Statistics Research Assistant

*All student employment positions on campus are covered by a negotiated contract with the Union of Grinnell Student Dining Workers (UGSDW). Job Description: Zuofu Huang, a faculty member in the Department of Statistics, is seeking one or more undergraduate research assistants to help complete at least one statistical paper. The paper aims to use data synthesis methods as a prediction tool for categorical sequences such as human activity data. The project will involve extending existing statistical analyses, applying penalized regression methods, and preparing the manuscript for submission to a peer-reviewed statistics journal. Work is expected to start during Fall 2026 and extend throughout at least the end of Spring 2027. Responsibilities may include: 1. Reading and understanding the existing manuscript, analyses, and R code 2. Learning about and implementing penalized regression methods 3. Checking and organizing code to ensure that analyses are reproducible 4. Creating and revising tables and figures 5. Reviewing relevant statistical literature 6. Helping interpret and summarize results 7. Revising the manuscript and preparing materials for journal submission 8. Responding to reviewer comments and conducting additional analyses, if the project reaches that stage during the student's involvement Students will work closely with Professor Huang and receive guidance throughout the project. Proficiency in R is required. Students considering graduate study in Statistics, Biostatistics, or a related quantitative field are especially encouraged to apply. Students who have taken or are currently enrolled in STA-370 may find their coursework particularly helpful, but STA-370 is not required. Students who make substantial contributions to the research and manuscript may have the opportunity to be included as co-authors on the paper. Because the peer-review process for statistics journals can be lengthy, publication may occur after the student’s formal involvement in the project has ended. Attach the following: A single PDF file that includes: 1. A resume or CV 2. Two paragraphs that include your reason for wishing to participate in the project and your post-undergraduate plan. 3. A list of all Math, Statistics and Computer Science courses you have taken.