Research Associate Intern – Education Finance (Master's Students)

Key Skills

Data science techniques, Database, Effective communication skills, Machine learning techniques, Microsoft Office suites, MySQL, Planning and organization, Python Programming, R Programming, SQL Server, Stata

Job Description

Established in 1946, with headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, AIR is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit institution that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to solve some of the most urgent challenges in the U.S. and around the world. We advance evidence in the areas of education, health, the workforce, human services, and international development to create a better, more equitable world.

AIR’s commitment to diversity goes beyond legal compliance to its full integration in our strategy, operations, and work environment. At AIR, we define diversity broadly, considering everyone’s unique life and community experiences. We believe that embracing diverse perspectives, abilities/disabilities, racial/ethnic and cultural backgrounds, styles, ages, genders, gender identities and expressions, education backgrounds, and life stories drives innovation and employee engagement. Learn more about AIR's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategy and hear from our staff by clicking here.

Responsibilities

The responsibilities for the position include:

• Participating as a team member in projects focused on education finance policy in the K-12 and higher education sectors
• Support efforts to collect, compile, and validate data using various programming platforms (e.g., Python, R and Stata)
• Transform, clean, and visualize data from a variety of sources
• Support quantitative and/or qualitative analysis using standard statistical techniques and methods
• Work on moderately complex assignments under indirect supervision
• Communicate project support needs and requests to senior management and clientele, provide administrative support where applicable
• Maintain and check the accuracy of data for assigned projects
• Utilize external resources to supplement, organize, and contribute to tasks and projects

Qualifications

Education, Knowledge, and Experience:

• Must be a current student (for the duration of the internship) seeking a master’s degree in quantitative or related field (e.g., quantitative social science, math, computer or data science, statistics, or economics) with a desire to learn and apply new methodologies to education finance policy issues
• Experience with Python or R Stata programming languages
• Experience with the statistical package STATA is a plus but not required
• Experience with database software (e.g., MySQL, MS SQL Server) is a plus but not required
• Experience with developing machine learning processes is a plus but not required

Skills:

• Strong communication skills
• Strong attention to detail with commitment to accuracy
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team with individual from diverse backgrounds
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate efficiently in a virtual work environment

Disclosures:

International students who are studying at an accredited U.S. college or university under F1 visas are eligible to apply under Curricular Practical Training (CPT) stipulations.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.

AIR adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo reference and background checks.

This position offers $25.00 per hour. Salary offers are made based on internal equity within the organization and external equity with competitive markets. Please note this is the salary for candidates that are based in the United States.

AIR maintains a drug-free work environment.

Fraudulent Job Scams Warning & Disclaimer:

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If you see a job scam, or lose money to one, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also report it to your state attorney general. Find out more about how to avoid scams at ftc.gov/scams.