Research Assistant / Pre-Doctoral Fellow
Wellesley College

At Wellesley, our mission is to deliver an outstanding liberal arts education to women who will make a difference in the world. Our collaborative community, comprising of faculty, students, staff, and alumnae, is guided by our shared commitment to educational excellence. Join us in this transformative journey!
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Job Posting Title
Research Assistant / Pre-Doctoral Fellow

Job Description Summary
Research Exempt

Job Description
The WCW seeks a Research Assistant (RA) / Pre-doctoral Fellow for a full-time (with benefits) position. The RA will work closely with the PIs (Sari Pekkala Kerr and William R. Kerr) on a project related to the economics of minimum wages and inequality. The position is ideally suited for a candidate looking for pre-doctoral research experience, as the job will involve working on all major Census Bureau firm and person level data platforms and learning rigorous methods for data processing and econometric analysis.

Research assistant must be willing to work full-time in the Federal Research Data Center (FRDC) located at the National Bureau of Economic Research in Cambridge MA. RA should ideally be ready to apply for or currently have restricted-access permission to use the Boston FRDC in Cambridge since permissions take about three to six months to process. Working in the RDC is an important component of the job. Skill set must be broad and deep in statistics and economics and must include excellent knowledge of STATA and other relevant statistical programs and experience working with large data sets. Research assistant must have some knowledge of US labor markets, labor economics, and family/household economics. Research assistant must be able to work effectively and closely with a team of other researchers exploring the dynamics of social mobility in the context of minimum wages and youth from low-income families.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Work in the Federal Statistical Research Data Center (RDC) with the PIs.
• Programming and analysis of large Census Bureau data sets.
• Produce statistical and econometric estimates for presentations and research papers.
• Assisting the PIs in other project related duties including literature review and drafting relevant sections of the research papers.
• Attend regular team meetings.
• Collaborate with other research assistants working in related projects.
• Maintain open communication with PI and seek supervision and feedback.

Skills/Abilities/Competencies:

• Excellent communication and social skills
• Excellent writing skills
• Organized, detail-oriented, and effective at time management
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Experience Required

• BA or BS in economics or related field.
• Research / project experience such as a senior thesis or extensive term paper in economics. Coding skills (e.g. Stata or R).
• Experience with econometrics: coding skills (e.g. Stata or R).

Other

• The Wellesley Centers for Women (WCW) is an academic research and action institute at Wellesley College that is focused on women and gender and driven by social change. The mission of WCW is to advance gender equality, social justice, and human wellbeing through high-quality research, theory, and action programs.
• To be able to work in the RDC (and to obtain the security clearance), candidates must live in the US (at the time of application, i.e. now) and must have resided in the US for the majority of the last 5 years. One semester abroad, e.g., would be OK
• This can be a mostly hybrid position with 3-4 days a week in the office / RDC. Schedule to be determined in partnership with supervisor.

Salary:
The pay range for the role is $60,000 - $65,000.

Company Description and Benefits
Wellesley's mission is to provide an excellent liberal arts education to women who will make a difference in the world. We advance our mission by working together as a community-faculty, students, staff, and alumnae.

Embark on a fulfilling career journey at Wellesley College, where we prioritize your well-being and professional growth. As a valued member of our team, you'll enjoy a comprehensive array of benefits and resources designed to enhance both your work-life balance and long-term success.

• Competitive Compensation : Experience competitive wages ensuring your dedication is recognized and rewarded.
• Exceptional Benefits Package: Access a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision and pre-tax saving benefits, life insurance, disability coverage, and more to safeguard your health and that of your loved ones.
• Commuting and Transportation: Enjoy the convenience of free parking on our picturesque campus, easily accessible from major roadways. We are also accessible via the MBTA commuter rail.
• Paid Time Off : Take advantage of paid vacations, personal days, sick time, and holidays to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life harmony.
• Retirement Savings : Plan for the future with our retirement savings plan. Wellesley College contributes up to 10.5% towards your 403(b) plan for eligible employees
• Work/Life and Wellness: A hybrid work environment for select positions (additional details will be provided during the interview process), caregiving support through Wellthy, legal plan insurance, pet insurance discount and a variety of other resources including retirement planning, and access to cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
• Professional Development: Enhance your skills and explore growth opportunities through continuing training and pathways for growth within our supportive environment.
• Tuition and Education Benefits : Invest in your education with tuition benefits, and access resources to navigate student loan forgiveness, reinforcing our commitment to your ongoing learning.
• Campus Privileges : Enjoy free use of our state-of-the-art athletic and fitness facilities with onsite fitness classes, Library resources, and seize opportunities to attend diverse campus events that contribute to a vibrant community.

Apply today and take your first step toward a rewarding career with Wellesley College - where your unique strengths and success are celebrated as part of our shared commitment to inclusivity!

Worker Sub-Type
Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type
Full time

EEO Statement
At Wellesley, we embrace and honor difference and diversity. We believe the best ideas-the best solutions-draw on a range of voices, perspectives, and experiences. As a college, and as a community, we are dedicated to assuring that all members of the Wellesley community have an equal opportunity to flourish.

Wellesley College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals in hiring and advancement based on any legally protected status. Candidates who believe they can contribute to the College community are encouraged to apply.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

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