Associate Demographic Scientist

Department-of-City-Planning; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of City Planning (DCP) in New York City is seeking a City Research Scientist within its Population Division to analyze census data and produce population estimates for local neighborhoods. You will conduct advanced demographic research and prepare reports informing policy decisions and planning initiatives.

You will develop innovative methods for small-area estimates, present findings to diverse audiences, and contribute to published research.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in demography or a related field with quantitative methods.
• Experience with census and demographic datasets such as decennial Census and ACS.
• Three years of research experience in a professional capacity or doctoral study.
• Ability to communicate complex demographic concepts to both experts and the public.
• Ability to work independently and in teams.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research into difficult-to-enumerate housing units to assist with 2030 Census preparations.
• Analyze population data for needs assessments, policy development, and program planning/implementation.
• Write reports on demographic and socioeconomic topics to inform decision-makers and the broader public.
• Advance the development of innovative methods used to produce small area population estimates and publish research in peer-reviewed journals.
• Present on demographic topics to a variety of audiences, including city planners, other city agencies, and the public.
• Support the production of population projections for New York City and various neighborhood geographies.
• Assist in performing quality assurance of data files, and documenting work procedures and methodologies.

Skills

Research experience

Writing & presentations

Analytical skills

Demographic analysis

Population estimation

Regression analysis

GIS experience

Team collaboration

Quantitative methods

Education

Master's in demography

PhD in a related field

Tools

R statistical software

GIS software

Job description

THE AGENCY

The Department of City Planning (DCP) plans for the future of New York City, working to create thriving and dynamic neighborhoods with access to housing and jobs, resilient infrastructure, and a vibrant public realm. The Department engages communities to develop inclusive plans, expands housing access and economic opportunity, and plans for long-term sustainability.

DCP supports the City Planning Commission in its annual review of hundreds of land use applications. The Department also advises on citywide strategic and capital planning, analyzes data, conducts policy analysis, and creates open data and civic engagement tools.

The Department of City Planning offers staff meaningful opportunities to help shape the future of New York City and address some of its most pressing challenges. The Department values public service, collaboration, and creativity, and supports professional development. Learn more about DCP and view current job openings at www.nyc.gov/planning.

THE DIVISION

The Population Division is responsible for the compilation, analysis and dissemination of census and related federal, state and local data for city agencies, local communities and the media. It is the city’s hub of expertise in census data analyses and dissemination.

Within the Department, the Population Division provides data for a variety of local and citywide planning studies, environmental review analyses and capital planning strategies. The division also provides other city agencies and outside organizations with data to address questions involving needs assessment, program planning and targeting, and policy formulation. This includes the development of current population estimates and short- and long-term population projections.

THE POSITION

• Conduct research into difficult-to-enumerate housing units to assist with 2030 Census preparations
• Analyze population data for a variety of projects related to needs assessments, policy development, and program planning/implementation
• Write reports on a host of demographic and socioeconomic topics to inform decision-makers and the broader public about the city’s evolving population characteristics
• Advance the development of innovative methods used to produce small area population estimates and publish research in peer-reviewed journals
• Present on demographic topics to a variety of audiences, including city planners, members of other city agencies, and the public
• Support the production of population projections, constructed using the latest demographic methods, for New York City and various neighborhood geographies
• Assist in performing quality assurance of data files, and documenting work procedures and methodologies

PREFERRED SKILLS

• Strong research, writing, presentation, and analytical skills reflected in publications and presentations for both expert and non-expert audiences
• Advanced coursework in demographic analysis and quantitative research methods, including population estimation and projection methods
• Three years of research experience in either a professional capacity or in pursuit of a Ph.D.
• Proficiency with various types of regression analyses/statistical techniques using R or other languages
• Thorough understanding and experience analyzing decennial census and American Community Survey datasets
• Ability to work cooperatively within a team and to work independently
• A master’s degree with coursework in demographic analysis and quantitative research methods, including population estimation and projection methods
• GIS experience a plus

Authorization to work in the United States is required for this position. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that they meet all minimum qualifying requirements for this position at the time of application.

Only applicants under consideration will be contacted. Appointments are subject to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval.

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

This position may be eligible for remote work up to 2 days per week, pursuant to the Remote Work Pilot Program agreed to between the City and labor unions.

NOTE: If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation during your visit or have questions regarding the accessibility of our facilities, please reach out to [e-mail] or call 212-720-3508 at least three business days prior to your arrival.

CITY RESEARCH SCIENTIST - 21744

Minimum Qualifications

1. For Assignment Level I (only physical, biological and environmental sciences and public health) A master's degree from an accredited college or university with a specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological or environmental science or in public health.
To be appointed to Assignment Level II and above, candidates must have:
1. A doctorate degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and one year of full-time experience in a responsible supervisory, administrative or research capacity in the appropriate field of specialization; or
2. A master's degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and three years of responsible full-time research experience in the appropriate field of specialization; or
3. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least a master's degree in an appropriate field of specialization and at least two years of experience described in "2" above. Two years as a City Research Scientist Level I can be substituted for the experience required in "1" and "2" above.
NOTE:
Probationary Period
Appointments to this position are subject to a minimum probationary period of one year.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

Residency Requirement

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with a Human Capital Recruitment representative.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.