Research Data Scientist - Lexington, United States - The Council of State Governments

Description

The Council of State Governments (CSG) is the nation's only organization serving all three branches of state government.

CSG is a region-based forum that fosters the exchange of insights and ideas to help state officials shape public policy.

This offers unparalleled regional, national and international opportunities to network, develop leaders, collaborate and create problem-solving partnerships.

To learn more about careers at CSG, and about our comprehensive benefit offerings, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, PSLF eligibility and more, please visit our website here.

This opportunity is based in our Lexington, KY office but offers flexibility to work from home part of the work week.

Job Summary

The Research Data Scientist will work on initiatives that collect and provide reliable data to improve policymakers' ability to access, understand, compare, and utilize key data.

The position will entail collecting, aligning, and manipulating data; creating and tailoring visualization of interrelated data sets; utilization of Python programming language; and presenting research findings.

This position will provide support to CSG members and stakeholders through webinars, trainings, and other presentations.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities of the Research Data Scientist include, but are not limited to, the following:

Data Collection, Analysis, and Visualizations

Skills And Abilities

Education And Experience

Compensation

Pull, manipulate, and structure data utilizing tables within different data sources with different products.

Coordinate research and analytic activities utilizing various data points (unstructured and structured) and employ programming to clean, massage and organize the data.

Assist in data cleaning and alignment to standardized data structures.
Focus on translating data into an actionable dashboard using cutting-age visualization tools and technology and present to various audiences.
Provide data visualizations (reports and dashboards) to support stakeholder requirements.
Analyze existing reports to improve performance and develop new reports using best data visualization practices and processes.

Support state officials, project partners and federal partners with analysis and improvement of data sources including quality, standardization, and transparency.

Work with multiple complex data sources.

Work with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, functional teams, and policy analysts to develop data visualizations that provide insights for government.

Implement processes that improve and lead to greater data quality. Publications, Writing, and Presenting
Synthesize, visualize, and communicate data and research for a non-technical audience.

Assist in trainings, webinars, and ongoing support to members, state officials, federal partners, and stakeholders on data alignment, collection, analysis, and visualization.

Develop and write reports and other research products that are highly relevant to policy deliberations and easily understood by the public, media, and policymakers, often in collaboration with CSG Communications staff, external writers and other consultants.

Assist in the administration of collaborative research projects aimed at addressing issues of top concern to state officials in one or more states.

Interact with national organizations, researchers, and national policy experts to execute projects.

Participate in efforts to provide timely policy information to state policymakers, such as online webinars, state visits, conferences, and other forums.

Dedication to public service with an unfailing commitment to act with civility and professionalism, conduct CSG duties in a nonpartisan manner, and responsibly steward member and donor funds.

Strong research skills and knowledge of scientific research methods, principles, and techniques.
Knowledge of statistical concepts, methods, and application to data analysis.
Knowledge and experience with data science-oriented programming language (ex., Python).
Demonstrated experience successfully translating data and research into practical and policymaker-relevant insights in ways that are clear and concise.
Proficient in Microsoft Excel and, preferably, at least one other advanced statistical software (e.g.

Stata, R, or SQL) and able to learn additional software programs (developed in-house or off-the-shelf, such as survey evaluation tools or data presentation programs) and new evaluation\/analysis techniques.

Ability to interact effectively with diverse people in different contexts and foster equity and inclusion through self-awareness, cultural sensitivity, and valuing others.

Strong interpersonal and critical thinking skills.
Strong oral communication skills, including the ability to effectively present complex information in a concise way.

Strong writing skills, including research reports and analysis as well as more general writing such as correspondence, memos and articles.

Able to work with leading experts in the state government field including researchers, policy experts, and program providers.

Able to work independently and to handle a variety of tasks and assignments concurrently while adhering to specific instructions, technical direction and deadlines.

Able to maintain confidentiality and handle politically sensitive work.
Strong customer service-oriented commitment.
Self-motivated, able to take initiative and see complex tasks through to completion.
Efficient, organized work style, and an ability to prioritize quickly and confidently.
Experience working collaboratively with multiple partners preferred.
Knowledge of state government, policy issues and programming as well as the state policy development process preferred.

Dedication to public service with an unfailing commitment to act with civility and professionalism, conduct CSG duties in a nonpartisan manner, and responsibly steward member and donor funds.

Bachelor's degree in the field of data science, computer science or statistics. Master's degree preferred.
1-3 years of work experience using and analyzing data.
Experience with feature engineering and model building, including common classification models, model evaluation, and related statistics.
Knowledge of advanced data visualization techniques and experience using Tableau, ArcGIS, Power BI, etc. to visually communicate finds.
Experience in relational database design and concepts.
Experience using statistical tools to interpret data sets, including descriptive and diagnostic analytics.
Ability to program in at least one high-level language, preferably Python.
Experience and knowledge conducting policy relevant research.

Preferred:
knowledge and experience in designing accessible data tables, frames, and visualizations for web.

CSG believes that pay equity and pay transparency advance workplace fairness. Compensation will be equitable and based on experience. The salary range for this position, based in Lexington, KY, is $65,000 to $75,000. This salary range is subject to change based on work location and market conditions.


APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Interested candidates must complete the online application and include their resume and cover letter.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to characteristics including but not limited to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.

CSG is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
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