Announcements

SDA Member David A. Swanson has been appointed to the Mortality Expert Panel at the Society of Actuaries Research Institute.

Serving as the research arm of the Society of Actuaries (SOA), the SOA Research Institute provides objective, data-driven research bringing together tried and true practices and future-focused approaches to address societal challenges and your business needs. The Institute provides trusted knowledge, extensive experience and new technologies to help effectively identify, predict and manage risks. Representing the thousands of actuaries who help conduct critical research, the SOA Research Institute provides clarity and solutions on risks and societal challenges. The Institute connects actuaries, academics, employers, the insurance industry, regulators, research partners, foundations and research institutions, sponsors and non-governmental organizations, building an effective network which provides support, knowledge and expertise regarding the management of risk to benefit the industry and the public.

For more information about the SOA Research Institute, see the following link - https://www.soa.org/research/research-institute/

SDA Members David A. Swanson and Lucky M. Tedrow had their paper "Taylor’s Law and the Relationship between Life Expectancy at Birth and Variance in Age at Death in a Period Life Table" published online by Population Review. 

Click HERE to view the paper online.

The Department of Community and Environmental Sociology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor position in the spatial dimensions of community health, with an emphasis on emerging threats and inequalities including those facing underserved or marginalized populations and/or communities. The successful candidate will have a primary appointment and tenure home in the Department of Community and Environmental Sociology, will teach and mentor undergraduate and graduate students, engage in scholarly research, and participate in University and professional service. This faculty position is central to the department mission and broader initiative at CALS and the UW-Madison on environment and health.

The successful candidate will continue to grow our department's longstanding commitment to research, teaching, and outreach that improves the ability to understand and intervene on the intersecting social causes and consequences of environmental and health problems. We have a particular interest in candidates whose work addresses emerging threats and inequalities, including those facing underserved or marginalized populations and/or communities.

This position offers opportunities to contribute to and inform our growing major, our cross-college graduate program with the Department of Sociology, and our interdisciplinary programs with Global Health and Population Health. The position also offers excellent potential research collaborations with the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, the NICHD-funded multi-disciplinary Center for Demography and Ecology, and the on-going research and outreach activities at the Applied Population Laboratory.

Education:

PhD in Sociology, Community health, or related field

Qualifications:

Applicants must hold a PhD prior to the start of the appointment and will preferably have a research specialization in the spatial dimensions of community health.

Start date: The appointment for the position begins by August 22, 2022, and potentially sooner by May 1, 2022.

How to Apply:

Apply online at "Jobs at UW" (http://jobs.wisc.edu) under job number 252436. Applications must be received through the UW-Madison's online application system.

Applicants should upload two (2) separate documents:

-  Cover letter that includes a summary of research experience and plans, teaching experience and philosophy, outreach experience and philosophy, and commitment to diversity and inclusion in academia;

-  Curriculum vitae.

At the time of application, candidates will be asked to provide contact info for at least three individuals who will provide letters of reference.

You can link directly to the job posting https://jobs.hr.wisc.edu/en-us/job/512506/assistant-professor

Click here for a PDF of the following announcement.

POPULATION RESEARCH AND POLICY REVIEW

CALL FOR PROPOSALS: SPECIAL ISSUE 

Deadline: May 1, 2022

Population Research and Policy Review (PRPR) welcomes proposals for its next Special Issue. PRPR typically publishes one Special Issue (SI) each year. The next SI should include around 6 to 12 empirical papers together with an introductory editorial that provides a more overarching synthesis of the individual contributions.

Submission of proposals

The proposal for the SI should be made by the expected guest editor(s) and submitted to the editors-in-chief of PRPR (Kara Joyner: kara.joyner@utsa.edu and Corey Sparks: corey.sparks@utsa.edu). The proposal must include:

• the title of the special issue
• the names and affiliations of the guest editor(s)
• the names and affiliations of the contributing authors
• a one-page summary of the theme, overarching aim, timeliness and innovativeness of the SI for publication in PRPR. It should be shown that the different papers fit together as a coherent SI.
• all titles and (half page) abstracts of the SI paper contributions

Procedure and responsibilities of the guest editor(s)

The SI proposals will be evaluated by the Editors and Editorial Board of PRPR. If the proposal is selected, the process of evaluating the contributions will follow the regular review procedure of PRPR; however, the guest editor(s) will take the responsibility of editor(s) of the SI manuscripts. Depending on the number and quality of the SI proposals that are submitted in this call, the editorial team may decide to accept one or more proposals. However, in case the editorial team judges that none of the proposals meets the quality standards of the journal, it can also be decided that none of the suggested proposals will be accepted for further development and production.

Once the editorial team of PRPR approves the proposal, the guest editor(s) will be informed of the time line for the production process. The guest editor(s) will from then on be the primary contact person(s) for the contributors to the SI and should inform them about deadlines for submission and further procedures. The full papers for the SI should be uploaded in Editorial Manager (the online submission system) and handled from there by the guest editor(s) who is(are) expected to manage the review process. The editorial office of PRPR will assist if needed.

Each paper for the SI will be evaluated by three anonymous reviewers. The guest editorial will not be sent out to external reviewers, but will be evaluated by the editorial team of PRPR. After the reviewers’ reports have been received, the guest editor(s) decide(s) on the manuscript, inform(s) the authors of the decision, and set(s) the deadline for the revised manuscript. It may occur that one or more of the papers is rejected based on the reviewer reports. At this stage the editors-in-chief will be informed of the outcome and, if necessary, make a joint decision on how to proceed. The guest editor is responsible for ensuring that all papers are of sufficiently high quality and form a coherent set of papers for the SI.

If you have any further queries, please contact PRPR editors-in-chief Kara Joyner and Corey Sparks.

An article by David A. Swanson, Mary A. McGehee, and Nazrul Hoque from 2009 was selected for inclusion in the 60th Anniversary Special Issue of the journal Population Review along with nine other papers as one of the 10 most articles downloaded by readers since the journal went fully digital in 2003. 

The Introduction to the special issue and a link to their article, "Socio-Economic Status and Life Expectancy in the United States, 1970-1990" can be found here: 

https://muse.jhu.edu/article/819828

(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