Research Data Scientist

University of Houston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 81,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

The Research Data Scientist at University of Houston 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 role manages complex datasets, develops analytical models, and translates findings into actionable insights related to crime and urban issues.

Responsibilities include designing analyses, developing dashboards, preparing technical reports, and

Qualifications

• Master's degree required in statistics, biostatistics, data science, economics, applied mathematics, quantitative sociology, criminology, public policy, or related field.
• Experience with large datasets and complex data management.
• Strong ability to communicate statistical findings to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Designs and conducts advanced statistical analyses using regression, multivariate analyses, predictive modeling, and longitudinal analyses.
• 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 communicating findings to academic, governmental, and community audiences.
• Collaborates with faculty, researchers, students, and external stakeholders in study design and interpretation of findings.
• Provides statistical consultation and methodological guidance for grant-funded projects and externally sponsored research.
• Ensures data quality, confidentiality, and compliance with data governance requirements.
• Assists with grant proposal development and project reporting.

Skills

Statistical analysis

Data management

Data visualization

Technical writing

Presentation

Project management

Education

Master's degree in Statistics/Biostatistics/Data Science or closely related field

Doctoral degree in Statistics/Data Science/Criminology/Public Policy or related field

Tools

R

SAS

Stata

SPSS

Python

Job description

Department: Academic Affairs Salary: $80,937 - $99,147

Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Research Data Scientist serves as the Center for Crime, Urban Research & Education'slead 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 findingsinto actionable insights related to crime, public safety, urban issues, and community well-being.

DUTIES

• Designs and conducts advanced statistical analyses using quantitative researchmethods, including regression, multivariate analysis, predictive modeling, andlongitudinal analysis.
• Collects, cleans, validates, merges, and manages large datasets from police, criminaljustice, public safety, governmental, and community sources.
• Develops statistical models, dashboards, data visualizations, and performance metricsto support research studies and program evaluations.
• Prepares technical reports, research summaries, policy briefs, and presentations thatcommunicate findings to academic, governmental, and community audiences.
• Collaborates with faculty, researchers, students, and external stakeholders in studydesign, methodology development, and interpretation of findings.
• Provides statistical consultation and methodological guidance for grant-funded projectsand externally sponsored research.
• Ensures data quality, integrity, confidentiality, and compliance with applicable researchand data governance requirements.
• Assists with grant proposal development, project reporting, and special initiativessupporting 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 similarplatforms.
• Technical writing and report preparation.
• Presentation and communication skills.
• Project management and organization

Abilities

• Applies complex statistical techniques to real-world policy and researchquestions.
• 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 whichdoes not subject the employee to any unpleasant elements.
• Individual has discretion in relation to walking, standing etc., andhas 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 experienceperforming statistical analysis, quantitative research,program evaluation, or applied data science.
• Experience working with large and complex datasets.
• Experience presenting statistical findings to both technicaland nontechnical audiences.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Doctoral degree in Statistics, Data Science, Criminology, Public Policy, Economics, or arelated field.
• Experience analyzing criminal justice, law enforcement, corrections, courts, publichealth, 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 appliedresearch products.
• Experience working in a higher education institution, research institute, governmentagency, 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.