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The Surveys of Consumers at the University of Michigan is recruiting for a Research Area Specialist Intermediate/Associate. The Surveys of Consumers measure consumer expectations to capture the impact of the expectations of consumers on their spending and saving behavior. The consumer expectation index is a component of the Index of Leading Economic Indicators due to its ability to predict future changes in the economy. The data are widely used by government agencies, financial institutions, business firms, and scholars, as well as by ordinary citizens.

The longstanding research program conducts monthly surveys of economic expectations and behaviors of American households and how changes in their expectations influence the course of the macro economy. Market-moving economic data on consumer confidence and other measures are released twice a month to the public, market participants, and policymakers. The surveys also include data on other related topics from sponsors within and outside the University. This project is located in the Survey Research Center (SRC), at the Institute for Social Research (ISR).

• Using SAS, create and maintain complex datasets for internal and public use. 
• Perform a wide range of data cleaning procedures. 
• Assist in public use data file processing, checking, cleaning, coding, archiving, and documentation. 
• Assist in developing, updating, maintaining, and documenting data processing and reporting systems using SAS (programming and macro development), Excel (VBA and macro automation), SQL, and Python.
• Assist with data analysis and preparation of results (tables and charts) for presentations, publication, or reports including internet distribution using SAS, Excel, Adobe Acrobat, and Tableau
• Create database preload for monthly web-based surveys; supervise undergraduate and graduate employees; miscellaneous data, SAS programming support for small unit. 

We'd like to hear from you if you have:

• Bachelor's degree in economics, statistics, quantitative social sciences, survey methodology, engineering, biostatistics, or computer science.
• Associate: One to three years of demonstrated professional SAS programming experience, including macro programming (or related coursework).
• Intermediate: Four to five years of demonstrated professional SAS programming experience, including macro programming.
• Demonstrated ability with standard office productivity software, including Word and Excel.
• Demonstrated foundation in applied econometrics or statistics, including multiple regression (experience or related coursework).
• Must have excellent attention to detail, be well organized, and can prioritize and work on multiple projects simultaneously in a team environment; should be able to work independently.
• Successful candidates will exhibit the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, set priorities, and take initiative while keeping supervisors and project managers informed.

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

This position is on-site at the University of Michigan, Institute for Social Research, Survey Research Center in Ann Arbor with flexibility for hybrid work within our overall Center guidelines. Flexible work guidelines for this position are 100% in-office for the first 30 days. After successfully onboarding/training, a hybrid work schedule will be available to work three days onsite and two days remotely. 

This position may be under-filled at an associate level (Research Area Specialist Associate) depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate. Candidates with a Bachelor's degree and 1-3 years of experience will be considered at the Associate level, with a salary range of $54,000.00 - $62,000.00.

The Institute for Social Research (ISR) at the University of Michigan seeks to create a community of respect and authentic collaboration by recruiting and retaining individuals that represent a variety of voices as a reflection of our commitment to serve the people of Michigan, to maintain the excellence of the university, and to ground our research in varied disciplines, perspectives, and ways of knowing and learning.

Benefits at the University of Michigan

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, U-M offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family, and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off

• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting upon meeting eligibility requirements

• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance

• Life insurance

• Long-term disability coverage

Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

Learn more about U-M benefits.

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third-party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Institute for Social Research (ISR) job openings are posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days. Applications will be reviewed as received throughout the posting period and continue until the position is filled.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.