Research Data Scientist
- 497131
- Full-Time
- Closing on: Nov 6 2026
- Academic Affairs
Add to favorites View favorites
Department: Academic Affairs Salary: $80,937 - $99,147
Description:
JOB SUMMARY
The Research Data Scientist serves as the Center for Crime, Urban Research & Education''s lead quantitative analyst, providing advanced statistical expertise to support research, evaluation, and data-driven decision-making. The position is responsible for managing complex
datasets, conducting statistical analyses, developing analytical models, and translating findings into actionable insights related to crime, public safety, urban issues, and community well-being.
DUTIES
- Designs and conducts advanced statistical analyses using quantitative research methods, including regression, multivariate analysis, predictive modeling, and longitudinal analysis.
- Collects, cleans, validates, merges, and manages large datasets from police, criminal justice, public safety, governmental, and community sources.
- Develops statistical models, dashboards, data visualizations, and performance metrics to support research studies and program evaluations.
- Prepares technical reports, research summaries, policy briefs, and presentations that communicate findings to academic, governmental, and community audiences.
- Collaborates with faculty, researchers, students, and external stakeholders in study design, methodology development, and interpretation of findings.
- Provides statistical consultation and methodological guidance for grant-funded projects and externally sponsored research.
- Ensures data quality, integrity, confidentiality, and compliance with applicable research and data governance requirements.
- Assists with grant proposal development, project reporting, and special initiatives supporting C-CURE''s mission.
MARGINAL DUTIES
- Perform other duties as assigned
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge:
- Statistical theory and applied quantitative methods.
- Research design and program evaluation methodologies.
- Predictive analytics and forecasting techniques.
- Data management and database structures.
- Data visualization principles and reporting techniques.
- Research ethics, confidentiality, and data security practices.
- Criminal justice and public policy research concepts
Skills:
- Advanced proficiency in statistical software such as R, SAS, Stata, SPSS, Python, or equivalent analytical tools.
- Data cleaning, transformation, and validation.
- Statistical modeling and hypothesis testing.
- Data visualization using Tableau, Power BI, R, Python, or similar platforms.
- Technical writing and report preparation.
- Presentation and communication skills.
- Project management and organization
Abilities:
- Applies complex statistical techniques to real-world policy and research questions.
- Interprets and communicates technical findings to diverse audiences.
- Independently plans and executes analytical projects.
- Identifies trends, patterns, and relationships within large datasets.
- Maintains accuracy while managing multiple concurrent projects.
- Handles sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
- Works collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams and external partners.
WORK LOCATION AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Primary Work Location:
- Office and out in community settings
Physical Demands:
- Work is performed in a typical interior work environment which does not subject the employee to any unpleasant elements.
- Individual has discretion in relation to walking, standing etc., and has minimal exposure to physical risks.
- Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.
Qualifications:
Required Education:
- Master''s degree in Statistics, Biostatistics, Data Science, Economics, Applied Mathematics, Quantitative Sociology, Criminology, Public Policy, or a closely related field.
Required Experience:
- Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience performing statistical analysis, quantitative research, program evaluation, or applied data science.
- Experience working with large and complex datasets.
- Experience presenting statistical findings to both technical and nontechnical audiences.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Doctoral degree in Statistics, Data Science, Criminology, Public Policy, Economics, or a related field.
- Experience analyzing criminal justice, law enforcement, corrections, courts, public health, education, or urban data.
- Experience supporting or participating in grant-funded research projects.
- Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial analysis techniques.
- Record of scholarly publications, technical reports, evaluation studies, or applied research products.
- Experience working in a higher education institution, research institute, government agency, or similar research-focused environment.
All positions at the University of Houston-System are security sensitive and will require a criminal history check.
The University of Houston System and its universities are Equal Opportunity Institutions. Everyone is encouraged to apply.