Announcements

(Shared with SDA by David Swanson)

The Population Group within Washington State’s Office of Financial Management is recruiting for a Forecast Analyst position (see position overview below). Please help us spread the word by sharing this announcement with colleagues that may be interested.  

As the Forecast Analyst, you will be part of a team that produces a variety of population estimates and forecasts at the state, county and sub-county levels.  You will use your experience, knowledge and professional skills to lead OFM’s annexation and boundary certification functions working closely with local governments, state agencies and the U.S. Census Bureau.

Our division conducts research on a variety of issues related to the state budget, public policy and demographics. Your job would be within our Population Unit, which develops official state and local population estimates and projections that the state can use for certain state revenues, growth management and other planning functions. As the official partner of the U.S. Census Bureau for Washington, the Population Unit distributes key information about the characteristics of Washington’s population and housing. We also guide a variety of stakeholders on how they can access and use demographic information.

If interested in this position please see the job posting for more details. We are also recruiting for a Senior Forecast Analyst position. If you have any questions about either position, please contact Mike Mohrman (Mike.Mohrman@OFM.WA.GOV).

(13 December 2021)
Updated work from David A. Swanson, Ph.D:

• "The Cost of Trying to Help: How Many Patient-Contact Hours Have Been Lost Due to COVID-19 Deaths of Health Care Professionals?"

(21 December 2020)
Updated work from David A. Swanson, Ph.D:

• "How Relevant is the Basic Reproductive Number Computed During COVID-19, Especially During Lockdowns?"
• "Epidemiology and Transmission Dynamics of COVID-19 in Two Indian States"
• "A Simple Method for Estimating the Number of Unconfirmed COVID-19 Cases in a Local Area that Includes a Confidence Interval: A Case Study of Whatcom County, Washington"

(13 December 2020)
Updated work from David A. Swanson, Ph.D:

• "The Thanksgiving Surge: How Fared Whatcom County?"

(19 November 2020)
Updated work from David A. Swanson, Ph.D:

• "Drilling Deeper into Whatcom County: COVID-19 & Political Orientation"

(16 November 2020)
Updated work from David A. Swanson, Ph.D:

• "Did Trump Help Democrats Take the 2020 Election in Washington?"
• "Did Trump Help Democrats Take the Election?"
• "The Last Stand"

(23 July 2020)
Updated work from David A. Swanson, Ph.D:

• "Republican Leaning States Take the Lead!"
  David Swanson and Eric Tyberg find that the 30 Republican-leaning states (those carried by Trump in 2016) now lead the 21 Democratic-leaning states (including D.C., those carried by Clinton) in total Covid-19 cases and case rates. As of April 1st, the Democratic-leaning states led in both these categories. Fueling the high rates of increase in Republican-leaning states are the rush to re-open (or to have never closed), a disdain for mask-wearing and social distancing and consumption of misinformation from Fox News.
  
• "Update on the COVID-19 Warning System for San Juan County"

(5 July 2020)
Updated work from David A. Swanson, Ph.D:

• "Is "Being Republican" a Risk to One's Health and the Health of Others?"

(27 June 2020)
Updated work from David A. Swanson, Ph.D:

• "Revisiting the Estimation of Unconfirmed Cases of COVID-19 in Whatcom County"

Link to full job description and application.

The Demographics Research Group at the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service invites bright, innovative, and motivated individuals to join our creative and collegial team as a Researcher and Project Lead on Aging. The project, sponsored by the Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), involves providing comprehensive demographic services to the 25 Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) throughout Virginia on an annual basis.

The main responsibilities of the project lead for the DARS contract will include

• Conducting high quality data research on the senior population in Virginia
• Writing research articles and reports that are rigorous but accessible
• Presenting research findings at conferences and workshops
• Providing excellent customer service to the client by responding to ad hoc requests in a timely and professional manner
• Developing and delivering data workshops for AAA staff to help them increase their data knowledge and skills
• Supervising student research assistants

The successful candidate will also contribute to the work of the demographics team who serve public and private sector clients by providing top-quality research on a wide variety of topics, by producing concise data-driven narratives to inform policy and programs, and by visualizing data in ways that have attracted attention and been published in a variety of formats across the nation.

Members of our team, who work both individually and collaboratively, produce population estimates & projections, school enrollment forecasts, interactive maps, special analyses as specified in each contract, research briefs, reports, and blog posts. In addition, client service includes consulting with clients to identify data needs, attention to client relations, presentations, assisting clients with applying data to their policy and program priorities, and interacting with the media. The Demographics Research Group provides a stimulating, supportive environment and bountiful growth opportunities for self-motivated, talented individuals.

Nestled at the foot of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, only two hours from Washington D.C., in one of America’s “best places to live,” the University of Virginia offers an ideal environment for intellectual inquiry, opportunities to interact with others at the forefront of innovation, and a widely-recognized high quality of life.

RESEARCHER AND PROJECT LEAD ON AGING POSITION DETAILS

This is a full-time, 12-month research position. While grant-funded, our group’s record of maintaining adequate grant support provides a measure of security.

To read the full job description and to apply:

• Internal Candidates: Apply through your Workday Home page, search “Find Jobs”, and search for ‘Researcher and Project Lead on Aging’ (or the position #: R0029760)
• External Candidates: : Please visit the UVA job board https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UVAJobs, and search for ‘Researcher and Project Lead on Aging’ (or the position #: R0029760)
• All candidates must include a resume, statement of interest, writing sample, 3 references, and a willingness to complete a data skills test if selected as a finalist

A PDF of the information below can be found clicking here.
Please click here for the link to the job application.

Arkansas Economic Development Institute
Applied Demographer

The Arkansas Economic Development Institute (AEDI) a statewide economic development applied research, technical assistance, and training institute located on the campus of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock is seeking an Applied Demographer for a full-time position at the Institute.  AEDI serves as the U.S. Census State Data Center for the State of Arkansas.  The program falls under the broader Arkansas State Data Center.

 

The Position

The AEDI Demographer applies skills in demography, economics, statistics, data gathering and data analysis to provide a variety of organizations with data, information, and advice. AEDI is the Arkansas state representative in the Federal State Cooperative for Population Estimates, and for Population Projections. The AEDI Demographer will design projects and initiatives involving demographic data as well as provide conclusions and implications of analyses to public and private policy makers that will enable sound decision-making information to enhance economic development in the State of Arkansas.

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills:

• Knowledge of research methods and techniques in demographic estimation and forecasting
• Knowledge of techniques in estimating population migration
• Knowledge of Census Bureau data and methodologies
• Knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Access
• Knowledge of statistical software (R, Stata, SAS, etc.)
• Ability to be punctual, professional, and self-motivated
• Ability to meet deadlines ahead of time
• Ability to work on multiple projects at a time
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing
• Ability to deal tactfully with clients
• Ability to respond proficiently to media interviews and inquiries
• Ability to explain advanced methodologies in easy-to-understand terms
• Skilled in using advanced demographic techniques to develop databases and models for producing estimates and projections
• Skilled in conducting research on demographic topics
• Skilled in making presentations to a variety of audiences

The successful candidate must have strong analytic and organizational skills and logical thinking, great attention to detail, excellent writing skills, an ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, and an interest in and enthusiasm for all demographic data and applications. The AEDI Demographer will conduct original research, translate demographic information into information for decision makers, produce population projections/forecasts, and provide training and technical assistance in Arkansas. Since many projects require a team approach to solving problems, the person must be able to work well with others, in a variety of group settings. Dealing with clients (private businesses, governmental agencies, elected officials, nonprofits, and individuals) and the media (TV, newspaper, radio, etc.) is also an important aspect of this position.

Minimum Qualifications:  A Master’s Degree in demography/population studies, sociology, statistics, or public policy with an emphasis on demography; plus, two (2) years’ work experience with demographic analysis, including population projections, along with presenting the conclusions and implications of the analysis clearly in both written and oral formats. Beginning salary range $52-57,000 annually.

If you are interested in joining our team: Application materials must be submitted through the online application system. Additional information about this position and application requirements are available under the Jobs link on the Human Resources’ website at http://ualr.edu/humanresources/ .  Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

This position is subject to a pre-employment criminal background check. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position.  Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer and actively seeks the candidacy of minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities. Under Arkansas law, all applications are subject to disclosure. Persons hired must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States.

Questions about the position should be directed to Mr. Jim Youngquist (jlyoungquist@ualr.edu).

Click here for a PDF version of the message below.

Call for Applications
Co-Editor-in-Chief
Population Research and Policy Review (PRPR)
Co-Editors-in-Chief: Corey Sparks and Kara Joyner

The Southern Demographic Association (SDA) is looking for a new Co-Editor-in-Chief of Population Research and Policy Review (PRPR) to begin a three-year term starting in January of 2022. PRPR uses a staggered co-editorship to ease the transition into the position. The new coeditor will work with a current co-editor (Dr. Kara Joyner) for a year until the next co-editor is selected.

Responsibilities

• Continue publishing high-quality manuscripts on diverse topics across a variety of contexts
• Determine which manuscripts merit circulation for external review, secure reviewers who can provide expert feedback, make editorial decisions, and write decision letters
• Recruit population scientists to join the editorial board
• Solicit applications for editors of special issues
• Communicate regularly with production staff, co-editor, editorial board, authors, and reviewers
• Attend the PAA and SDA Meetings yearly to meet with the SDA Board of Directors and the Springer representative

Selection Criteria

• Current position in an academic, government, or other institution
• Strong publication record, including publications in demographic journals
• Extensive experience reviewing manuscripts
• Support for the co-editor from their institution (i.e., yearly funding for a course release and/or a graduate student to serve as managing editor)

Deadline: December 5, 2021, but the SDA will begin reviewing candidates as applications are submitted.

Submit your letter of intent and CV to Dr. Johnelle Sparks (Johnelle.Sparks@utsa.edu), the SDA President. Please include the following information in your letter:

• Vision for the journal
• Strategies for enhancing the visibility of the journal
• Time to devote to journal and support provided by your institution

Springer Nature made a video advertisement of the 2017 book Cohort Change Ratios and their Applications by Jack Baker, David A. Swanson, Jeff Tayman, and Lucky M. Tedrow.

Click HERE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCfYPPPekAo)

Click here for a PDF version of this post.

The Department of Sociology at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) invites applications for an Assistant Professor position in the areas of race/ethnicity, aging/gerontology, and health disparities.

The successful applicant will:

(1) Contribute to one or more of the following areas of department strength: aging and the life course, criminology, demography, family, health, religion, and social inequality.

(2) Provide teaching and service to undergraduate and graduate programs in the Department of Sociology and the College for Health, Community and Policy (HCaP), including the newly proposed undergraduate B.S. program in Health, Aging & Society (HAS), the collaborative PhD program in Applied Demography, and a proposed interdisciplinary PhD program in HCaP.

(3) Teach existing courses in race/ethnicity and health (e.g., medical sociology, health disparities) and/or aging (e.g., gerontology, health in adolescence and adulthood) and eventually develop new courses in these areas and other areas of departmental need.

(4) Work with and be sensitive to the educational needs of a diverse urban population and be committed to assisting the University’s commitment to thrive as a Hispanic Serving Institution.

Applicants are required to:

(1) Hold a Ph.D. (ABDs will be considered) in Sociology or Gerontology

(2) Provide evidence of a scholarly research agenda, a record of publications, and potential for external funding in the area of race and ethnicity and health disparities and/or aging/gerontology

(3) Have teaching experience, a commitment to instructional excellence, and ability to perform the annual standard 2-2 teaching load.

Applicants must submit the following to UTSA Human Resources at https://jobs.utsa.edu/:

(1) A cover letter that describes credentials, research, teaching, service, and evidence of diversity in research and teaching

(2) A current curriculum vita (CV)

(3) Personal statement on research, teaching, and diversity

(4) Copy of graduate transcripts

(5) One sample of published scholarly work

(6) A sample syllabus for a course taught or proposed by the applicant

(7) Teaching evaluations (if available or other evidence of course instruction)

(8) Three names and email addresses of references

Review of applications will begin on October 15, 2021 and will continue until the position is filled.

Applicants who are selected for interviews must be able to show proof that they will be eligible and qualified to work in the United States by time of hire.

UTSA is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Questions about the position should be directed to Dr. Terrence Hill (terrence.hill@utsa.edu).

The Department of Sociology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham invites applications for a non-tenure track teaching assistant professor to start in Fall 2022. We seek a candidate with teaching expertise in data science and research methods, who can contribute to undergraduate and graduate instruction and develop a data science track in our online Applied Sociology Master’s program.

Please click the following link for more information: Job Description: ASA Job#17120

Hello colleagues and friends,

Please help spread the word and tell your students about a unique tenure-track Assistant Professor position at WSU to begin Fall, 2022. Brief description below, I am happy to discuss or put you or your students in touch with the Sociology faculty on the search committee.

The Departments of Human Development and Sociology and The Program in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS) at Washington State University invite applications for a nine-month, full-time, permanent tenure-track position in Black Families and Health Equity at the rank of Assistant Professor, to begin August 16, 2022. Candidates should have a research focus on health equity in and related to Black families that seeks to address structural barriers and conditions. The conception of health for this interdisciplinary position is intentionally flexible, including physical, mental, and social-emotional health. Research and teaching interests may include, but are not limited to, expertise in areas such as reproductive justice, sexual and reproductive health (SRH), care work, family health, feminist/queer kinship, or health across the lifespan, among others. We especially welcome applications from scholars taking intersectional and qualitative approaches.

The position will have a single tenure home in either Human Development or Sociology and carry affiliate status in WGSS. The position, located on the Pullman campus, is part of a WSU faculty cluster hire initiative in the scholarship and teaching about racism and social inequality, with a focus in this cycle on health inequities and health justice.

 

To apply, visit https://www.wsujobs.com and search for R-1432. 

Review of applicants will begin September 15.

 

Justin T. Denney, PhD
Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies
Department of Sociology
William Julius Wilson Distinguished Professor
College of Arts and Sciences
Washington State University
Pullman, WA 99164-4020
Phone: 509-335-7516
Web: https://soc.wsu.edu/denney-justin/

(Click "Read more" below for July 23, 2021 update and link to Part I)

Articles and resources provided May 20, 2021 by Beth Jarosz and SDA Board

• The Census Bureau's resources: (link)
  
• You can find easy-to access data for your own analyses at NHGIS (link). We encourage you to conduct analyses in May 2021, as the deadline for feedback on redistricting data products is May 28, 2021.
  
• The Census2020Now page offers a variety of resources and perspectives: (link)
  
• CNSTAT held a workshop on the initial demonstration data. You can find CNSTAT workshop materials (presentations and recordings) (link) and report (link).

(Notes: These resources will remain at top of this thread for context. We changed the news series title to "disclosure avoidance" rather than "differential privacy" since DP is just one step in the DAS framework.)

• Click here for a link to Part I of Articles on Disclosure Avoidance

(Updated July 23, 2021)

Article provided by Richelle L. Winkler, Jaclyn L. Butler, Katherine J. Curtis, and David Egan-Robertson 

• Click here for an online link or click here for a PDF of their article "Differential Privacy and the Accuracy of County-Level Net Migration Estimates" published in Population Research and Policy Review
• • This paper analyzes the impact of DP on the accuracy of county level net migration estimates by five-year age group and Hispanic origin. Constructing net migration estimates for the 2010-2020 period would extend a popular dataset that goes back to the 1950s (netmigration.wisc.edu). Based on demonstration data released in spring 2020, net migration estimates by five-year age groups would only be accurate enough for use in about half of U.S. counties. Inaccuracies are larger in counties with populations less than 50,000, among age groups 65 and over, and among Hispanics. The higher epsilon the Census Bureau decided on in June 2021, should improve accuracy, but ultimately, the ability to generate accurate net migration estimates at the same level of detail as in the past (age-sex-race-Hispanic origin) will depend on the allocation of the privacy loss budget in the Demographic and Housing Characteristics (DHC) file.