Newark Community Data Hub Postdoctoral Associate

Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title Newark Community Data Hub Postdoctoral Associate Department Cornwall Center Metro Studies Salary Details $74,000 Offer Information

The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Benefits

Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

Posting Summary

The Joseph C. Cornwall Center for Metropolitan Studies seeks a data science, analytics, and mapping-focused Postdoctoral Associate to support the Newark Community Data Hub. The Associate position is awarded for one year beginning December 2026, with the possibility of renewal. The position carries a stipend of $74,000, health benefits, and $3,000 in research funds.

About the Data Hub

The Newark Community Data Hub is a partnership between the Joseph C. Cornwall Center and the Opportunity Youth Network's (OYN) My Brother's Keeper Newark (MBKN). It builds on the MBK Key Life Milestone Framework - a cradle-to-career framework spanning early childhood, education, workforce, health, and community safety - to organize publicly available data around the indicators that matter most to Newark residents, organizations, and policymakers. Layered with social determinants of health and economic mobility indicators, the Hub creates space for collective learning about the city's pressing questions, with the aim of grounding future action in that shared knowledge. Year 1 focuses on converting early analytic work into a fully functioning Hub.

The Role

The Postdoctoral Associate will serve as a core member of the Hub's analytic team, working under the supervision of the Senior Research Analyst who is the technical director for the Data Hub. Primary responsibilities are quantitative and computational, with some involvement in qualitative work such as focus groups, as project needs require.

Responsibilities include:

• Sourcing, cleaning, and maintaining data pipelines from publicly available sources (Census, ACS, administrative records, and similar) organized around the MBK milestone framework and SDOH indicators.
• Building and updating interactive dashboards and data visualizations for public and community audiences.
• Conducting GIS and spatial analyses at the neighborhood level.
• Applying machine learning, AI integration, and predictive modeling methods to Hub research questions.
• Conducting literature reviews to guide data and analytic planning.
• Leading preparation of research briefs, community data presentations, and public-facing reports.
• Prepare technical briefs to guide data use.
• Supporting community data convenings - translating technical findings for non-specialist audiences.
• Participating in mixed method research, including focus groups or community listening sessions, as needed.

Position Status Full Time Posting Number 26FA0969 Posting Open Date 10/29/2026 Posting Close Date 01/05/2027

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

Recently conferred doctorate (within 5 years) in a quantitative social science field - including but not limited to urban planning, public policy, sociology, geography, economics, or data science. Strong proficiency in statistical analysis, GIS, and at least one of: machine learning methods, AI/LLM integration, or predictive modeling. Experience working with large, multi-source datasets. Commitment to equity and community-centered research.

Certifications/Licenses Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Strong proficiency in statistical analysis, GIS, and at least one of: machine learning methods, AI/LLM integration, or predictive modeling.

Preferred Qualifications

Background or coursework in education research, workforce development, or public health. Experience with place-based or community-embedded research. Familiarity with R, Python, or similar tools for data analysis and visualization. Comfort facilitating community-facing research activities.

Equipment Utilized Physical Demands and Work Environment Overview Statement

Posting Details

Special Instructions to Applicants

Offline applications not accepted.

To ensure full consideration, candidates should submit: Cover Letter/Letter of

Interest, Curriculum Vitae, Research Statement, reference information, and a single-authored academic writing sample via jobs.rutgers.edu. Questions should be addressed to Kimaada Sills at kimaada@rutgers.edu. Please refer to the School and Campus websites for additional information. (http://www.newark.rutgers.edu; https://www.cornwall.rutgers.edu/). Applications reviewed on a rolling basis. Position contingent upon funding.

Quick Link to Posting https://jobs.rutgers.edu/postings/283365 Campus Rutgers University-Newark Home Location Campus Rutgers University-Newark City Newark State NJ Location Details

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Cover Letter/Letter of Application
• Writing Sample 1
• Curriculum Vitae
• Research Statement

Optional Documents

• Resume/CV