Community Affairs Research Assistant

Job Description:

Under general supervision, performs basic statistical and econometric analyses to support or prove the research initiated by the department's researchers. Identifies, collects, and organizes data required for department research projects in community development, consumer credit and payments, and economic and personal financial education.

Under general supervision, performs statistical and econometric analysis on personal and mainframe computers; organizes data for analysis and writes computer programs using SAS and other statistical software. Presents results of research to department researchers and management in oral and written reports.

Gathers data by replicating data collection procedures established by department researchers.Learns data definitions and implications and sources of data, such as Haver, Trans Union, Loan Performance, McDash, and the Internet.

Reviews literature on research topics and may contact others doing similar research. Determines what information is relevant to the project and provides department researchers with summaries of findings, both orally and in writing.

Designs databases for use in research projects in community development, consumer credit and payments, and economic and personal financial education. Writes documentation of data sources and statistical tests that have been performed on the data.

Learns sources for keeping abreast of developments in community development, consumer credits and payments, economic and personal financial education, and the overall economy.

Produces charts and graphs of variables in community development, consumer credit and payments, and economic and personal financial education for use in presentations and publications. 

Performs other duties as assigned. 

Works individually or in a group to identify, communicate, and implement changes and initiatives with the goal of improving the quality of the department's operations and products. 
 
Position Requirements:
Education & Experience:
Bachelor's degree in economics or finance with an emphasis on math and statistics or bachelor's degree in statistics.

Knowledge & Skills:
Knowledge of and ability to apply economic theory and quantitative analysis techniques under the direct supervision of department researchers.

Ability to use PC and standard software packages.

Ability to use PC and mainframe statistical programs, such as SAS, EViews, SPSS, and STATA, to organize data into files and to preform advanced statistical and econometric analyses.

Strong analytical and problem solving skills.

Effective oral and written communications skills.

Physical Requirements:
Must be able to spend long hours working at a personal computer.

EOE  Apply at:  http://www.philadelphiafed.org/employment/index.cfm