Job Description
The University of Mississippi — fondly referred to as Ole Miss — stands as a premier public research institution with a proud legacy of academic distinction. We are devoted to nurturing a vibrant, inclusive community where every member — student, faculty, and staff — can achieve their fullest potential. Join the Ole Miss Family — Build Your Legacy Here!
Department:
The Center for Population Studies (CPS) educates, conducts research, and engages in public outreach concerning population issues and is the lead agency for the State Data Center (SDC) of Mississippi. CPS works closely with university, government, and non-profit agencies across the State. CPS and SDC help Mississippians access, use, and interpret public data. In this capacity, CPS distributes data, provides instruction on data analysis, and serves as the liaison between the Census Bureau and the public. CPS, through the SDC, represents MS in the Federal-State Cooperative for Population Estimates (FSCPE), coordinating the fulfillment of data requests for official population estimates, participating in the statewide Complete Count Committee, and calculating and publishing population projections for the state and counties. The latter are used by state agencies, businesses, foundations, and researchers to plan for the future. Job Summary:
Assists in the University's adherence to federal, state, and other regulations pertaining to the conduct of research. The Center for Population Studies (CPS, http://cps.olemiss.edu) and State Data Center of Mississippi (SDC, http://sdc.olemiss.edu) at the University of Mississippi invite applications for an Applied Demographer (trained in demography, sociology, statistics, data science, or related fields), beginning in summer/fall 2026. Applicants should have experience with research on demographic trends and producing population estimates and projections. Applicants should have advanced knowledge of statistical software (e.g., R, STATA), ArcGIS, and Excel and excellent data management skills. In addition to technical expertise, applicants should be comfortable with spoken and written communication to a variety of stakeholders (e.g., students, government officials, community-based organizations). In addition to State Data Center duties, the position also includes a 1:1 course load, teaching Introductory and Applied Demography courses in the Department of Sociology & Anthropology at the University of Mississippi. Job Description:
Examples of Work Performed:
Assists in the coordination of institutional research compliance in a specific area. Coordinates protocol processing/intake. Assists in coordinating responses and reports related to protocol noncompliance and adverse/unexpected events. Work closely with the SDC's Senior Demographer, CPS Director, and State officials around Census data collection, outreach, and reporting, including, but not limited to, participating in the Census Count Review Operation; Respond to public data requests from Mississippi constituents; Work closely with Planning and Development Districts regarding public data and mapping;- Produce research products relevant to population trends; Teach Introductory and Applied Demography courses in the Department of Sociology & Anthropology at the University of Mississippi. Experience with academic writing and publishing; Ability to communicate with technical and non-technical audiences; Excellent data management skills. Preferred Qualifications:
Master's degree in demography, sociology, statistics, data science, or a related field; Experience with demographic theory and methods; Training in data analysis and data visualization, including use of statistical software, ArcGIS, and Excel; Teaching experience is preferred. Application Instructions:
For full consideration, candidates will submit the following documents: (1) a cover letter outlining your research/technical qualifications and related experience for the advertised position, (2) a C.V. or resume detailing your applicable experience and education, and (3) a writing sample. Review of applications will begin June 15, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. Candidates who are selected for further review may be asked to provide three references (to be submitted by the candidate's referees through the online application website). If you have any questions, please contact Vanessa Parks, chair of the search committee at vparks@olemiss.edu or (662) 915-7295. Departmental budget allows no more than $55,000 for this position at this time. Job Responsibilities:
Education Qualifications:
Bachelor's (Required) Experience:
Relevant experience | 3 Years | Required Compensation:
$51,604.80 - $77,396.80 Interview Requirement:
Interview Requirements:
Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview. EEO Statement:
The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship, age, disability, military status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. Background Check Statement:
The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.
