Data Scientist (Faculty Assistant, Post-Doctoral Associate, or Assistant Research Scholar

Data Scientist (Faculty Assistant, Post-Doctoral Associate, or Assistant Research Scholar)

Functional Title : Data Scientist (Faculty Assistant, Post-Doctoral Associate, or Assistant Research Scholar)

Category Status : 15-Fac.Non-Tenured, Continuing Con

Applicant Search Category : Faculty

University Authorized FTE : 100

Unit : PLCY-Ctr for Intl Security Studies at Maryland

Campus / College Information :

Please read the following job description thoroughly to ensure you are the right fit for this role before applying.

Founded in 1856, University of Maryland, College Park is the state’s flagship institution. Our 1,250-acre College Park campus is just minutes away from Washington, D.

C. The University is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding and diverse faculty and staff that will enhance our stature of preeminence in our three missions of teaching, scholarship, and full engagement in our community.

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify you from employment.

Position Summary / Purpose of Position :

A priority of the international community is to improve capabilities of early warning systems that enable more timely and effective anticipatory action in advance of food security crises.

CISSM is conducting an applied research project that aims to advance statistical modeling of acute malnutrition and the use of resulting model-based forecasts by stakeholders involved in humanitarian practice, with a focus on Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, and South Sudan.

Job Description :

CISSM seeks a Data Scientist to serve among the key personnel contributing to the implementation of the project. Responsibilities include :

• Identification, acquisition, compilation, and processing of diverse sources of data
• Designing and executing statistical modeling
• Generating visualizations of results such as graphics, maps, and interactive tools
• Assisting with training and learning activities about utilizing predictive evidence in operational settings

The Data Scientist will work closely with project teams at both the University of Maryland and the University of Minnesota, engaging regularly with project personnel at ACF Germany, ACF US, ACF’s Horn of East Africa Regional Office, and ACF country offices in the focus countries.

Project activities are expected to entail periodic domestic and international travel.

Minimum Qualifications :

Education :

Master’s degree in data science, political science, international relations, public policy, public health, geography, economics, or a related field, combined with relevant professional experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

• Excellent analytical skills.
• Expertise with common statistics and programming software (e.g., R, Python).
• Proficiency in using spatially resolved and georeferenced data.
• Strong capabilities in presenting analysis via written, visual, and presentation formats.
• Aptitude in working collaboratively with both scholars and practitioners.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and industrious.
• Willingness and eligibility to travel internationally.

Preferred Qualifications :

• Recent PhD in relevant fields.
• Competence in statistical analysis approaches, including time-series forecasting and machine-learning.
• Prior experience in research about related topics or participation in related humanitarian activities.
• Substantive interests in humanitarian affairs, food security, nutrition, climate change, conflict, and political economy of development.
• Preparation to conduct research in developing countries and humanitarian crises, with an emphasis on East Africa.
• Capabilities of disseminating technical research effectively to non-technical audiences.
• Track record of academic publications and non-academic products.
• Relevant foreign language skills may be beneficial.

How to Apply :

Candidates are requested to submit an application consisting of the following items :

• Cover letter describing interest in the project and relevant skills and experience
• Samples of work relevant to the position (if coauthored, please indicate contribution)
• Names of three academic and / or professional references

These application materials must be submitted electronically via the UMD eJobs system.

Posting Date : 07 / 18 / 2023

Closing Date : Open Until Filled

Best Consideration Date : 09 / 08 / 2023

The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action.

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