What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Assistant position at Portland State University, College of Urban and Public Affairs?
Position Announcement
Position Details
Proposed Start Date 07/01/2025 Rank L - Research Assistant Working Title Research Assistant Position Number D95220 Representation AU - AAUP Faculty Type Fixed Term Research/Grant Fixed Term End Date: 06/20/2026 Position FTE Variable between .5 and 1.0 FTE Term of Service 12 month
Position Summary
Brief Description of PSU/School/Dept
The Population Research Center (PRC) is an interdisciplinary public service, research, and training unit for population-related data and research for the State of Oregon.
The mission of PRC is to provide population data, information, and research analysis for Oregon and its communities. Center staff engage in a variety of demographic activities, including the Oregon State Data Center, the Oregon Population Estimates Program, and a variety of commissioned population projects. PRC staff also teach in the Nohad A. Toulan School of Urban Studies and Planning, supporting a graduate concentration in applied demography and a graduate certificate program in applied demography.
Position Summary
The Research Assistant will provide research assistance to the PRC and the Institute for Metropolitan Studies (IMS), in the areas of data collection and analysis, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), model development and testing, and cartographic analysis and design.
The incumbent will assist in the preparation of reports and presentations, perform database management, develop and test statistical models, and perform statistical analyses.
The incumbent may supervise students, make presentations to clients, and participate in the development of peer-reviewed publications.
Qualifications
Primary Activity R - Research Minimum Qualifications
Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals.
Professional Standards of Conduct
At Portland State University, all employees are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner which maintains a safe, respectful, and productive environment for faculty, students, administrators, and staff. It is the responsibility of every member of the Portland State University community to conduct themselves in accordance with our PSU Professional Standards of Conduct which are available at https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/professional-standards-conduct-policy.
Total Compensation Range & Benefits Statement
Salary is dependent on several factors, and new employees will typically start around the Q1 level to allow for later growth within the salary band. PSU has a structured process for determining starting compensation, taking into account years of related experience, applicable skills, knowledge and abilities, market parity, and internal equity.
The starting annual salary for this position will be $66,024 (at 1.0 FTE) but may be negotiated above this rate dependent upon the factors above, the budget of the hiring department, and approval from HR.
An excellent benefits package includes 95% premium paid healthcare; a generous retirement and vacation package; and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependent at any of the Oregon University System schools.
Please visit our total compensation calculator to see the full value of our benefits package : https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/psu-total-compensation-calculator
Application Instructions
Additional Information Additional Application Instructions (deadlines, etc.)
References will be contacted only if you are selected as a finalist.
Does this position require the employee to drive a motor vehicle? No Background Check Required No If you have questions
Please email the Population Research center at cens@pdx.edu
Search Details
Posting Close Date 06/06/2025 Projected Close Date for Posting Closes Application screening begins 05/27/2025 Will you consider an ABD applicant for this position? Yes If yes, when must the degree be earned? PhD is not required If necessary, would you be willing to sponsor the succcessful applicant for permanent US residence, now or in the future? No
Reference Requests
Reference Requests
Accept References Yes Minimum Number of References 3 Maximum Number of References Cutoff Date Special Instruction for Reference Provider
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Required Documents
Position Details
Proposed Start Date 07/01/2025 Rank L - Research Assistant Working Title Research Assistant Position Number D95220 Representation AU - AAUP Faculty Type Fixed Term Research/Grant Fixed Term End Date: 06/20/2026 Position FTE Variable between .5 and 1.0 FTE Term of Service 12 month
Position Summary
Brief Description of PSU/School/Dept
The Population Research Center (PRC) is an interdisciplinary public service, research, and training unit for population-related data and research for the State of Oregon.
The mission of PRC is to provide population data, information, and research analysis for Oregon and its communities. Center staff engage in a variety of demographic activities, including the Oregon State Data Center, the Oregon Population Estimates Program, and a variety of commissioned population projects. PRC staff also teach in the Nohad A. Toulan School of Urban Studies and Planning, supporting a graduate concentration in applied demography and a graduate certificate program in applied demography.
Position Summary
The Research Assistant will provide research assistance to the PRC and the Institute for Metropolitan Studies (IMS), in the areas of data collection and analysis, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), model development and testing, and cartographic analysis and design.
The incumbent will assist in the preparation of reports and presentations, perform database management, develop and test statistical models, and perform statistical analyses.
The incumbent may supervise students, make presentations to clients, and participate in the development of peer-reviewed publications.
Qualifications
Primary Activity R - Research Minimum Qualifications
- Master’s degree or Bachelor’s degree with specific experience in data collection, statistical modeling and analysis, and GIS.
- Prefer a Master’s degree in planning, economics, or public policy with experience gathering and analyzing census and other public data sources.
- Prefer a background in statistical analysis and modeling.
- Creates an environment that acknowledges, encourages and celebrates differences.
- Functions and communicates effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities and cultural backgrounds.
- Seeks opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement
- Adheres to all PSU’s policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.
Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals.
Professional Standards of Conduct
At Portland State University, all employees are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner which maintains a safe, respectful, and productive environment for faculty, students, administrators, and staff. It is the responsibility of every member of the Portland State University community to conduct themselves in accordance with our PSU Professional Standards of Conduct which are available at https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/professional-standards-conduct-policy.
Total Compensation Range & Benefits Statement
Salary is dependent on several factors, and new employees will typically start around the Q1 level to allow for later growth within the salary band. PSU has a structured process for determining starting compensation, taking into account years of related experience, applicable skills, knowledge and abilities, market parity, and internal equity.
The starting annual salary for this position will be $66,024 (at 1.0 FTE) but may be negotiated above this rate dependent upon the factors above, the budget of the hiring department, and approval from HR.
An excellent benefits package includes 95% premium paid healthcare; a generous retirement and vacation package; and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependent at any of the Oregon University System schools.
Please visit our total compensation calculator to see the full value of our benefits package : https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/psu-total-compensation-calculator
Application Instructions
Additional Information Additional Application Instructions (deadlines, etc.)
References will be contacted only if you are selected as a finalist.
Does this position require the employee to drive a motor vehicle? No Background Check Required No If you have questions
Please email the Population Research center at cens@pdx.edu
Search Details
Posting Close Date 06/06/2025 Projected Close Date for Posting Closes Application screening begins 05/27/2025 Will you consider an ABD applicant for this position? Yes If yes, when must the degree be earned? PhD is not required If necessary, would you be willing to sponsor the succcessful applicant for permanent US residence, now or in the future? No
Reference Requests
Reference Requests
Accept References Yes Minimum Number of References 3 Maximum Number of References Cutoff Date Special Instruction for Reference Provider
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- * What is your highest degree earned? (Open Ended Question)
- * Please name the specific field/discipline in which you received your degree. (Open Ended Question)
- * How did you first find out about this position?
- PSU website
- Indeed
- Chronicle of Higher Education
- Higher Ed Jobs
- HERCJobs
- Referral
- Professional Listserv- please specify in comment box in the next question
- Professional Journal- please specify in comment box in the next question
- Other- please specify in comment box in the next question
- If you selected Other, please describe. (Open Ended Question)
Required Documents
- Curriculum Vitae
- Cover Letter
- Statement of Research Interests
Salary : $66,024