"Geospatial Research Assistant (Wharton Impact)"

Job Details

Geospatial Research Assistant (Wharton Impact)

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title
Geospatial Research Assistant (Wharton Impact)

Job Profile Title
Research Assistant A

Job Description Summary

Job Description

Wharton's Impact, Value, and Sustainable Business Initiative (Wharton Impact) is looking to hire Graduate-Level Research Assistants with excellent data science skills and a keen interest in the impacts of natural, social, and human capital on business risk, opportunity, and sustainability. We are looking for a student to work part-time (~15hr/wk) during the upcoming academic year, with the option to extend if mutual interest between RA and supervisor.

The Geospatial Analysis Research Assistant(s) may be expected to work on one or more of the following tasks during their time with Wharton Impact.

• Constructing and maintaining large datasets focusing on firm- and country- level ESG risks and events.
• Spatial data analysis and statistical modeling between places and over time for sentiment and economic data.
• Creating maps and other plots to showcase data by region.

Requisite skills and interests for competitive Research Assistant(s) candidates:

• Data Management and Analysis: Proficiency in Python, R, Stata, or similar tools for statistical and econometric analysis. Advanced data integration skills, including fuzzy matching and merging large datasets across multiple levels.
• Spatial Data: Familiarity with Coordinate Reference Systems and location file processing
• Geospatial Analysis Tools: Familiarity with ArcGIS, QGIS, or equivalent tools to analyze spatial data. Familiarity with one of the following programs and associated packages is key.
  • R: sf, terra, raster, sp, stars
  • Python: geopandas, rasterio, shapely, GDAL, PyProj
• Data Visualization: Experience in creating maps, heatmaps, bubble charts, and other map-based visuals.
• Interest in ESG: Strong passion for understanding and addressing Environmental, Social, and Governance challenges.

This role is open to graduate students, please reach out to Wharton Impact Research Manager Alex Pappas (alexpap@wharton.upenn.edu) if you have questions about this role. In the past, we've hired RA's from a number of different schools at Penn, including the Penn Design School for this role, so all are welcome to apply!

Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Research Assistant A

Department / School
Wharton School

Pay Range
$15,080.00 - Annual Rate
Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job's level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

To apply, visit https://wd1.myworkdaysite.com/en-US/recruiting/upenn/Wharton/job/Dinan-Hall/Geospatial-Research-Assistant--Wharton-Impact-_JR00112547-1