Water Research and Data Analyst

The University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Pittsburgh is seeking a Water Research and Data Analyst in Pittsburgh, PA. The role blends spatial and statistical analysis with field sampling, sensor operations, and open data curation to support the Pittsburgh Water Collaboratory.

Working with the Collaboratory Director and leadership, you will contribute to manuscripts, reports, and public-facing research products while balancing on-campus and remote work in a hybrid arrangement.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of temporal and spatial data analysis.
• Experience with mapping tools (ArcGIS).
• Proficiency in programming languages (R, Python, Matlab).
• Ability to develop data visualizations.
• Capability to perform field research in varied environments.
• Bachelor's Degree required or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with leadership to advance environmental research across networks.
• Conduct spatial and statistical analysis and compile results for reports.
• Perform field sampling and operate environmental sensors.
• Curate datasets and share open data per funder requirements.
• Translate findings into public-facing research products like science briefs and reports.
• Prepare manuscripts and grant proposals and develop data visualizations.
• Build partnerships and support collaborative water research teams and student efforts.
• Provide technical assistance to partners to improve community science impact.
• Carry out laboratory work and experiments independently.
• Maintain inventory and conduct ordering logs.

Skills

Temporal data analysis

Spatial data analysis

Data visualization

Field sampling

Public communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

ArcGIS

R

Python

Matlab

Job description

The Water Research and Data Analyst at the University of Pittsburgh supports environmental research and capacity building through the Pittsburgh Water Collaboratory. Working alongside the Collaboratory Director and leadership, the role blends spatial and statistical analysis with field sampling and sensor operations, while helping shape open datasets and public-facing research products.

This hybrid position is based in Pittsburgh, PA and follows a standard weekday schedule. It is a focused role that combines technical analysis, hands-on fieldwork in varied settings, and contributions to manuscripts and reports.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Pittsburgh Water Collaboratory Director and Leadership team to advance environmental research and capacity building initiatives across internal and external networks.
• Conduct spatial and statistical analysis, interpret data, and compile results for reports.
• Perform field sampling and operate environmental sensors.
• Curate datasets and share them openly in alignment with funder requirements.
• Translate findings into public-facing research products, including community consensus reports, science briefs, and science communication for social media.
• Contribute to manuscripts and prepare technical figures.
• Support the development of broad and diverse relationships, including seeding and supporting collaborative water research teams and student research efforts.
• Lead targeted efforts to provide technical assistance and build capacity among PWC partners to improve the quality and impact of community science efforts.
• Carry out independent and complex laboratory work and experiments.
• Maintain inventory, including ordering and logs.
• Write manuscripts and grant proposals and prepare data visualizations, including developing data visualizations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Detailed understanding of temporal and spatial data analysis.
• Familiarity with mapping tools, including ArcGIS.
• Familiarity with programming tools such as R, python, and Matlab.
• Ability to develop data visualizations.
• Ability to perform field research techniques (sample collection, wading in streams, using sensors, etc.) in both urban and remote locations.
• Minimum education level: Bachelor's Degree.
• For education/experience flexibility: a combination of education and relevant experience will be considered in lieu of education and/or experience requirements.

Technologies

• ArcGIS
• R
• Python
• Matlab

Work Schedule & Arrangement

• Schedule: M-F, 8:30am - 5:00pm
• Work arrangement: Hybrid, with a combination of on-campus and remote work as determined by the department

Physical Effort

• Ability to lift 30 lbs and carry supplies over distance.
• Capacity to walk over a mile across uneven terrain.
• Ability to be on and in the water, including wading into streams; some work may occur using a boat, canoe, or kayak.

Background Check & Required Documents

• Background check: Successful completion required for position finalists.
• Required documents: Resume, Cover Letter

Job Summary (Scope)

• Performs independent and complex laboratory work and experiments.
• Analyzes and interprets data, compiles results, and prepares reports.
• Maintains inventory, ordering, and logs.
• Writes manuscripts and grant proposals and prepares data visualizations.