Principal Research Analyst

City of Boston; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Boston is seeking a Principal Research Analyst to conduct extensive crime and intelligence analyses using GIS and statistical software. This temporary, grant-funded position reports to the Director of the Boston Regional Intelligence Center.

The role emphasizes tactical and strategic analysis of spatial-temporal crime patterns, mapping, and briefings for command staff. Candidates should have strong quantitative skills and ESRI experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Geography, Computer Science, Criminal Justice, or a related topic; may substitute for two years of experience.
• Master's degree strongly preferred and may substitute for an additional year of experience.
• Must have a minimum of four years of full-time or equivalent paid experience with GIS and statistical software.
• Excellent numerical accuracy and attention to calculations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; good judgment and detail orientation.
• Experience with ESRI Mapping software and proficiency with Microsoft applications and Google Suite preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct tactical and strategic crime analysis using GIS and other statistical tools.
• Analyze temporal and spatial crime patterns for briefings and reports.
• Produce maps, graphs, charts, and tables highlighting trends.
• Brief Command Staff on developing crime patterns and intelligence matters.
• Develop and implement new analytical methods and approaches.
• Perform related work as required.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Oral and written communication

Organizational skills

Attention to numerical calculations

Judgment and detail orientation

GIS data analysis

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Geography, Computer Science, Criminal Justice, or a related topic

Master's degree preferred

Tools

ESRI Mapping software

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Job description

Overview

THIS IS A TEMPORARY, GRANT-FUNDED POSITION.

Overview

THIS IS A TEMPORARY, GRANT-FUNDED POSITION.

This position is grant-funded and may be limited to the duration of the grant.

Under the supervision of the Director of the Boston Regional Intelligence Center, the Principal Research Analyst will conduct extensive analyses of crime and intelligence data (including terrorism) using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology and other statistical software.

Responsibilities

• Short-term, tactical planning and analysis through cluster/hotspot identification.
• Long-term planning and analysis using raster-based analysis.
• Conduct crime analysis using community characteristics, demographic reports, intelligence data, field interviews, etc.
• Analyze temporal and spatial crime patterns in preparation for Departmental Intelligence briefings.
• Conduct preliminary and advanced statistical analysis.
• Compile and analyze crime, arrests, and calls for service data.
• Identify trends and patterns in the data and generate maps, graphs, charts, and tables.
• Brief members of the Command Staff on developing crime patterns and intelligence matters.
• Write professional crime and intelligence analysis bulletins relating to ongoing trends.
• Communicate with various levels of management.
• Make substantial contributions to the development and implementation of new analytical methods.
• Perform related work as required.

Minimum Entrance Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in Geography, Computer Science, Criminal Justice, or a related topic may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience. A Master's degree is strongly preferred and may be substituted for an additional year of experience.
• Must be permanent or naturalized U.S. citizens.
• Must have a minimum of four (4) years of full-time or equivalent part-time paid technical or professional experience where the major duties involved the analysis of data using GIS and statistical software.
• A demonstrated high level of accuracy and attentiveness to numerical calculations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication and organizational skills .
• Ability to exercise good judgment and focus on detail as required by the job.
• It is strongly preferred that applicants have extensive experience using ESRI Mapping software and p roficiency with Microsoft applications and Google Suite.

Upon hire, the employee may be asked to obtain and maintain a federal government clearance at the SECRET level.

Criminal Record Check Required

PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG TEST REQUIRED

Terms

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

Union/Salary Plan/Grade: SENA/MM1-6

Hours per week: 35

The City of Boston is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite applications from all qualified individuals and do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other protected category.