This is a test of the emergency broadcast system.  Had this been a real emergency, a message of substantive economic importance would have appeared on your screen.  As it is, the message is just a completely vacuous test.

We now return you to your regularly scheduled programming.

New Option Rep

Professor Robert Sherman is the new undergraduate option rep for economics.  Bob has a PhD in statistics from Yale, and has been on the faculty at Caltech since 1996.  Before that he worked for the phone company (Bellcore).

Professor Sherman is now the person to go to for all your economics option shopping needs.  His office is in 119 Baxter and his e-mail is sherman@hss.caltech.edu.

This is my last official post as the option rep, and I am giving Bob the keys to the blog. —KCB

Job opening at Columbia B-School

Looking for a full–time Research Coordinator at the Jerome A. Chazen Institute of International Business.  This position is available in June 2014 and we are seeking recent graduates who can begin work at that time. The position may also be accessed through the Jobs at Columbia (JAC) website:

http://jobs.columbia.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=141352 

Please post or distribute this announcement to graduating seniors or recent graduates seeking employment.  The position is appropriate for candidates with a background in economics, business, statistics, mathematics, finance, computer science, or engineering with strong programming skills.

Details:

Jerome A. Chazen Institute of International Business

Columbia Business School

Research Coordinator

Columbia Business School seeks to recruit a full-time Research Coordinator for the Jerome A. Chazen Institute of International Business (http://www4.gsb.columbia.edu/chazen) to assist with faculty research related to the global economy and business, to coordinate data management, and work on special projects with Columbia Business School faculty.

The candidate will work under the guidance of Business School professors and take an active role in on-going research projects in various stages from conception through publication. The anticipated start date of this position is June or July, 2014. This position provides an opportunity to gain experience in academic or business research with a special focus on fields such as international finance, international trade or development economics, and would be ideal preparation for a PhD program or other graduate study. Possible projects include a range of economics, business or policy-related topics such as: Transmissions of global financial crises; Exchange rates, cross-border trade and investment; Behavior patterns in cross-border business; Policy debates on global current account imbalances; and growth strategies in developing countries. This position offers salary commensurate with the candidate's qualifications and excellent benefits. For further information, visit http://hr.columbia.edu/benefits.

Job Duties:

1. Collect, clean, and maintain computer data sets and databases. Assist with data entry and ensure data integrity.

2. Assist with data analysis, including writing computer codes in softwares such as Stata, interpretation, write up and dissemination of findings through the preparation of reports, journal articles, presentations, web sites, and other research outlets.

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

4. Assist in the organization of research programs including conferences, seminars and workshops, and perform other related duties as assigned.

5. Prepare presentations for teaching and research projects.

6. Monitor the status of multiple projects and ensure that interim and final deadlines are met.   

Minimum Qualifications for Grade

Bachelor's degree or its equivalent is required.   

Additional Position-Specific Minimum Qualifications

Strong programming skills, organizational ability, and communications skills are also required. Candidates must demonstrate either through prior work experience or academic course study an aptitude and enthusiasm for research.

Deadline for application is February 1st, but we encourage applications by December 31st as we may begin reviewing applications in early January, 2014.

Please submit a resume, names and email addresses of three references, a cover letter describing your research experience and your interest in this position. A writing sample (e.g., a course paper) and recommendation letters may be required after initial consideration.   

Preferred Qualifications

A major in economics or finance, with sufficient training in statistics or mathematics; work experience in a research role, preferably in an academic environment; and good writing and oral communication skills. Preferred candidates will have programming experience in one or more of the following languages: STATA, SAS, R, Mathematica, Matlab. Two-year commitment preferred.   

Essential Functions

20% Collect, clean, and maintain computer data sets and databases. Assist with data entry and ensure data integrity.

20% Assist with data analysis, including writing computer codes in softwares such as Stata, interpretation, write up and dissemination of findings through the preparation of reports, journal articles, presentations, web sites, and other research outlets.

20% Perform case-based research, including work with detailed primary documents.

20% Assist in the organization of research programs including conferences, seminars and workshops, and perform other related duties as assigned.

10% Prepare presentations for teaching and research projects.

10% Monitor the status of multiple projects and ensure that interim and final deadlines are met.