Data Engineer

US-NJ-Princeton

Job ID: 2020-11946
Type: Full-Time
# of Openings: 1

Princeton University

Overview

The Princeton Gerrymandering Project (PGP), http://gerrymander.princeton.edu/, is comprised of a small team doing big things. We’re looking for a technical mind to join our team as a Data Engineer to help us build tools to fight gerrymandering.

As the entire US redraws every state and congressional district over the next two years, the P rinceton Gerrymandering Project will support fair and transparent redistricting during this critical juncture in American democracy. We have pioneered new methods for data collection, map analysis, legal briefs, and redistricting legislation to help reformers in all 50 states.

The person in this role will be collecting and preparing data for some of our major projects, including OpenPrecincts and partisan gerrymandering analyses in various states. Take a look at
h ttps://openprecincts.org/ar/ to see what kind of work product you would be expected to prepare.

You should bring enthusiasm to the nitty-gritty tasks of one-off data munging, setting up data cleaning pipelines, and parsing complex data sets.

The ideal candidate is passionate about democracy and wants to work with a team dedicated to achieving real reform. You have the skills and experience to clean and validate data. You are interested in technical documentation and improving the efficiency of your work. You can work hard to reach deadlines that are driven by real-world needs. You are not afraid to take on new challenges and apply your unique skills to solve complex problems in innovative ways: you are a tenacious data detective!

This is a full-time position on a one-year renewable contract based on satisfactory performance and continued funding. Due to current extenuating circumstances, this position is open to remote candidates.

Responsibilities

• Collect and prepare data for some of our major projects, including OpenPrecincts and partisan gerrymandering analyses in various states.
• Compile datasets on a state-by-state basis, combining census data, precinct-level results, and other information using GIS software.
• Assist in the preparation of mainstream media content, professional reports, in-depth analysis, and possible peer-reviewed publications.
• Other duties as assigned.
  

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in computer science or related technical field.
• Experience with the following technologies:
  Data Science/Scripting Language (Python, R, Stata, etc.)
  GIS Software (QGIS, ArcGIS, etc.)
• Understanding of how underrepresentation impacts policy decisions in the U.S.
• Understanding of web scraping, APIs, and other data acquisition processes
• Familiarity with Amazon Web Services is preferred

This position is subject to the University's background check policy

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. EEO IS THE LAW

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