SLU Public Policy Studies

SHORT COURSE 10 – WORKSHOP ON COMPARATIVE URBAN RESEARCH:
PROSPECTS AND CHALLENGES IN A COMPARATIVE APPROACH

Sponsored by Comparative Urban Politics related group, APSA; Section on Urban Politics, APSA; Comparative Urban Studies Project, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars

Event Location:  Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars Washington, DC
                                   Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center
                                   One Woodrow Wilson Plaza 1300 Pennsylvania Ave., 
                                   NW Washington, DC 20004-3027
                                  202/691-4000

As the globe shrinks and the world’s urban population continues to grow, the study of cities gains in importance. In-depth case studies, quantitative and qualitative, have their place but also significant shortcomings. Hence there is a compelling need for a comparative approach. This workshop is devoted to an exploration of the advantages, promise, and challenges in the comparative study of the politics of cities and their regions. Special attention is given to work through multimember research teams.

This workshop is divided into two parts. The first examines the comparative approach and why a trajectory dimension is useful. Members from three different research teams lay out the parameters of their projects, the special focus of each (varying from neighborhood regeneration to a multipolicy scope and on to metropolitan regions and their issues and practices). The second session takes up the practical challenges encountered in comparative urban work, pitfalls to avoid, and the special rewards it affords along with a look at teaching comparative urban research. Both sessions are structured as roundtables (not the presentation of papers) in order to provide maximum opportunity for questions and an exchange of observations and lessons learned.

Registration through the APSA website is required.
More details are available at http://apsanet.org/mtgs/program_2010/program.cfm?event=1491151.

Both the Southern Political Science Association and the Midwest Political Science Association have sections on urban politics, offering other opportunities to present urban research. This year the Southern conference will be held in New Orleans from January 6-8, 2011 and Susan Clarke, University of Colorado-Boulder is the program chair. The closing date for proposals was August 9.  The Midwest conference will be held in Chicago from March 31-April 3, 2011.  The section head for urban and local politics is Sarah Reckhow, Michigan State University.  Proposals are accepted through October 8, 2010.  For more information, see http://www.mpsanet.org.

IPS is a not-for-profit, multidisciplinary research institute in  the Washington, DC metropolitan area. We are recruiting full-time Research Analysts at all ranks in political science, economics, physics, computer science, and related fields.  IPS joins advanced computational research, social science, and theory to produce high-end customized technical work for clients requiring well-crafted, substantive analysis. This work runs the gamut from critical analysis to advanced computational modeling.

Preference will be given to candidates with PhDs or other advanced degrees and related work experience. Strong research, writing, and analytic skills are essential.  Training in quantitative methods, statistics, and mathematics is desirable. Strong candidates with a theoretical orientation, whether in political philosophy, empirical analysis, or other theory-rich discipline, are encouraged to apply.  The ability to conduct research in one or more foreign languages is an asset but not required. Successful candidates are expected to work effectively in collaborative, multidisciplinary settings, as well as to conduct individual research.

US citizenship is required.  Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. IPS offers an outstanding benefits package and a challenging and rewarding work environment.  To apply, send CV or resume to hr@ips.edu.  IPS is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Faculty Positions
Texas A&M University
Bush School of Government and Public Service

The Bush School of Government & Public Service, Texas A&M University’s graduate school of public and international affairs, celebrates its second decade with a strategic focus on significantly expanding its faculty, programs and student enrollments. Its two professional master’s degree programs in Public Service and Administration and in International Affairs are very competitive, attracting high caliber students from throughout the United States and abroad to study with a multidisciplinary faculty committed to teaching, research and engagement. Faculty scholarship is vigorously encouraged through robust professional development opportunities and affiliated research institutes. With a substantial endowment, both student scholarship assistance and faculty research support through chairs and professorships are significant. Additional information is available at http://bush.tamu.edu.

The Bush School invites nominations and applications for multiple tenured and tenure-track faculty positions for appointments effective September 1, 2011. For the positions enumerated below, applicants should send a formal letter of interest that includes reference to the relevant position, curriculum vitae, three letters of recommendation, and a sample of research work to either (1) Professor Jeryl Mumpower, c/o Ms. Kimberly Reeves, for Public Service and Administration Faculty Searches , or (2) Professor Charles Hermann, c/o Ms. Janeen Wood, for International Affairs Faculty Searches, addressed to The Bush School of Government & Public Service, Texas A&M University, 4220 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4220.

Public Service & Administration

Public Administration: Assistant or tenured associate professor in public administration/management. Fields of particular interest include financial management, budgeting, public management and human resources. The School seeks candidates who will support the MPSA program’s public management track and help respond to growing student interest in state and local government. Successful candidates must demonstrate evidence of a commitment to both high quality research and teaching in a professional school of government and public service. Review of applications will begin on October 1 and will continue until the
position is filled.

Public Policy Analysis: One or more assistant or tenured associate professors in public policy analysis. Fields of particular teaching and research interest include education, health, social welfare, domestic security policy, or other policy areas that build on existing strengths in the Bush School. Candidates should be able to contribute to core instruction in quantitative or qualitative research methods. Successful candidates must demonstrate evidence of a commitment both to high quality research and to teaching in a professional school of government
and public service.

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN-DEARBORN
OPEN LINE IN POLITICAL SCIENCE
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR – PUBLIC POLICY/PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

The Department of Social Sciences at the University of Michigan-Dearborn is seeking candidates for a tenure track  appointment as an assistant professor of political science in Public Policy/ Public Administration to begin September 1, 2011.  Applicants must be committed to teaching excellence and an active research agenda.   Preference will be given to candidates who have a Ph.D. at the time of appointment, but consideration will be given to those who are very close to completion. We are seeking candidates who have a broad-based knowledge of policy processes.  Specific policy subfield is open, though we are especially interested in candidates with expertise in intergovernmental relations, bureaucracy, organizational leadership, or homeland security.  Candidates should be able to teach an undergraduate course in research methods which is required of all political science majors.  The teaching load is three courses per semester, which will include classes in both the undergraduate program in political science and the Department’s interdisciplinary master’s degree program in public policy/public administration. 

Applicants should submit a cover letter indicating teaching and research interests, a curriculum vitae, graduate transcripts, writing sample, evidence of teaching effectiveness, and three letters of recommendation.  Review of applications will begin October 15, 2010, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled.   Send all materials to: Prof. Julio Borquez, Department of Social Sciences, University of Michigan-Dearborn, 4901 Evergreen Road, Dearborn, MI, 48128.

The University of Michigan-Dearborn is an equal opportunity /affirmative action employer. The campus is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic faculty committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment, and strongly encourages applications from minorities and women.

JOB DESCRIPTION FORM WITH INSTRUCTIONS
WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENTAL TITLE:  Data Analyst II                                    

SUPERVISOR: Virginia Houmes, Project Coordinator

EXEMPT STATUS: Exempt
DEPARTMENT/SCHOOL: Center for Tobacco Policy Research, Brown School
DEPARTMENT HEAD:  Douglas Luke, Director, CTPR; Edward Lawlor, Dean

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PLEASE EXPRESS IN BULLET FORMAT
About the Brown School
The George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis aims to create positive social change through its path-breaking research and educational excellence.  The Brown School’s international community of faculty, students, and graduates works throughout St. Louis, across the country, and worldwide to apply new knowledge and use the best available evidence to impact policy, practice, and service delivery.  The Brown School offers doctoral and master of social work degrees.  The School is currently expanding its social work programs, launching new strategic initiatives, and planning new programs in public health.  In summer 2008, the School grew substantially, with the recruitment of more than 60 faculty and staff engaged in public health research and education.  The School is now planning and developing a curriculum and program for a new Master of Public Health (MPH) degree, to be launched in the fall of 2009.

About Washington University
Washington University is dedicated to challenging its faculty and students to seek new knowledge and greater understanding of an ever-changing, multicultural world. The University is counted among the world’s leaders in teaching and research, and draws students and faculty to St. Louis from all 50 states and more than 125 nations. The University is highly regarded for its commitment to excellence in learning. Its programs, administration, facilities, resources, and activities combine to further its mission of teaching, research, and service to society.  

Summary of Purpose
The Center for Tobacco Policy Research conducts program and policy evaluation and research in the areas of tobacco control, physical activity, and nutrition. This position will provide data management, analytic and statistical support for a multi-year initiative evaluation.  This position will benefit from training and consultation from affiliated faculty and staff.  The individual will be responsible for: 1) overseeing the collection of data via a web-based system; 2) performing data management activities; and 3) planning and conducting analyses of the datasets and interpreting and presenting findings.  The analyst will work independently with mentoring from the senior staff and statisticians, and in collaboration with project and methodological staff. 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions and Duties)

Minimum Requirements
Master’s degree or Master’s degree in progress with minimum 1-2 years training and/or related prior work.  Knowledge of research designs, methods, sampling, biostatistics, and analytical strategies and experience working on different aspects of research studies.  Understanding of appropriate statistical tests for various analysis situations (including, but not limited to correlation, ANOVA, t-test, chi-square). Demonstrated proficiency with database applications and experience working with large and complex databases.

Software proficiency: Competency and experience utilizing relational databases and reporting tools (e.g., Microsoft Access).  At least one year of experience using SPSS or other statistical packages.

Strong written and oral communication and interpersonal skills are required.  The ability to verbally communicate complex issues and analysis results with clarity to different audiences (e.g., academic, community) is necessary.  The individual will be required to provide technical assistance to community members to ensure data is collected reliably.  Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in writing.  Excellent organizational skills, patience, ability to monitor data quality and maintain a complex set of data analysis tasks, ability to prioritize work flow is required. Ability to balance competing demands and to work effectively.  Attention to detail and accuracy in editing, record-keeping, etc. Ability to collaborate with others, working independently and with team members, including students, staff and faculty. Willing to follow data management conventions set by the center leadership. Ability to learn and independently perform new applications and procedures.  Excellent analytic skills.

Preferred Qualifications
Masters degree in public health, biostatistics, computer science, psychology or behavioral science, or related field.  Experience performing data analyses for developing manuscripts or grant proposals. Experience with database development and query languages such as SQL.

Special Requirements
Expertise in SPSS and/or SAS. Familiarity with database applications and relational design concepts. Ability to create compelling visual representations of data using charts, graphs or diagrams as appropriate.

Problem Solving

• Ability to work effectively with a diverse group of faculty and staff of varying degrees of technical sophistication.
• Modifications to scientific protocols must be made in collaboration with supervisor.
• Submission of findings for dissemination in various forms (presentations, papers, reports) must be reviewed by the principal investigator of the study.

Decision-making and Impact
Decision – Decisions on processes and types of data analyses will be performed. The analyst will need to interpret data and use judgment to determine appropriate data management and analysis processes. Decisions and overall analysis strategies will be guided by project investigators and consultants.  Data safety and monitoring is guided by written procedures. 

Impact – Decisions made by the analyst affects (a) the job being evaluated; (b) others within the same work unit or department, and (c) others participating in the particular project on which the analyst’s decisions are being made, which may be in our institution or outside our institution.

Contact:
Virginia Houmes
Project Coordinator
(314)935-3741
vhoumes@wustl.edu

East-West Gateway Council of Governments will be hiring an entry level GIS Planner. 

The full job description is here: http://www.ewgateway.org/aboutus/JobAds/jobads.htm#GISPlanner

Dear ASPA Reader,

In This Issue:  Strategic Workplace Learning
Strategic Workplace Learning This issue’s feature articles offer an illuminating array of public sector experiences in aligning training with priority outcomes.  First up, Irene Connelly details a transformational effort at the National Park Service that won The Graduate School’s 2010 Edwards Deming Award.  Next, Nancy Nee shares another successful
effort to significantly and measurably improve business analysis through integrated learning in the New York State Office of the State Comptroller.

The Changing Workplace
In our continuing coverage of the changing public sector workplace-people, budgets, technology, and more-Peter Levine gives us a heads-up on the timeliness of strengthening civic skills and, indirectly, our nation’s democracy.  Also, Thad Juszczak offers  a primer for budgeting federal labor costs.  Marnie Green peers into her crystal ball and ponders the government workplace environment of the future.  And Linda Kiltz offers new insights and highlights examples of service-learning through colleges and universities.

Managing the Change
Two articles offer ideas on what’s being done to manage change through thoughtful human capital endeavors. Pat Galagan finishes up her two-part recitation on bridging the skills gap, and Richard “Rick” Koonce writes about how leadership development in the federal government is getting a boost from executive coaching.  On the topic of performance management, Jonathan Breul weighs in with six strategies to improve government performance, and John Mullins explores “the performance imperative.”  Shifting to budget and financial management, David L. Baker revisits user fees in challenging fiscal times. Meanwhile, John Moore reminds us about what more can be done to prevent and detect fraud, waste, and abuse in the public sector.

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The Public Manager

Assistant Professor, American Politics/Public Administration

The George Mason University, Department of Public and International Affairs (PIA) invites applications for a tenure-track position in American politics at the rank of Assistant Professor, beginning in the Fall of 2011. Ph.D. in Political Science or Public Administration should be in hand at the time of the appointment.

Candidates should have a primary research and teaching interest in bureaucratic politics and executive/legislative relations. Ability to teach graduate and/or undergraduate courses on the presidency, public administration theory and/or research methods will be considered a strong advantage. Candidates should have demonstrated excellence or strong potential in research and a commitment to seek outside research funding.

PIA offers graduate and undergraduate programs in political science, public administration and biodefense. The department has over 1,000 undergraduate students, over 400 graduate students, and a full-time faculty of 40. Based on the Fairfax campus, 15 miles west of Washington, D.C., PIA offers classes on the Arlington campus as well. For more information about the department, please visit http://pia.gmu.edu/.

Applicants must complete the online faculty application for position F7819z at http://jobs.gmu.edu/; and upload a letter of interest, vita, and a list of three references with contact information. Applicants should also mail vita, letter of interest, evidence of teaching effectiveness, examples of research publications, and three letters of recommendation to: Professor Timothy Conlan, Department of Public and International Affairs, George Mason University, MS 3F4, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030.

Review of applications will begin October 11, 2010, and will continue until the position is filled.

You’re Invited

to Hear…

Mr. Amos Guiora

Distinguished Law Professor and Terrorism Expert as he Visits the SIUE Campus

Monday, Aug. 30, 2010

12:00-2:00 p.m.

Meridian Ballroom at SIUE

The SIUE Community and all students from any university can attend for free with a valid I.D. All law enforcement, public safety and States Attorneys also can attend free of charge with a valid I.D

There will be a $10 fee for all others. Reservations for paying attendees may be made by contacting the SIUE Department of Public Administration & Policy Analysis; 618-650-3762.

Paid Parking is available for visitors in Lot B, also known as the Visitor’s Lot.