Research Professional I (Temporary)
Tucson, AZ 
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Posted 5 days ago
Job Description
Research Professional I (Temporary)
Posting Number req19476
Department Sociology
Department Website Link https://sociology.arizona.edu/
Location Main Campus
Address Tucson, AZ USA
Position Highlights The School of Sociology is hiring a part time temporary Research Specialist. In this role, you will begin by extracting research abstract data across various fields from OpenAlex via AWS, utilizing SQL queries. The role includes cleaning and preprocessing the extracted data from OpenAlex while making key analytical decisions before performing advanced topic modeling (more specifically the Structural Topic Model (STM), a statistical model in natural language processing) to identify latent topics within each research field. You will be tasked with constructing detailed dataframes at topic, paper, and country levels, which will include metrics such as citation counts, covariate loadings from STM models, t-values of beta coefficients, standard errors, topic significance, and several others. You will conduct comprehensive data analysis on these dataframes. Develop and maintain a pipeline to systematically execute these tasks across various fields, ensuring consistent creation of dataframes for detailed analysis in each field. This position also involves developing networks using graph theory to map citation and co-authorship relationships after creating edgelists, followed by a rigorous network analysis. You will contribute to drafting the research paper, synthesizing & visualizing findings, articulating insights, while possibly collaborating with other potential coauthors in near future. This role is ideal for individuals with a strong analytical background and a keen interest in research development and presentation.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, vision, life insurance and disability programs; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.

Duties & Responsibilities

Duties and Responsibilities include:

  • Extract research abstract data across various fields from OpenAlex via AWS, utilizing SQL queries. Clean and preprocess the data, while making key decisions like choosing top 15 countries, choosing threshold value for omitting frequently occuring words in research abstracts for topic modeling, choosing the number of K topics, etc.
  • Perform topic modeling (more specifically Structural Topic Model (STM)) to identify latent topics within each research field. Create detailed dataframes to summarize the STM model and country covariates
  • Develop and maintain a pipeline to systematically execute these tasks across various fields, ensuring consistent creation of dataframes for detailed analysis in each field. Perform comprehensive data analysis on the summarized CSV files for each field
  • Develop networks using graph theory to map citation and co-authorship relationships after creating edgelists, followed by a rigorous network analysis by analyzing the centrality measures, page rank, Node2Vec embeddings, etc
  • Draft the research paper, synthesizing & visualizing findings, and articulating insights
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in related field
  • 1 year of relevant work experience
Preferred Qualifications
  • Masters Degree
FLSA Non-Exempt
Full Time/Part Time Part Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week 20
Job FTE .50
Work Calendar Fiscal
Job Category Research
Benefits Eligible Yes - Limited Benefits
Rate of Pay $22.77-$28.46
Compensation Type hourly rate
Grade 6
Compensation Guidance The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

The Grade Range Minimum, Midpoint, and Maximum Fields listed below represent a full range of career compensation growth over time in this position and grade. Each unit typically sets starting pay between minimum and midpoint upon hire. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.
Grade Range Minimum $22.77
Grade Range Midpoint $28.46
Grade Range Maximum $34.15
Career Stream and Level PC1
Job Family Researchers & Scientists
Job Function Research
Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies 1
Target Hire Date 5/20/2024
Expected End Date
Contact Information for Candidates Beth Zimner
Bethzimner@arizona.edu
Open Date 5/9/2024
Open Until Filled Yes
Documents Needed to Apply Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Cover Letter
Special Instructions to Applicant
Diversity Statement At the University of Arizona, we value our inclusive climate because we know that diversity in experiences and perspectives is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, solving complex problems, and creating an inclusive academic community. As a Hispanic-serving institution, we translate these values into action by seeking individuals who have experience and expertise working with diverse students, colleagues, and constituencies. Because we seek a workforce with a wide range of perspectives and experiences, we provide equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. As an Employer of National Service, we also welcome alumni of AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service programs and others who will help us advance our Inclusive Excellence initiative aimed at creating a university that values student, staff and faculty engagement in addressing issues of diversity and inclusiveness.
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.


The University of Arizona is a committed Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution. Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

 

Job Summary
Start Date
As soon as possible
Employment Term and Type
Temporary, Full or Part Time
Required Education
Bachelor's Degree
Required Experience
1+ years
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