Research Scientist II (GIS)

Rutgers University; New Brunswick (NJ); On-site; USD 89,000 - 127,000; Full time

Job summary

Rutgers University seeks a Research Scientist II (GIS) in the Rutgers Cancer Institute to lead geospatial cancer research projects and coordinate analyses of cancer surveillance data using GIS tools. You will collaborate with the NJSCR team, integrate census and environmental datasets, and develop visualizations for surveillance and public health action.

The role requires a master's degree in a related science, at least three years of GIS experience, and proficiency with ArcGIS, QGIS, SAS, SQL,

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related science field required.
• At least 3 years applying GIS to population health or cancer data.
• Doctorate may substitute for two years of experience.

Responsibilities

• Serve as CES Team Lead on geospatial cancer research studies.
• Provide subject-matter expertise on GIS methods and population health data integration.
• Manage geocoded cancer datasets and data linkages with census/environmental data.
• Develop high-quality GIS outputs and interactive maps for internal/external users.
• Prepare SRB/IRB-related documents and ensure timely compliance.

Skills

Geospatial GIS

SAS

SQL

R

ArcGIS

QGIS

Population health data

Education

Master's degree in related science

Doctorate substitution for experience

Tools

ArcGIS

QGIS

SAS

SQL

R

Job description

Recruitment/Posting Title

Research Scientist II (GIS)

Job Category

Staff & Executive - Research (Laboratory/Non-Laboratory)

Department

CINJ - Cancer Registry & Resea

Overview

RUTGERS CANCER INSTITUTE VISION, MISSION, AND CORE VALUES:

VISION:

Through our science, our evidence-based actions, our openness, and our respect for those we serve, we will advance cancer-focused research worldwide and reduce the burden of cancer in our catchment area. By engaging with and empowering our exceptionally diverse populations, and addressing their questions and fears, we will engender hope for cancer patients and their families and play a critical role in strengthening the fabric of our communities by gaining and protecting their trust and providing access to the outstanding oncology care each person deserves.

MISSION:

Our mission is to accelerate scientific discovery focused on understanding cancer, innovating cancer treatment, and improving cancer prevention; to provide outstanding, novel, and compassionate patient care; to provide evidence-based and culturally informed education to physicians, nurses, researchers, staff, and the community; and to achieve cancer health equity in our state through outreach to and engagement of our extraordinarily diverse communities.

CORE VALUES:

Curiosity and Discovery: encouraging an environment of continuous inquiry, creativity, and innovation to generate new knowledge

Integrity: earning the trust of those we serve and each other through honesty, transparency, accountability, and continuous reflection

Collaboration: approaching all opportunities with an understanding that together we are better and can achieve more; promoting and maintaining an environment of teamwork and shared knowledge

Respect and Caring: consistently demonstrating caring, compassion, and respect through our words and actions

Perseverance: maintaining an unwavering commitment to our mission; embracing change, overcoming obstacles, and creating and recreating the path to achieve our goals

Posting Summary

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Research Scientist II (GIS) within the Office of the Director/Cancer Epidemiology Services/NJ State Cancer Registry at the Rutgers Cancer Institute. The primary role of the Research Scientist II (RS II) under direction of the Supervising Research Scientist, Deputy Director, or Director is to assist with the design and conduct of research studies on cancers and assists in the analysis of cancer surveillance data using the New Jersey State Cancer Registry (NJSCR). The RS II will also provide advanced expertise in health geography, Geographic Information Science (GIScience), epidemiology, geospatial analysis, and population health and lead analytic and geospatial initiatives at the New Jersey State Cancer Registry (NJSCR) designed to improve understanding of cancer patterns, disparities, and neighborhood influences on cancer outcomes; integrate cancer registry data with census, environmental, and other relevant contextual datasets; and producing mapping and visualization tools that support surveillance, research, and public health action.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

• Serves as CES Team Lead/Project Lead on geospatial cancer research studies, assisting the NJSCR principal investigator, deputy director, and Supervising Research Scientists (SRS) with the development and implementation of epidemiologic and geographic cancer research studies, using state-of-the-art geographic information systems (GIS) tools and methodologies.
• Provides subject-matter expertise on GIS methods, neighborhood measures, contextual effects, and population health data integration.
• Manages geocoded cancer datasets and oversee linkages with census, environmental, demographic, and neighborhood contextual data (e.g., socioeconomic indices, segregation measures, redlining, rurality).
• Conducts geospatial and epidemiologic analyses to assess cancer outcomes, spatial patterns, temporal trends, and disparities across racial/ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographic groups using specialized tools and programming applications such as SQL, SAS, R, Python, ArcGIS, or QGIS accurately and efficiently.
• Constructs, cleans, and analyzes longitudinal residential histories to examine mobility, life-course exposures, and neighborhood change.
• Develops high-quality GIS outputs, including static maps, analytic spatial layers, and interactive web-based mapping tools for internal and external users.
• Prepares scientifically sound NJSCR-specific statement of work, Scientific Review Board, Institutional Review Board applications, protocols, data use agreements, and other documents (Local Context Supplement, Data Linkage Agreement, Research Agreement) in coordination with senior management, research collaborators, and sponsors, if applicable. Ensure timely submission of SRB, IRB, and associated Modifications and Continuing Reviews. Monitor and track all study documentation to ensure timely execution and compliance and that information is correctly documented in their respective tracker databases.
• Develops and negotiates project budgets reports, tracks invoicing, payments, and spending on projects. Monitors that studies are correctly documented in the tracker databases.
• Manages day-to-day activities of geospatial cancer research projects and studies under supervision of the SRS or deputy director.
• Act as the primary liaison with the principal investigator, providing progress reports, communicating problems and questions, collaborating on publications, and transmitting data securely.

FLSA

Exempt

Grade

30S

Salary Details

Minimum Salary: 88681.000

Mid Range Salary: 106877.000

Maximum Salary: 127237.000

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

Position Status

Full Time

Working Hours

Standard Hours: 37.50

Work Arrangement

This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.

Union Description

HPAE 5094

Payroll Designation

PeopleSoft

Terms of Appointment

Staff - 12 month

Position Pension Eligibility

ABP

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

• Master's Degree in related science required.
• Three (3) years of demonstrated experience applying geographic information systems (GIS) and geospatial methods to population-based health or cancer data and developing professional maps.
• A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of experience indicated above.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must have proficiency in specialized software tools and analytic platforms such as ArcGIS, QGIS, SAS, SQL, and R.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Must be proficient in database and reporting tools such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Sharepoint; and other communication tools such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom. This position will report to the Trenton, NJ office and may have to travel to New Brunswick upon request.

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctorate in Geography or a related science preferred.
• Experience in cancer epidemiology, surveillance research, cancer registry data, developing web-based visualizations, project management, and Python programming language preferred.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Standing, sitting, walking, talking and hearing.
• No special vision requirements.
• Lifting up to 25 lbs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Office environment. Moderate noise.

Posting Details

Posting Number

26ST0269

Posting Open Date

02/11/2026

Regional Campus

Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS)

Home Location Campus

Downtown New Brunswick

City

New Brunswick

State

NJ

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