Staff Data Engineer

Department
 

PSD Data Science Staff

About the Department
 

The UChicago Data Science Institute (“UChicago Data Science Institute”) is looking for an outstanding candidate with expertise in one or more areas related to data engineering (machine learning, statistics, databases, building data pipelines, etc.), demonstrated experience in software engineering, and, ideally, a demonstrated interest in data science for social impact. Aimed at candidates whose passion lies in developing innovative solutions to real-world data science problems in multiple domains, this position offers the opportunity to lead machine learning and data science research applied to high impact environmental, human rights, and energy challenges. Example projects include building data pipelines to extract the locations of palm oil processing plants and using deep learning and NLP techniques to process thousands of documents to identify loan recipients in emerging economies.

Job Summary
 

Working in collaboration with UChicago Data Science Institute faculty and staff and The Schmidt Family Foundation 11th Hour Project (“11th Hour”), the Staff Data Engineer (“SDE”) will increase the data capacity of 11th Hour program staff and grantees. In addition to capacity building, this role will consult on 11th Hour grantee data collection and modeling as well as the long-range goals of advancing scientific discovery, developing open source resources, innovative technical consulting, development and delivery of workshops and training, and other activities designed to advance the research and practice of data-driven and data intensive discovery across 11th Hour grantee areas.

Responsibilities

• Consult with 11th Hour grantees, to clarify goals, identify collaboration opportunities and support data collection and modeling.

• Write high quality code (Python, JS) using modern dev ops tools (docker, etc.).

• Develop workshops and trainings to build 11th Hour program staff and grantee data capacity.

• Review and evaluate potential joint 11th Hour-UChicago Data Science Institute projects for technical merit and feasibility.

• Develop open source data science resources to support the data literacy and capacity for environmental nonprofits and companies to use.

• Conduct an independent research program in the SDE area of specialty as well as disseminate and publish these results.

• Engage with other research initiatives at the UChicago Data Science Institute including establishing external collaborations outside of the SDE area of expertise.

• Support the ongoing education, training and consulting programs at the UChicago Data Science Institute.

• Mentor and support graduate and undergraduate students in the UChicago Data Science Clinic.

• Grant writing activities to support ongoing initiatives in data science.

• Contribute to the life of the UChicago Data Science Institute environment through service and participation in UChicago Data Science Institute activities, including public lectures, blog posts, contributing to open source technologies, etc.

• Develop materials communicating significant results, best practices and case studies with specific technologies, and documentation for significant software.

• Has a deep understanding of methods to analyze complex data sets for the purpose of extracting and purposefully using applicable information. May develop and maintain infrastructure that connects data sets.

• Designs and evaluates statistical models and reproducible data processing pipelines using expertise of best practices in machine learning and statistical inference. Provides expertise for high level or complex data-related requests and engages other IT resources as needed. Partners with other campus teams to assist faculty with data science related needs.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Graduate degree, preferably in computer science, data science, statistics, mathematics, engineering or related computational field.

Experience:

• At least three (3) years of professional experience writing code in an interpreted language, such as Python or Javascript.

• Experience communicating results through writing and presentations, both in and out of one’s own discipline.

• Knowledge of software development best practices and commonly used tools.

• Demonstrated experience in software engineering, applied machine learning and/or advanced statistical methods.

• Demonstrated record of success working at the intersection of environment, human rights and data science.

• Experience participating in open source software development and significant contributions to open source projects are also highly valued in this role.

Working Conditions

• Office environment.

• Hybrid schedule with two days a week work from home and three days in the office.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)

• Cover Letter (preferred)

Job Family
 

Research

Role Impact
 

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status
 

Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

37.5

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.