Associate Data Scientist

About the Opportunity

The College of Social Sciences and Humanities (CSSH) combines Northeastern University’s signature approach to experiential learning with liberal arts education, interdisciplinary research, and community engagement, both locally and globally.

The College comprises 17 academic units, including two schools, seven departments, and eight interdisciplinary programs, as well as 15 research centers and institutes. Our faculty connects liberal arts education with the challenges of our time, and fosters ethical reasoning and critical thought, with attention to the enduring significance of history, literature, and culture. CSSH promotes inquiry with global perspectives and a culture of inclusion across interdisciplinary clusters of expertise including: Resilience, Sustainability, Health, and Equity; Cultural studies, Governance, and Globalization; and Network Science, Computational Social Science, Digital Humanities, and Data Ethics.

CSSH is strongly committed to fostering excellence through diversity and promotes a culture of inclusion for our students, faculty, and staff. Guided by a Strategic Plan on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, the College enthusiastically welcomes applications from members of groups underrepresented in higher education administration.

We are seeking a motivated and skilled Associate Data Scientist to join a funded project focused on understanding the determinants of successful criminal investigations, with a particular emphasis on racial equity in policing. This research project aims to develop actionable models that enhance investigative outcomes, improve clearance rates (especially in communities of color), reduce disparities, and minimize revictimization. Findings from this work will contribute to national discussions on policing reform and offer critical insights for law enforcement practices across the United States.

In this role, the Associate Data Scientist will have the opportunity to contribute to multiple publications and be a coauthor on several focused research papers within the broader scope of the project. The successful candidate will work closely with project leads Dr. Matthew B. Ross (Northeastern University) and Dr. CarlyWill Sloan (U.S. Military Academy), gaining exposure to high-impact research and actionable policy engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth quantitative analyses using large-scale administrative policing datasets to identify factors that influence investigative success and outcomes, particularly in diverse communities.
• Mentor and manage graduate and undergraduate research assistants in a collaborative research setting.
• Present research findings at national conferences and contribute to publications, policy briefs, and actionable insights for criminal justice stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in economics, public policy, criminology, or a related social science field in hand by the employment start date is required.
• Strong quantitative skills, with experience in econometrics, causal inference, and working with large datasets.
• Proficiency in statistical software (e.g., Stata, R, or Python).
• A proven track record of productivity and self-directed research, including publications or working papers in relevant fields.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience mentoring research assistants and managing research projects in a social science lab or similar setting.

Documents to Submit

Applicants should submit a resume and a cover letter that highlights qualifications for the position and includes a diversity statement. In the diversity statement, applicants should describe how they can support CSSH's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Applicants can provide specific examples of initiatives they have led or participated in that promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. This could include organizing events or programs, implementing policies or practices, serving on committees, or creating spaces that foster a sense of belonging for individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Position Type

Research

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.  

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