Description

The Economic Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, is seeking a social scientist with strong research skills to lead demographic research on rural communities in the U.S.  ERS economists and social scientists conduct rigorous policy-relevant research to inform public and private decision making on issues of national significance relevant to USDA. In this position, the social scientist would analyze the drivers of rural population change, with particular emphasis on migration, and the implications of demographic change for economically varied areas of rural America. The researcher would also be expected to analyze rural populations in the context of other socioeconomic dimensions such as labor markets, income and poverty. This is a full-time position in the Rural Economy Branch, Resource and Rural Economics Division, and would be located in Kansas City, Missouri.

Please see the official job announcement in USAJOBS to apply: GS12 and GS13 announcement (https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/876195300);  GS14 and GS15 announcement (https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/876256400). Note these are separate announcements for the same position at different entry grades.  The GS12/13 announcement is open through July 27 and the GS14/15 announcement through July 28.

Requirements

Applicants should have strong quantitative skills and an interest in applied policy-relevant research.  Candidates are also expected to have strong writing skills and the ability to relay results to both lay and professional audiences.  The minimum posted education requirement to meet basic qualifications is a bachelor’s degree in a relevant social science field, though successful candidates hired into similar positions typically hold a Ph.D. You must be a U.S. citizen or US National to be considered for this position.