Nondiscrimination & Affirmative Action Policy, https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/DiscHarassAffirmAction jeid-f9b700353df69344bf2eaef0813044c4