Overview

The Princeton School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) seeks a Programmer Lead Data Scientist who will be responsible for coordinating all programming tasks, web development, and data management for the Violence and Inequality Project.

The Violence and Inequality Project is a multidisciplinary research project based at Princeton University that brings together a network of researchers at seven universities to develop a research infrastructure to answer two questions: Why does violence rise or fall within neighborhoods or cities? What can be done to reduce violence while also reducing inequality? 

Responsibilities

The primary responsibility is to lead coding for the development of an agent-based model designed to simulate interactions leading to violence. This will be done in R, and builds on prior work. This position will also be responsible for working with developers on the data repository developed as part of the project, and will coordinate all aspects of data collection and processing. This is a two-year position.

 

Specific responsibilities, which are not exhaustive, are as follows:

• Lead programming team for an agent-based model (ABM) designed to simulate patterns of violence in U.S. cities—coding is in R but requires proficiency with multiple programming languages;
• Lead effort to collect data on violence and related dimensions of urban life for repository; Manage secure storage of data for data repository and manage access to repository;
• Supervise development and maintenance of data repository;
• Manage all code and data storage and organization;
• Assist with writing, editing, proofreading, and publications of all reports and articles based on ABM;
• Oversee development of project website and provide updates on its status to PI;
• Communicate with Project Manager on all aspects of the project;
• Provide assistance on all programming tasks to PI and other network members when needed;
• Attend monthly meetings of network members, prepare reports on status of ABM, and work with network members to refine model;
• Provide regular status updates on all aspects of the ABM;
• Create detailed user guide and tutorials for use of ABM;
• Create and help deliver presentations of ABM and analyses using the ABM;
• Assist with grant proposal development and fundraising efforts for the project;
• Assist with interviewing, hiring, and communication with web development team.

Qualifications

Essential:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• 4 years of professional experience with programming and data management
• Experience with social science research
• Organization, communication, and writing skills

Preferred:

• Masters degree
• Experience with other programming languages beyond R for data analysis (e.g. Stata)
• Remote work will be considered but proximity to Princeton and ability to meet in person on an occasional basis is strongly preferred

We at the School of Public and International Affairs believe that it is vital to cultivate an environment that embraces and promotes diversity, equity and inclusion — fundamental to the success of our education and research mission.  This commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment and hiring as we actively seek colleagues of exceptional ability who represent a broad range of viewpoints, experiences and value systems, and who share Princeton University's dedication to excellence.

 

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

Standard Weekly Hours36.25Eligible for OvertimeNoBenefits EligibleYesProbationary Period180 daysEssential Services Personnel (see policy for detail)NoEstimated Appointment End Date9/1/2024Comments Related to End DateGrant funded positionPhysical Capacity Exam RequiredNoValid Driver’s License RequiredYes Experience LevelDirector#LI-NC1