Operations Research Scientist

_Contact_:
Dr. Roger R. Gung, roger.gung@phoenix.edu

Corporate Statement:
Apollo Group, Inc. was founded in 1973 in response to a gradual shift in higher education demographics from a student population dominated by youth to one in which approximately half the students are adults and over 80 percent of whom work full-time. Apollo's founder, John Sperling, believed -- and events proved him right -- that lifelong employment with a single employer would be replaced by lifelong learning and employment with a variety of employers. Lifelong learning requires an institution dedicated solely to the education of working adults.

Today, Apollo Group, Inc., through its subsidiaries, the University of Phoenix (including University of Phoenix Online), the Institute for Professional Development, the College for Financial Planning, and Western International University, has established itself as a leading provider of higher education programs for working adults by focusing on servicing the needs of the working adult.

Apollo Group has enjoyed continual growth in student enrollments as well as building a strong financial record by having more than doubled its total enrollments and revenues between 2001 and 2005. Apollo Group, looking to continue the growth, completed its initial public offering on December 6, 1994 with a price of $0.72 per share (adjusted for stock splits).

Subsidiary Statement:
Apollo Group, Inc., is a leading provider of higher education. We have a global network of subsidiaries that include University of Phoenix, Apollo Global, Aptimus, Inc., College for Financial Planning, Insight Schools, Institute for Professional Development, Meritus University, Olympus High School and Western International University. In 1981, Dr. John Sperling founded Apollo Group to reach out to working adults and offer them lifelong learning through an institution dedicated to their education. Today, our subsidiaries provide programs that are up-to-date and relevant to our students and to an evolving world.

Job Description:

• Participate in the execution of the R&A (Reporting & Analytics) department research agenda by conducting qualitative and quantitative analysis on data from existing databases, observations, and business processes.
• Apply advanced analytical, statistical and/or optimization methods related to project work.
• Design, implement, and communicate results of research projects consistent with the mission and research agenda of the R&A.
• Contribute substantially in preparing reports and presentations on research findings both externally and internally.
• Develop a plan for publishing and presentation of findings via scholarly journals and conferences.
• Synthesize relevant research literature.
• Performs other duties as assigned or apparent.

• With an understanding and knowledge of applicable business systems and industry requirements, in conjunction with proficient knowledge in Operations Research techniques, this position is responsible for developing and devising advanced decision technologies, analytical methods and tools for corporate financial services management, planning and optimization.
• With minimal direction, this position reviews and recommends changes to existing business analysis procedures and methods by incorporating Operations Research techniques.
• Provide expert perspective on modeling approach, technique and tools in resolving the business problem.
• Maintains and increases professional and technical knowledge and currency via self research and by attending conferences, workshops and training, reviewing journal publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societies.
• Research latest technique and tools to continuously enhance the discipline.

• Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering & Operations Research, Statistics, Mathematics, Management Science or other management/quantitative discipline required.
• Minimum 3 years hands-on experience in mathematical/statistical model buildings, with financial services experience preferred.
• Required mathematical/statistical skills include regression analysis (linear, logistic, parametric), survival models, forecasting models, factor/component analysis, optimization (linear, integer, mixed-integer, quadratic, combinatorial programming), decision trees, segmentation and cluster analysis, and pattern recognition.
• Proficient programming skills in SAS or Matlab.
• Proficient programming skills in C++, C#, or Java.
• Experience in using optimization solver libraries with AMPL, C++, C# or Java.
• Knowledge of statistical software (SAS Enterprise Guide, SAS Enterprise Miner, JMP or SPSS) and SQL Server.
• Team player.