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The Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID) is a social science study that has collected economic, social, and demographic data from U.S. adults since 1968. We are located within the Survey Research Center (SRC) at the Institute for Social Research (ISR). Our central mission is to provide the scientific research community of economists, sociologists, demographers, and other social scientists with accurate data and documentation. The PSID includes major supplemental data collections such as the Child Development Supplement (CDS) and the Transition into Adulthood Supplement (TAS). 

The study is seeking an Applications Programmer/Analyst Senior proficient in Blaise programming language and with web-based survey experience to join the Instrument Development and Production Management. The successful candidate will bring substantial technical expertise and experience with the development of complex instruments for web-based data collection across multiple projects in a fast-paced team-based work environment. 

The salary for this position at a 60% effort would fall within the range of $61,800 to $69,000. 

What you'll do:

• Provide technical leadership on instrument development projects
• Create original questionnaire specifications for use in programming and for archiving based on technical/project specific requirements and SRC screen design standards
• Create and modify survey instruments from questionnaire specifications using Blaise programming language
• Perform testing of instruments and related programs, including creating test data, developing testing scenarios, and documenting results of testing
• Develop new applications and functionalities as needed for survey instruments (e.g., web-based design features such as calendars, grids)
• Interact with project staff and investigators to understand data collection requirements and develop and implement new applications/tools to assist specification writing, testing, and data out checking as required.
• Act as liaison to data collection group within the Survey Research Center to provide: a) provide feedback on longer-term software needs of the project as related to data collection and sample management; b) gain expertise about capabilities of Blaise software and its e merging functionality; and c) interact directly with programmers from the data collection group assigned to the study
• Analyze complex data processing applications and challenges, as well as conceptualize solutions, while meeting production timelines and goals for multiple projects

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

• Bachelor's degree in economics, statistics, survey methodology, computer science, or a related social science field AND at least 6 years of programming experience 
• Demonstrated expertise in creating social science survey instruments using Blaise programming language
• Experience developing and implementing new applications/tools to assist specification writing, testing, and data out checking
• Experience with SAS Data Step programming, SQL, HTML, XML Files, and programming in C#
• Must have good attention to detail and a critical eye, 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

This position offers a hybrid work schedule with work completed onsite and remote within our overall Center guidelines.

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.

The Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitment to serve the diverse 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; retirement plan with two-for-one matching contributions after the first year; many choices for comprehensive health insurance; life insurance; long-term disability coverage; and 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 opportunity/affirmative action employer.