Research Data Analyst

SCHOOL/UNIT DESCRIPTION:

Stanford University’s Center on Food Security and the Environment (FSE) addresses critical global issues of hunger, poverty and environmental degradation. Our long-term goals focus on designing new approaches to solving food security’s global challenges by building an evolving research portfolio with a team of experts in relevant scientific, economic, and policy areas. FSE is a joint effort of the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies and the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment. 

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• We create a hub of innovation through the power of diversity of disciplines and people.
• We provide equitable access and opportunity to all members of the community in order to do their best work, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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• We promote a culture of belonging, equity, and safety.
• We embed these values in excellence of education, research, and operation.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Center on Food Security and the Environment (FSE) is seeking a research data analyst (RDA) to contribute to several research projects that combine new data sources and computational tools to study global poverty and food security working with Professor David Lobell. The RDA will help with identifying, assembling, and geo-coding datasets on household assets, food security, health, and environmental outcomes in the developing world, and will help with analyzing satellite imagery. They will also participate in lab meetings of the Stanford Sustain Lab (sustain.stanford.edu). The goal of this work is to predict, using imagery and other non-traditional data (e.g. social media data), various measures of economic well-being in the developing world. The position will require a very organized and creative person who is capable of writing efficient code and working with large datasets. Must have exceptional mathematical and statistical modeling and computer programming skills and willingness to use them in innovative manner. Must have the ability to work comfortably and effectively within an interdisciplinary research environment. Past data analysts working in this role have earned co-authorship on top scientific publications and are now enrolled in top PhD programs. This recruitment is for a one (1) year fixed-term, 100% FTE benefits-eligible position which begins on the start date and may be renewable in the future based on funding availability. For consideration, please submit resume and cover letter. All final candidates must successfully complete a background check. 

 CORE DUTIES:

• Collect, manage and clean datasets.
• Employ new and existing tools to interpret, analyze, and visualize multivariate relationships in data.
• Create databases and reports, develop algorithms and statistical models, and perform statistical analyses appropriate to data and reporting requirements.
• Use system reports and analyses to identify potentially problematic data, make corrections, and determine root cause for data problems from input errors or inadequate field edits, and suggest possible solutions.
• Develop reports, charts, graphs and tables for use by investigators and for publication and presentation.
• Analyze data processes in documentation.
• Collaborate with faculty and research staff on data collection and analysis methods.
• Provide documentation based on audit and reporting criteria to investigators and research staff.
• Communicate with government officials, grant agencies and industry representatives.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education & Experience:

Bachelor's degree or a combination of education and relevant experience. Experience in a quantitative discipline such as economics, finance, statistics or engineering.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Substantial experience with MS Office and analytical programs.
• Strong writing and analytical skills.
• Ability to prioritize workload.
• Experience with Python, R and/or Google Earth Engine is preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:

• Sitting in place at computer for long periods of time with extensive keyboarding/dexterity.
• Occasionally use a telephone.
• Rarely writing by hand.

* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Some work may be performed in a laboratory or field setting.

WORK STANDARDS:

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu .

Why Stanford is for You

Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

• Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
• A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
• A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
• Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
• Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.