The Center for Population Studies (CPS, http://cps.olemiss.edu) and State Data Center of Mississippi (SDC, http://sdc.olemiss.edu) at the University of Mississippi invite applications for an applied demographer, beginning spring of 2024. We seek an applicant to support the demographic and outreach mission of the Centers. Specifically, we invite applications from individuals with expertise and an interest in working with faculty, staff, non-profit, local, state, and federal organizations on research projects related to Mississippi's Demographic Characteristics, Population Change, Population Projections, Data Collection and Cleaning. The successful applicant will be able to access, analyze, and report on public data; produce data visualizations, including mapping; possess a working knowledge of advanced statistical software packages including R and STATA; possess a good working knowledge of ArcGIS; be able to interface with public and lay audiences; have good science communication. A successful candidate will adapt well to change, have excellent written and oral communication skills, have strong Microsoft office skills, and be very organized and detail oriented. Additionally, the successful candidate will have a 1:1 course load teaching Introductory and Applied Demography courses in the Department of Sociology & Anthropology at the University of Mississippi.
About UM Center for Population Studies and State Data Center of Mississippi
The Center for Population Studies (CPS) educates, conducts research, and engages in public outreach concerning population issues and is the lead agency for the State Data Center (SDC) of Mississippi. CPS works closely with faculty, government and non-profit agencies, and community organizations across the State and has a 40-year history of helping Mississippians access, use, and interpret public data for the purposes of local development. In this capacity, CPS distributes census and related data, provides instruction on data analysis, and serves as the liaison between the Census Bureau and the users of census and related data.
CPS also houses the Applied Policy and Community Research Laboratory, providing an avenue through which students are able to collaborate with faculty and nonprofit organizations to engage in timely and meaningful research. CPS also coordinates the Society and Health Minor in collaboration with the College of Liberal Arts. This minor is for undergraduates interested in the social, cultural, and ethical dimensions to understanding and improving population health.
The SDC exists through a collaborative agreement established in the late 1970's between UM, the State of MS, and the US Census Bureau and provides outreach, technical assistance, and dissemination of public data, particularly concerning population characteristics and change. Much of this work is conducted in partnership with the SDC Affiliates network across the state, including planning and development districts. The SDC also plays a key role in the Decennial Census in MS, providing demographic expertise to state-level and federal stakeholders on census participation, dissemination of data, and education related to accessing, using, and reporting on the data. Center Staff have participated in the 2020 Census Count Review Operation (CRO) in Mississippi, routinely engage in outreach activities with rural communities around the state, and work in partnership with state agencies, including MS State Extension specialists.
CPS is committed to building an inclusive, equitable, and supportive environment for scholars and students form historically underrepresented groups.
Minimum Education/Experience
Essential Duties/Responsibilities:
- Work closely with State officials around Census data collection, outreach, and reporting, including but not limited to participating in the Census CRO.
- Respond to ongoing public data requests from Mississippi constituents
- Work closely with Planning and Development Districts regarding public data and mapping
- Produce demographic research, reports, or policy papers on relevant population trends to MS
- Teach Introductory and Applied Demography courses in the Department of Sociology & Anthropology at the University of Mississippi.
Minimum Education/Experience
Education:
Masters degree in Demography, Applied Demography, Sociology, or a closely related discipline. A Ph.D is preferred.
Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Experience in demographic theory and methods
- Experience in writing peer-reviewed publications
- Experience or interest in grant writing is preferred but not mandatory
- Proficiency in data collection and data analysis (your choice of statistical packages, Excel, and ArcGIS)
- Excellent oral, written, and presentation skills (both technical and non-technical)
- Ability to communicate with lay and professional audiences
- Previous teaching experience is preferred but not mandatory.
Application Procedures
For full consideration, candidates will submit the following documents: (1) a cover letter outlining your technical qualifications and related experience for the advertised position, (2) a C.V. or resume, (3) a work sample, (4) a diversity statement, with specific reference to your approach to working with public audiences. Review of applications will begin October 15th and will continue until the position is filled. Candidates who are selected for further review will be asked to provide a writing sample and letters of reference (to be submitted by the candidate's referees through the online application website). If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Jamiko Deleveaux, Interim Director of CPS at jvdeleve@olemiss.edu or (662) 915-7295.
