"Research Data Specialist - Geospatial Solutions"

Overview

The Yale Center for Geospatial Solutions invites applications for a full-time Data Analyst to contribute to interdisciplinary research on climate adaptation, environmental economics and history, and community-based data systems. The position supports multiple research projects spanning diverse disciplines including ecology, geology, history, economics, anthropology, and citizen science all aimed at addressing pressing environmental challenges. A major focus will be using GIS and machine learning approaches across these varied domains. Additional responsibilities include developing AI-powered analysis tools for researchers and practitioners, building scalable analysis platforms, and conducting statistical analyses on climate and other environmental data. The Data Analyst will organize, manage, analyze, and visualize complex datasets from diverse sources including tabular databases, text archives, and remote sensing platforms. The role requires working closely with interdisciplinary teams to produce scientific reports, develop data pipelines, and create visualizations using R, Python, and GIS software.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Strong proficiency in R and/or Python programming and statistical analysis, with demonstrated experience in data cleaning, manipulation, and visualization across diverse data types.
2. Experience with GIS software and geospatial data analysis, including the ability to integrate spatial datasets with tabular, temporal, or other heterogeneous data sources.
3. Demonstrated ability to manage complex data workflows, including working with relational databases and integrating data from multiple sources and formats.
4. Strong verbal and written communication skills in English, with the ability to produce scientific reports and data visualizations for diverse audiences including researchers, practitioners, and community stakeholders.
5. Results-driven with strong organizational and time-management skills, and the ability to work across multiple projects and interdisciplinary teams simultaneously.

Preferred Skills and Abilities

1. Experience with machine learning methods for text analysis, classification, and natural language processing across domains such as policy documents, scientific literature, news media, or historical archives.
2. Experience working with structured datasets across domains including economic data (e.g., BLS, BEA), environmental data (e.g., EPA air quality), historical records (e.g., US Census), and geospatial data (e.g., parcel boundaries, land use).
3. Experience with remote sensing data and imagery analysis across applications such as land use change, urban development, agricultural monitoring, or climate impact assessment.
4. Background in interdisciplinary fields that bridge environmental, economic, and social systems, such as environmental economics, conservation finance, climate science, or urban planning.
5. Experience developing web-based platforms, interactive dashboards, or mobile data collection tools for diverse use cases such as environmental monitoring, public policy analysis, community engagement, or field research.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Creates a relational database from existing study data currently stored in multiple data sources. Designs comprehensive and relational databases with advance knowledge of relevant applications impacting on the data analyses and reporting.
2. Develops and documents operational procedures for the collection, editing, verification and management of study data. Documents all study data files, data structure and relationships, variable definitions and data codes. Writes detailed specifications for analysis files and performs consistency checks.
3. Develops and implements relevant statistical programs to incorporate data from multiple studies/projects.
4. Organizes and creates documents and tables related to datasets; communicates with data sources about data accuracy and data dictionary.
5. Evaluates and analyzes data using accepted statistical techniques and statistical analysis software. Performs descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses of data, using computer software.
6. Uses advanced statistical knowledge to provide support in managing and analyzing data.
7. Designs and implements quality control measures to ensure accurate collection and processing of data. Ensures the integrity of databases used in analyses through development of essential data cleaning and checks, and data back-ups.
8. Responsible for the documentation and transmission of study data. Ensures that data are collected and completed in a timely manner at each site location.
9. May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

Master’s degree in statistics, computer science, business administration or a related field and two years of experience in data management and analysis or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience with data collection and in coordinating efforts of multiple groups.

Salary Range

$68,000.00 - $120,500.00