Part-Time Research Assistant

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Job Description:

Summary:

We seek one Research Assistant to conduct macroeconomics projects for the Institute for Macroeconomics and Policy Analysis (IMPA), which is part of the Economics Department. IMPA's work uses up-to-date macroeconomic models to assess the impact of policy, especially tax policy, on macroeconomic outcomes. The RA's job objective is to conduct statistical analyses of data that serve as inputs into the models.

Essential Functions:

• Identify data sources needed to estimate model parameters. The RA will search for microeconomic data compiled by governments, private companies, and researchers and evaluate the extent to which each data set meets the needs of the PI to estimate the model. To do this, the RA must be able to understand the structure and of IMPA's macroeconomic model and the meaning of the parameters.

• Conduct replicable statistical analyses in Stata, R, and Excel as appropriate. After identifying an appropriate source, the RA will write well-commented scripts/programs/Excel workbooks to estimate model parameters. The comments will explain the calculations and connect them to the parameter being estimated.

• Communicate results to other economists by drafting academic papers. The RA will draft literature reviews, background/policy history, and data and results sections for academic papers to be published in refereed journals that utilize the IMPA model. Requires the ability to thoroughly understand the academic research and report it correctly using the jargon and notation common in economics.

• Communicate results to other policymakers and the public by drafting policy briefs and blog posts. literature reviews, background/policy history, and data and results sections for outputs that have audiences outside academic economics. Requires the ability to thoroughly understand the academic research and translate it cogently in a non-technical way.

• Stay up-to-date on the relevant economic literature and policy debates. The RA will summarize news and policy developments for the PI.

• Perform other tasks as assigned. The RA may be asked to provide communications and administrative support, including, but not limited to, assisting with conference arrangements and maintaining the IMPA website.

Competencies:

• Acquiring and Analyzing Information.

• Prioritizing and Organizing.

• Making Accurate Judgments and Decisions.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• Part-Time.

• 20 hours per week.

• Continuation of the program/position is contingent upon external funding.

• This is a temporary part-time position ending on or before August 2026.

Salary Range:

• $30 per hour.

Required Education and Experience:

• Master's degree or equivalent.

• 2 - 4 years of relevant experience.

• Must have used tax data (both aggregated and individual level) and firm-level data on productivity and profit.

• Must have detailed knowledge of current and historical tax law.

• Must be up-to-date on monetary and fiscal policy in theory and in practice.

• Must know the details of the IMPA macroeconomic policy model.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• PhD.

• 3 - 5 years of relevant experience.

Other Duties:

• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.

Other Details

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.

• Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.

• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• American University is an E-Verify employer.

Current American University Employees

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Contact Us

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