Organization
Founded in 1968, the Guttmacher Institute is a global leader in advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights. Through a unique and interrelated program of high-quality research, evidence-based advocacy and strategic communications, the Institute works to generate new ideas, encourage enlightened public debate, and promote sound policy and program development; its overarching goal is to ensure the highest standard of sexual and reproductive health and rights for all people worldwide. The Institute is engaged in building a more inclusive, transparent and equitable organization.
Position summary
The Senior Data Analyst works with a substantial degree of independence, under the direction of a Data Scientist or Principal Research Scientist. The Senior Data Analyst is responsible for working under the direction of project leads statistical modelling, data analysis and analytic workflows, including oversight and strengthening of multiple projects’ programming code and documentation. The Senior Data Analyst will have sufficient expertise in Bayesian modeling and programming needed to maintain and improve generative Bayesian models used to produce regularly updated estimates of sexual and reproductive health outcomes and indicators in the US and globally.
Please note: this role is titled the Senior Data Analyst externally and aligns internally with the title of Senior Research Associate.
Responsibilities
- Under guidance of project leads, maintain, improve and regularly run generative Bayesian models implemented in the Stan and/or JAGS programming languages.
- Implement improvements in model code to reduce run times or create new features.
- Review and report on model diagnostics and help to identify and troubleshoot convergence issues.
- Manage ongoing model validation processes using approaches like k-fold cross-validation and PSIS-LOO.
- Oversee analyses, program code and associated documentation for modeling work under direction of the projects’ leadership.
- Oversee training of project staff on data processing, working with model output (including generating downstream quantities from posterior distributions), and establishing efficient systems.
- Make data and model estimates available and accessible to non-research audiences, where appropriate.
- Remain up-to-date on new approaches, innovations, standards, and best practices in statistical data analysis relevant for supporting scientific rigor.
- Remain up-to-date on development of relevant SRH indicators, emerging research, and new data.
- Support and/or participate in drafting and/or review of research articles and project reports, serving as first author in some cases.
- May be asked to present findings and represent Guttmacher at meetings and conferences.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications and skills
- Demonstrated experience performing and understanding Bayesian analyses, preferably with a focus on producing descriptive indicators and forecasts in sparse data contexts.
- High level of expertise working with population survey data, including DHS, MICS, PMA as well as other survey data; familiarity with sample design.
- High proficiency in R, and prior experience with Stan, JAGS, or another probabilistic programming language.
- Stata proficiency is desirable but not required.
- Able to learn new data manipulation and analysis techniques and tools quickly.
- Ability to liaise with external consultants, collaborators and/or organizations.
- Interest in both US and international SRH research.
- Excellent ability to work with team members with diverse skills.
- Ability to train and supervise staff in more junior positions in implementing data management and analysis tasks.
- Strong ability to work independently, ensuring all output meets standards of reproducibility, and in close collaboration with others.
- A master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., statistics, data science, public health) and a minimum of five years of progressively responsible work experience on research projects with complex data or programming needs (at least 1 year of experience with Bayesian modeling is highly desirable); or a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline and at least seven years of such experience.
Salary and benefits
The salary range for this position is between $116,000 and $162,100 and will be commensurate with experience. This range is specific to the New York and DC area, but base pay may vary depending on a wide range of factors. New hires are typically brought into the organization between the minimum to midpoint of the salary range posted depending on knowledge, skills and experience, and qualifications. Internal equity considerations will be reviewed before making a final offer. This is a Union represented position. The Guttmacher Institute practices a hybrid work schedule, requiring in-office attendance 8 days per month. We offer excellent benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; vacation, personal, and sick time; paid parental leave; tuition reimbursement; commuting subsidy; and a 401(k) plan with employer match.
Guttmacher Institute strives to provide the training and support staff needed to be successful in their positions and to grow professionally.