Staff Associate - Decision, Risk, and Operations

Description

Columbia Business School is seeking to hire a Staff Associate of research for the Decision, Risk, and Operations (DRO) Division. The work will include quantitative and qualitative research and analysis involving the collection, coordination, and management of information and data, development and implementation of computer models and simulations, development of research materials (figures, presentations, papers, etc.) and work on special projects relating to pertinent fields of research within the division.

This position provides an opportunity to gain experience in academic business research, with a special focues on fields such as operations research, operations management, statistics, and economics; and it would be ideal preparation for a PhD program or other graduate study.

The Staff Associate duties involve work in one or more of the following areas of research: Economics and Statistics. Specific duties include:

• Collect, clean, and maintain datasets and databases. Extract and link data from multiple databases for analysis. Prepare detailed documentation.

• Develop models and implement program code (STATA, Python, SQL, R, SAS, Matlab, etc.).

• Perform statistical analysis, including regression analysis and machine learning techniques.

• Assist with data analysis and dissemination of findings through the preparation of reports, journal articles, presentations, websites, and other research outlets.

• Perform case-based research, including work with detailed primary documents.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Economics or Finance or in a quantitative discipline such as Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, etc.

• At least 6 months of experience in a research role or as a research assistant.

• Programming experience in STATA is required. Strong preference for those who also know Python or R.

• Additional programming experience in one or more of the following languages: SQL, SAS, Matlab, and/or C is preferred.

• Familiarity with statistical tooks such as linear regression is required.

• Demonstrated exceptional written and oral communications skills needed - a writing sample is required.

• Expertise in processing large volumes of data and algorithm design expertise.

• Experience in market design applications preferred.

• Familiarity with text parsing and analysis (natural language processing) and/or machine learning techniques is preferred.

• Candidate must be able to work on multiple projects simultaneously.

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit:

• CV
• Cover letter
• Transcripts
• Writing sample
• Three letters of reference

Interested applicants please apply by May 15, 2025

Anticipated Start Date: August 1, 2025

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Pay Transparency Disclosure

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training.  The above hiring range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.