Data Scientist (Faculty Assistant, Post-Doctoral Associate, or Assistant Research Scholar

University of Maryland, United States

Updated: 21 days ago
Location: College Park, MARYLAND
Deadline: ;

Posting Details
Posting Details


Position Number: 128448
Title: Open Rank
Functional Title: Data Scientist (Faculty Assistant, Post-Doctoral Associate, or Assistant Research Scholar
Category Status: 15-Fac.Non-Tenured,Continuing Con
Applicant Search Category: Faculty
University Authorized FTE: 100
Unit: PLCY-Ctr for Intl Security Studies at Maryland
Campus/College Information:
Founded in 1856, University of Maryland, College Park is the state’s flagship institution. Our 1,250-acre College Park campus is just minutes away from Washington, D.C., and the nexus of the nation’s legislative, executive, and judicial centers of power. This unique proximity to business and technology leaders, federal departments and agencies, and a myriad of research entities, embassies, think tanks, cultural centers, and non-profit organizations is simply unparalleled. Synergistic opportunities for our faculty and students abound and are virtually limitless in the nation’s capital and surrounding areas. The University is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding and diverse faculty and staff that will enhance our stature of preeminence in our three missions of teaching, scholarship, and full engagement in our community, the state of Maryland, and in the world.
Background Checks
Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify you from employment.
Position Summary/Purpose of Position:
Background

A priority of the international community is to improve capabilities of early warning systems that enable more timely and effective anticipatory action in advance of food security crises. CISSM is conducting an applied research project that aims to advance statistical modeling of acute malnutrition and the use of resulting model-based forecasts by stakeholders involved in humanitarian practice, with a focus on Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, and South Sudan. This project is being undertaken in partnership with Action Against Hunger (ACF), an international NGO, and funded by the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO). The work builds on the Modeling Early Risk Indicators to Anticipate Malnutrition (MERIAM) project, which was completed in 2021.
Job Description

CISSM seeks a Data Scientist to serve among the key personnel contributing to the implementation of the project. In particular, the position involves significant responsibilities for the identification, acquisition, compilation and processing of diverse sources of data; designing and executing statistical modeling; generating associated products including visualizations of results such as graphics, maps, and interactive tools; and assisting with training and learning activities about utilizing predictive evidence in operational settings.
The Data Scientist will work closely with project teams at both the University of Maryland (led by Dr. David Backer) and the University of Minnesota (led by Dr. Kathryn Grace), as well as engaging regularly with project personnel at ACF Germany, ACF US, ACF’s Horn of East Africa Regional Office (HEARO), and ACF country offices in the focus countries. Project activities are expected to entail periodic domestic and international travel.
The position will be located at the University of Maryland. The formal appointment will be as either an Assistant Research Scholar, Post-Doctoral Associate or Faculty Assistant, depending on the qualifications of the candidate who is hired.
Benefits Summary Top Benefits and Perks:

Faculty Benefits Summary

Minimum Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Master’s degree in data science, political science, international relations, public policy, public health, geography, economics, or a related field, combined with relevant professional experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Excellent analytical skills.
  • Expertise with common statistics and programming software (e.g., R, Python).
  • Proficiency in using spatially resolved and georeferenced data.
  • Strong capabilities in presenting analysis via written, visual and presentation formats.
  • Aptitude in working collaboratively, with both scholars and practitioners.
  • Self-motivated, proactive, and industrious.
  • Willingness and eligibility to travel internationally.
Preferences:
Preferred Qualifications
  • Recent PhD in relevant fields such as data science, political science, international relations, public policy, public health, geography, and economics.
  • Competence in a variety of statistical analysis approaches, including time-series forecasting, machine-learning, multi-level modeling, and spatial econometric techniques.
  • Prior experience of employing these approaches on research about related topics and/or participation in related humanitarian activities.
  • Substantive interests in relevant topics such as humanitarian affairs, food security, nutrition, climate change, conflict, and political economy of development.
  • Preparation to conduct research in the contexts of developing countries and humanitarian crises, with an emphasis on East Africa.
  • Capabilities of disseminating technical research effectively to non-technical audiences, especially for purposes of practical application.
  • Track record of academic publications and non-academic products.
  • Relevant foreign language skills may be beneficial for certain research activities, including fieldwork conducted in the country, but are not mandatory.
Additional Certifications:
Additional Information:
About the University of Maryland School of Public Policy (UMD SPP)
UMD SPP is a highly-ranked program with a faculty of scholars and distinguished practitioners. In addition to its signature MPP degree (primarily for pre-career students) with robust specializations, the School also offers a Master’s of Public Management degree (primarily for mid-career students). Its PhD program is rated among the top ten nationally by the National Research Council. The School currently houses research centers covering areas of international security, sustainability, non-profit management, and governance of technology. School faculty contribute to research, education, and impact across all public policy disciplines and collaborate with faculty in other departments and units across campus.
UMD SPP is committed to increasing diversity among our faculty, staff, and student body; across the UMD campus community; and throughout the field of public policy. We embrace diversity in multiple forms, including identity, background, theoretical and methodological orientations, and opinions. Women, non-binary individuals, people of color, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and other underrepresented groups whose hiring would enhance the School’s diversity are especially encouraged to apply. Candidates should demonstrate commitment to advancing the professional development of people who will bring diverse perspectives to the field of public policy.
About the Center for International and Security Studies at Maryland (CISSM)
CISSM conducts research, informs policy debates, and helps current and future leaders find creative solutions to complex global challenges. Faculty, scholars, and students involved in the Center’s research agenda engage on three cross-cutting themes: (1) enhancing human security, (2) improving multi-stakeholder governance, and (3) reducing risks from dual-use technologies.
How to Apply
Candidates are requested to submit an application consisting of the following items:
  • Cover letter describing interest in the project and relevant skills and experience
  • CV
  • Samples of work relevant to the position (if coauthored, please indicate contribution)
    • Research product
    • Original program code

  • Names of three academic and/or professional references

These application materials must be submitted electronically via the UMD eJobs system.
Posting Date: 07/18/2023
Closing Date:
Open Until Filled Yes
Best Consideration Date 09/08/2023
Physical Demands
Diversity Statement:
The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

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