Position Summary

The University of New Mexico's Center for Geospatial and Population Studies (UNM-GPS) serves as the New Mexico State Demographer's Office and state liaison to the U.S. Census Bureau and maintains New Mexico's traffic crash database for the New Mexico Department of Transportation. Our team provides the accurate, impartial data and objective analysis that lawmakers, government agencies, and the public rely on to make informed, data-driven decisions. UNM-GPS is seeking a Research Scientist 1 to gather, integrate, analyze, describe and visualize data related to New Mexico’s changing population and vehicular crash data.

Duties for the Research Scientist 1 will include, but are not limited to:

• Data Integration and Management: Compile, clean, and standardize disparate datasets from the U.S. Census Bureau and state agencies. Review data for completeness and prepare it for spatial and statistical analysis.
• Geospatial Analysis: Geocode housing unit and vehicular crash data across New Mexico's diverse geography, ensuring high spatial accuracy.
• Data Visualization and Reporting: Help build and maintain public-facing dashboards. Fulfill data and mapping requests from state partners, researchers, and the general public.
• Documentation and Communication: Create clear documentation, workflows, and process diagrams for internal procedures. Present research findings and data trends to teammates and partnering agency stakeholders.
• Demographic Research Assistance: Help collect, organize, and track specialized datasets, including group quarters population data (such as housing, correctional facilities, and student dormitories).

Cover Letter Requirement

• A customized cover letter is required for this position. Applications submitted without a cover letter will not be considered for the position. Your letter should highlight how your previous professional or educational experiences relate to specific items listed within the preferred qualifications section. We are interested in learning about your unique perspective, your problem-solving approach, and your genuine interest in UNM-GPS’s mission.

See the Position Description for additional information.

Bachelor's degree; no previous experience required.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

We do not expect a single entry-level candidate to possess all of the skills listed below. We encourage applications from candidates who have a strong foundation in a few of these areas and an eagerness to learn the rest:

• Academic Background: A degree in geography, sociology, public health, economics, or other social sciences with a quantitative or mixed-methodological tradition.
• Problem-Solving Solutions: A strong aptitude for critical thinking when confronting unstructured or incomplete datasets, paired with the resourcefulness to investigate anomalies and propose creative solutions. Ability to pivot and adapt procedures as new information arises or new ideas are developed is highly desirable.
• GIS and Spatial Skills: Foundational experience with ArcGIS Pro or other Geographic Information Systems software, along with a strong understanding of New Mexico’s unique geography and cultural landscape.
• Data Analysis and Querying: Experience writing basic SQL queries to extract data, or exposure to statistical programming languages such as R, Python, or SAS.
• Spreadsheets and Visualization: Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, or exposure to business intelligence tools like Tableau and PowerBI.
• Demographic Literacy: Familiarity with U.S. Census Bureau products, including the Decennial Census, American Community Survey (ACS), and Population Estimates.
• Professional Skills: Strong communication skills with the ability to translate technical data findings to diverse audiences, manage time effectively, and work both independently and collaboratively.

Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.

Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.