RESPONSIBILITIES
Fellows will work extensively with data of various types, including historical census and survey data from the U.S. as well as spatial data. They may interpret, edit, and format technical documentation. They also may analyze data in statistical packages and record the findings systematically. Some fellows help to prepare data for distribution through IPUMS’ data dissemination websites. Fellows are expected to carry out a variety of other tasks including data preparation, data dissemination, and data analysis. Fellows will be expected to be trained in new software and techniques as necessary, perform work in a timely manner while being attentive to details, and show initiative in solving problems.
Fellows will report to and be mentored by research scientists, senior data analysts, faculty, software developers, or other professional staff working on the assigned project. They may collaborate with principal investigators, other research assistants, post-doctoral associates, and other and Institute staff. Graduate fellows will be asked to be a peer mentor to an undergraduate fellows team member.
The 2024 program will be run in a hybrid format. Weekly Cohort meetings will be in person and fellows will be given the option to attend professional development events either in-person (at 50 Willey Hall) or via zoom. Project mentors will determine the work arrangements (fully remote, fully in-person, or hybrid) for their projects.
Learn more about our 2024 projects here!
Benefits
- Professional Mentorship: Each fellow is paired with two mentors working on the assigned project. Graduate fellows will gain mentorship experience. Undergraduate Fellows will gain peer mentorship from graduate fellow team members.
- Professional Development: Fellows will participate in professional development workshops over the course of the summer, in addition to weekly cohort meetings.
- Community Building & Networking Opportunities: Fellows will have opportunities to build community with their cohort through weekly discussions and co-working days. Fellows will also have opportunities to network with IPUMS research staff and MPC & LCC faculty outside of their research projects.
- Paid Summer Stipend: Graduate students — 10 weeks, 20 hours per week, $26.65/hr; undergraduate students — 8 weeks, 20 hours per week, $15.65/hr.
DATES
- Graduate Fellows: Starts June 3, 2024
- Undergraduate Fellows: Starts June 17, 2024
Qualifications
Required: Students must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program. Students must be authorized to work in the US. ISRDI works with students from many disciplines across campus. Students must have: excellent written and oral communication skills, excellent computer skills and ability to work in a technical environment, good interpersonal skills, reliability and attention to detail, and the ability to act independently and as part of a diverse team environment. Students must be willing to embrace new technologies and skills.
Additional Selection Criteria: Students should self-identify with a systemically underrepresented group which includes, but is not limited to: African Americans, American Indians, Hispanic/Latino/a Americans, Asian Americans. We also consider first-generation students, women students in tech fields, LGBTQIA+ students, students with disabilities. Students may have: knowledge of a major statistical package (Stata, SAS, R, or SPSS), experience analyzing census or survey microdata, experience with HTML and XML metadata, and/or use and knowledge of ArcGIS or other GIS software packages. We are especially eager to recruit students who are interested in learning new skills and who could use MPC or LCC resources and/or IPUMS data in their own research.
Application Instructions
Please apply by emailing a cover letter and resume/CV to [email protected].
The cover letter should address the following:
- The project(s) you are interested in applying for and for which you are most qualified. Please also include an explanation of your interest in the project(s).
- If applying for more than one project, please provide reasoning for both.
- A diversity statement. Please explain how your past experiences make you a diverse candidate and why that is important to you and for this program.
- Indicate how you learned about the program.
Please also ensure that your cover letter or resume/CV clearly state how you meet the required qualifications listed above.
Need help writing a cover letter and a resume? Check out these resources:
https://careerhelp.umn.edu/coverletters
https://careerhelp.umn.edu/resumes
The search committee will begin its review of applications immediately upon receipt; interviews will take place in March and early April. Questions concerning the application process may be addressed to [email protected].
Application Deadline: Sunday, February 25, 2024