Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Quantitative Methods | California Center for Population Research

Job title: Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Quantitative Methods
Division: Social Sciences
Department: Social Policy and Intervention
Location: Barnett House, 32 Wellington Square, Oxford
Grade and salary: Grade 7: £30,434 – £37,394 per annum
Hours: Full-time
Contract type: Fixed term (36 month career development post)
Reporting to: Head of Department
Vacancy reference: 118832

Job description
Overview of the role
The DSPI is in the process of establishing a Methods Hub and is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Qualitative Methods, and a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Quantitative Methods. Postdoctoral Research Fellows in the Department enjoy the freedom and facilities to develop their research portfolios. They have the opportunity to be fully involved in the academic life of the Department, contributing to the research of one of the research clusters and to the Department’s teaching programmes.
The two Postdoctoral Research Fellows associated with the methods hub will provide support in methods teaching across the two Masters Courses in Comparative Social Policy and Evidence-based Social Intervention and Policy Evaluation. In addition, they will provide methods support and advice to colleagues as relevant for their teaching and research
These are fixed-term three year posts available from 1 October 2015. The Fellows will be responsible to the Head of Department.
These are fixed-term three year posts available from 1 October 2015. The Fellows will be responsible to the Head of Department.
Responsibilities/duties
The main duties of the Postdoctoral Fellow are:
• to engage in research in the Department of Social Policy and Intervention under the direction of the Head of Department;
• to contribute to the research activities of one of the department’s research clusters;
• to publish in highly-ranked, peer reviewed academic journals;
• to contribute to the quantitative methods teaching and training, specifically to provide up to 60 units of graduate or undergraduate teaching per annum (for example, an 8-week lecture series is 24 units; eight weeks of a two hour class is 40 units; a term’s supervision of a MSc student is 4 units) within the areas covered by the Department of Social Policy and Intervention as requested by the Head of Department;
• to provide quantitative methods support to researchers in the department;
• to examine as required by the appropriate committee for the nomination of examiners;
• to co-operate in the administrative work of the Department under the direction of the Head of Department.

Selection criteria
We are looking for the candidate who most fully meets the following essential and desirable criteria.
Essential
• Postgraduate qualification (preferably a completed doctorate; or a doctorate close to completion) in a discipline relevant to comparative social policy and/or evidence-based social intervention and policy evaluation research.
• A track record of – or in the case of early career appointments clear potential for – internationally excellent publications in highly-ranked, peer-reviewed academic journals and with major presses.
• Advanced knowledge of quantitative social science techniques of data collection and analysis.
• Knowledge of current debates in regard to quantitative methods.
• Excellent skills and experience in quantitative research methods.
• Ability and willingness to teach quantitative methods.
• Active research agenda in (comparative) social policy or evidence-based social intervention and policy evaluation research.
• Experience to work effectively as part of a team.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Proficient user of SPSS and STATA (experience with R desirable).
• Good understanding of the foundations of quantitative methods and expertise in two or three methods, including:
– Linear and non-linear regression models
– Data reduction methods (e.g. principal component analysis, cluster analysis, latent class models)
– Multilevel models
– Cross-sectional time-series analysis
– Panel regression techniques
– Matching and propensity score matching
– Regression discontinuity design
– Instrumental variables regression
– Structural Equation Models
Desirable:
• Teaching experience.
Pre-employment screening
Please note that the appointment of the successful candidate will be subject to standard pre-employment screening, as applicable to the post. This will include right-to-work, proof of identity and references. All applicants must read the candidate notes on the University’s pre-employment screening procedures, found at:
https://www.ox.ac.uk/about/jobs/preemploymentscreening/.
All academic and related posts (any grade above grade 5) are subject to the University’s retirement policy. The University operates an employer justified retirement age, for which the retirement date is the 30 September immediately preceding the 68th birthday. Applicants should be aware that any employment beyond the University’s retirement age is subject to approval through the procedures outlined at:
www.admin.ox.ac.uk/personnel/end/retirement/acrelretire/ejra/
Working at the University of Oxford
For further information about working at Oxford, please see: http://www.ox.ac.uk/about_the_university/jobs/research/
How to apply
If you consider that you meet the selection criteria, click on the Apply Now button on the ‘Job Details’ page and follow the on-screen instructions to register as a user. You will then be required to complete a number of screens with your application details, relating to your skills and experience. When prompted, please provide details of two referees and indicate whether we can contact them at this stage. You will also be required to upload a CV and supporting statement which explains how you meet the selection criteria for the post. The supporting statement should explain your relevant experience which may have been gained in employment, education, or you may have taken time away from these activities in order to raise a family, care for a dependant, or travel for example. Your application will be judged solely on the basis of how you demonstrate that that you meet the selection criteria outlined above and we are happy to consider evidence of transferable skills or experience which you may have gained outside the context of paid employment or education.
Please save all uploaded documents to show your name and the document type.
All applications must be received by midday on the closing date stated in the online advertisement.
Information for priority candidates
A priority candidate is a University employee who is seeking redeployment owing to the fact that he or she has been advised that they are at risk of redundancy, or on grounds of ill-health/disability. Priority candidates are issued with a redeployment letter by their employing departments.
If you are a priority candidate, please ensure that you:
– attach your redeployment letter to your application
– explain in your covering letter how you meet the selection criteria for the post.
Should you experience any difficulties using the online application system, please email recruitment.support@admin.ox.ac.uk
Further help and support is available from http://www.ox.ac.uk/about_the_university/jobs/support/
To return to the online application at any stage, please click on the following link www.recruit.ox.ac.uk
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