Research Assistant

The Bureau of Labor Statistics measures labor market activity, working conditions, price changes, and productivity in the U.S. economy to support public and private decision making. The position is located in the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Office of Survey Methods Research. Specialized Experience is the experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) to perform the duties of the position successfully, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level. GS-07: Applicants must have 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, GS-06, in the federal service. To be minimally qualified, applicants must demonstrate their experience doing the following: Communicating with and collecting data from people; AND Following standard procedures, processes, and methods; OR Coordinating multiple projects concurrently. The mission of the Office of Survey Methods Research (OSMR) is to plan and direct a continuing program of research by evaluating statistical and behavioral science aspects of survey programs, suggesting improvements, and conducting statistical development studies to provide sound and effective survey techniques for BLS programs. This position is within the Behavioral Science Research Center (BSRC). The immediate goals of BSRC are to improve the accuracy and quality of survey data, improve response rates, and ease the burden of survey administration for both interviewers and respondents. In addition, studies are conducted to analyze and improve the usability of BLS software products, for both internet and stand-alone applications. The duties described are for the GS-09 level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope and performed with less independence and complexity. Duties include, but are not limited to the following: Recruits participants for research projects according to program needs Handles respondent information responsibly and with regulations, policies, and standards Develops, designs, and places advertisements for recruiting Provides technical support to researchers in the laboratory, including operating video and audio recording equipment Assists researchers by taking notes of cognitive interviews, respondent debriefings, focus groups, user experience research, or other research efforts Education Any applicant falsely claiming an academic degree from an accredited school will be subject to actions ranging from disqualification from federal employment to removal from federal service. If your education was completed at a foreign college or university, you must show comparability to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States and comparability to applicable minimum coursework requirements for this position. Click Evaluation of Foreign Education for more information.