Research Associate

The Urban Institute
Washington, DC - United States
S: Competitive

Overview:

The nonprofit Urban Institute is dedicated to elevating the debate on social and economic policy. For nearly five decades, Urban scholars have conducted research and delivered evidence-based solutions that improve lives and strengthen communities across a rapidly aging and urbanizing world. Our objective research helps expand opportunities for all, reduce hardship among the most vulnerable, and strengthen the effectiveness of the public sector. The data analyst works as part of a group of senior researchers who study how current retirement policies, demographic trends, and private-sector practices influence older Americans' financial security and decision making.

The Urban Institute's Program on Retirement Policy is seeking an experienced data analyst to help maintain and develop the program's unique dynamic microsimulation model. The model, created in the 1970s and thoroughly updated a decade ago, incorporates hundreds of equations estimated from household survey data to project demographic characteristics and financial and health outcomes for the U.S. population. Model output is used to evaluate various policy options affecting older Americans, including potential reforms to Social Security, employer-sponsored retirement plans, Medicare, and long-term services and supports.

Responsibilities:
• Analyze complex longitudinal data from large household surveys
• Estimate sophisticated models of labor supply, savings behavior, health care spending, disability, and related lifecourse events
• Code complex simulations in the SAS programming software
• Evaluate simulated policy reforms
• Document findings

Qualifications:

A combination of the quantitative, analytical, and writing skills, relevant substantive knowledge, and social policy research experience needed to perform the duties described above, or the academic knowledge of and research experience in a discipline that is generally associated with the attainment of the Ph.D. In addition, the following skills are required:

• Strong quantitative and problem-solving skills and careful attention to detail
• Experience with SAS
• Familiarity with large household surveys, such as CPS, SIPP, and HRS
• Thorough understanding of longitudinal data methods
• Knowledge of FORTRAN is a plus.

Desired Characteristics:
• Able to work independently and as a member of a team
• Capable of managing multiple tasks and completing assigned duties quickly
• Able to communicate clearly
• Interest in economic and social policy

Job summary