Click on Apply now to start your application.
NCSES Research Ambassadors Program
The National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) — part of the National Science Foundation (NSF) — is the world’s premier source for data and information on the science and engineering enterprise. NCSES is one of only thirteen principal statistical agencies in the U.S. federal government. You will have the opportunity to independently utilize your skills and engage with experts in innovative ideas to move the proposed research forward. NCSES leads several cutting-edge research projects and initiatives that not only further its mission of collecting and disseminating objective information on the science and engineering enterprise, but also will provide you with an exclusive access to high quality data sets and experiences in data analysis, statistics, and more.
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) business microdata is available at Federal Statistical Research Data Centers (FSRDCs), so qualified researchers can access our restricted-use data to address important policy and research questions. Recent interviews with a selection of FSRDC data users indicated that there was a “strong need for documentation and resources (Davis et al (2018)).” Beyond resources made available by other researchers, Adams (1994) is the only formal documentation and description available of NCSES data. However, this is outdated as it does not account for major business R&D and innovation survey revisions including the introduction of two novel business data collection efforts. This “insufficient documentation, limited understanding of sampling and response, and an inability to recreate published estimates has lead researchers, likely inappropriately, to question the quality and reliability of the underlying data (Davis et al (2018)).” Because the data made available through the FSRDC is transformed by FSRDC administrators, even the data dictionary and questionnaires with survey aggregates and variable names made available by Census Economic Reimbursable Division are of limited use to researchers.
NCSES seeks to improve the documentation and resources available to researchers using NCSES business microdata made available through the FSRDC network and complement this with publicly available documentation to aid prospective researchers. Some resources are available only through the secure FSRDC network. These include survey questionnaires with variable names and annual data dictionaries for the Business Enterprise and R&D Survey (BERD), the Business R&D and Innovation Survey (BRDIS), and the Annual Business Survey (ABS). Unfortunately, there is no publicly available documentation of NCSES innovation microdata or the revisions and improvements to the Survey of Industrial R&D (SIRD) implemented with the 2008 BRDIS introduction or the 2018 transition from BRDIS to BERD. Details regarding sampling, response – including survey skip patterns – and valid tabulation scoping criteria are not presented within the FSRDC documentation. For example, the microdata does not contain coding to distinguish between valid skips and non-response. These represent barriers to current and future data users.
The primary purpose of this fellowship is to improve the survey documentation for all NCSES business microdata available through the FSRDC network including SIRD, BRDIS, BERD and ABS. As appropriate, the documentation will be made available through working paper(s) presenting data descriptions and summary statistics and through the FSRDC network (i.e., protected under Title 13 and 26). This will produce programs that recreate tabulated survey aggregates for SIRD, BRDIS, BERD, and ABS to demonstrate appropriate usage of NCSES data. Because tabular estimates of NCSES business data are produced within Census internal estimation systems, no such resources are available to researchers. Additionally, this will produce programs that link NCSES surveys such as BERD and ABS with each other and with Census administrative data such as the Longitudinal Business Database. Finally, in addition to the documentation and programs, the fellow will collaborate with NCSES and Census to make recommendations for a sustainable approach to ensure appropriate microdata documentation is made available for future survey cycles.
References
Adams, J (1994). “A Guide To R&D Data At The Center For Economic Studies U.S. Bureau Of The Census,” Center for Economic Studies Working Paper Number CES-94-09.
Available:https://www.census.gov/library/working-papers/1994/adrm/ces-wp-94-09.html
Christina Davis, C., Steven Deitz, and Christina Freyman (2018). “BRDIS Microdata Research Report,” NCSES V Task Order 28.
Where will I be located?
This Research Fellowship is fully remote.
Participant Benefits
Participants will receive a stipend to be determined by NCSES. Stipends are typically based on the participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other benefits may include the following:
Duration
This Research Fellowship is a 12 month appointment and can be extended for a total period of five years based on performance and need.
The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, NSF, or any other office or agency. Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.
Computer Software
Experience with programs such as SAS and STATA are preferred but not required.
Additionally, the ideal candidate will have:
A complete application consists of:
All documents must be submitted via Zintellect. All application components must be received in the system in order to be considered.
Submitted documents must have all social security numbers, student identification numbers, and/or dates of birth removed (blanked out, blackened out, made illegible, etc.) prior to uploading into the application system.
If you have questions, send an email to NSF-NCSES@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity in the subject line of the email.
All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.
Connect with ORISE...on the GO! Download the new ORISE GO mobile app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to help you stay engaged, connected, and informed during your ORISE experience and beyond!
ORISE GO
The ORISE GO mobile app helps you stay engaged, connected and informed during your ORISE experience – from application, to offer, through your appointment and even as an ORISE alum!
You gave a rating of 0 star(s)
SECURITY/PRIVACY NOTICE
By continuing to use this system you indicate your awareness of and consent to the following terms and conditions of use. LOGOUT IMMEDIATELY if you do not agree to the conditions stated in this warning.
SECURITY NOTICE
This system is part of a Federal information system. This system is monitored for security purposes to ensure it remains available to all users and to protect information in the system. The system employs software programs to monitor network traffic to identify unauthorized activities. By accessing this system, you are expressly consenting to these monitoring activities. Unauthorized attempts to defeat or circumvent security features; to use the system for other than intended purposes; to deny service to authorized users; to access, obtain, alter, damage, or destroy information; to upload or change information; to otherwise cause system or information damage; or otherwise to interfere with the system or its operation, is prohibited. Evidence of such acts may be dis-closed to law enforcement authorities and result in prosecution under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986 and the National Information Infrastructure Protection Act of 1996, or other applicable laws.
PRIVACY NOTICE
This system is for authorized use only. Use of this system constitutes consent to security monitoring and testing. All activity is logged with your host name and IP address. Users (authorized or unauthorized) have no explicit or implicit expectation of privacy. Any or all uses of this system and all files on this system may be intercepted, monitored, recorded, copied, audited, inspected, and dis-closed to authorized site and law enforcement personnel, as well as authorized officials of other agencies, both domestic and foreign. By using this system, the user consents to such interception, monitoring, recording, copying, auditing, inspection, and disclosure at the discretion of authorized site or law enforcement personnel. Unauthorized or improper use of this system may result in administrative disciplinary action and civil and criminal penalties.
You have been inactive on this page for . You will be logged out after 03:00:00.
Select an icon below to visit the website and download an appropriate browser.
For help, please email Zintellect@orau.org.
Question: What is the deadline for submitting an application?
Answer: Not all opportunities have application deadlines. Some opportunities remain open until they are filled. If an opportunity has an application deadline, then it will be listed in the opportunity details or in the opportunity catalog.
Question: How do I reset my password?
Answer: If you have forgotten your password or wish to reset your password, use the "Forgot password or username?" tab on the login to reset it.
Question: I forgot my username. How do I retrieve it?
Answer: Use the "Forgot password or username?" tab on the login. You will receive an email containing your username.
Question: What do I need to submit an application?
Answer: Typically, applicants are required to submit a resume or CV, an official copy of their transcripts or academic record, and a minimum of two references at the time they apply. Additional requirements such as a writing sample, thesis or dissertation, etc. may be required. Review the opportunity details for additional information about the requirements for applying for an opportunity.
Question: Where do I upload my transcripts?
Answer: If required, you will be asked to upload your transcript as a part of the application process.
Question: Where do I submit a writing sample?
Answer: If required, you will be asked to upload a writing sample as part of the application process.
Question: Can a family member serve as a reference?
Answer: No; family members may not serve as references. References must be able to speak to your educational and/or professional experience. At least one academic reference is preferred.
Our Zintellect A.I. is constantly learning how to Match you to our opportunities! So, we want to know when we get it right or when we get it wrong. This will help us make our better! Plus, as a potential applicant to one of our many opportunities across the country, we value you and want to help you on your career path!
