Research Mathematical Statistician

Mathematical Statistics Research Center Duties

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 by conducting statistical development studies with the aim of providing sound and effective survey techniques for BLS programs. The OSMR is comprised of the Behavioral Science Research Center (BSRC), the Data Science Research Center (DSRC), and the Mathematical Statistics Research Center (MSRC).

The mission of the MSRC is to improve the accuracy of survey data and published estimates, improve the efficiency of BLS data-collection and estimation methods, improve response rates, increase the ease of survey management, and provide general mathematical statistics research support to BLS. A broader goal is to further the development of mathematical statistics theory and an understanding of the application of this theory to survey methodology.

The primary responsibilities of the MSRC are (1) planning, developing, conducting, and evaluating research activities related to design and estimation methods for complex survey data, (2) planning, conducting and evaluating methods for disclosure limitation and other mathematical methods of risk management, and (3) responding to special requests for research support (for example, consultation or evaluation of current or proposed statistical methods) from BLS management.

Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plans, initiates, and directs a continuing research and evaluation program in one or more areas of mathematical statistics applicable to BLS programs
• Prepares technical reports on mathematical statistical and statistical computing methods and procedures
• Presents research methods and evaluation results at technical seminars and professional meetings
• Maintains liaison with representatives of other agencies and research organizations to keep abreast of general developments in the application of mathematical statistical techniques as well as specific fields such as disclosure risk avoidance and the setting of and evaluating statistical standards
• Represents the Bureau in statistical exchanges with researchers in academic, government, and other research institutions and participates in interagency committees