The American Enterprise Institute's (AEI) Education Policy Studies team seeks a full-time, in-person data analyst to assist in creating, managing and analyzing large datasets to derive insights and inform education policy decisions. This role encompasses data science, social science, and big data–management projects.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the department has successfully undertaken ambitious data collection and reporting projects under as part of the Return to Learn Tracker to monitor the pandemic’s effects on the nation’s students and education system. The data analyst has been and will continue to be a crucial part of these projects as AEI’s Education Policy Studies continues to use similar tools and approaches with exciting new projects.
The data analyst will primarily collaborate with Senior Fellow and Deputy Director Nat Malkus on data collection and research projects. This position requires excellent technical and quantitative skills—and the capacity to develop additional skills—as well as high proficiencies in writing, research, communication, and organization. Responsibilities will include creating, cleaning, and analyzing new datasets; conducting statistical analyses; and helping draft research papers and other materials. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated interest in and knowledge of education policy. Creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask with minimal supervision are essential. A master’s degree in public policy, data analytics, or other quantitative methods field is preferred.
AEI offers a stimulating and harmonious work environment and excellent benefits. Applicants must submit a cover letter demonstrating their interest in education policy and noting quantitative and technical experience and skills, a resume, an unofficial academic transcript, and a writing sample with the online application.
Responsibilities
Contribute to all stages of the research process, with opportunity to coauthor datasets and research publications.
Collect, assemble, and analyze large datasets.
Conduct empirical analysis using statistical and econometric methods, machine learning, and natural language processing.
Develop and maintain data pipelines as well as extract, transform, and load processes.
Build data-visualization products.
Assist in drafting scholarly papers, policy papers, and articles aimed at multiple audiences.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in computer science, economics, statistics, or related discipline required; master’s degree preferred
1–3 years of work experience in quantitative research or data analysis
Demonstrated interest in education and public policy research
Familiarity with front-end coding languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and XML
Fluency in data analysis tools and languages such as Stata, R, Python, and SQL
Knowledge of data visualization tools like Shiny, Tableau, or Power BI
Demonstrated capacity with web scraping and crawling
Knowledge of data governance and compliance standards
Strong understanding of statistical methods and data science techniques
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to learn new skills
Capacity to meticulously document all data processes, methodologies, and analyses
Ambitious outlook, comfort with working independently, and readiness to learn new skills as projects demand
Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines

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Data Analyst, Education Policy Studies