Data Scientist

Overview

Join a group of experienced Social Scientists, Data Scientists, and Civic Design Researchers working to address DC’s most critical problems. The Lab @ DC designs and tests innovative programs and policies designed to improve the lives of District residents. We help policymakers use evidence to make informed decisions.

Pay range: $93k-$120k
Deadline to apply: April 6
Apply at careers.dc.gov (Job ID 31978)

The Data Scientist is in The Lab @ DC which is part of the Office of the City Administrator (OCA). The OCA has direct oversight over all executive-reporting agencies and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the District government, setting operational goals and implementing the legislative actions and policy decisions of the Mayor and DC Council.

The Lab @ DC is an applied research team that aims to weave an agile, scientific approach to policy-setting and program operations into the fabric of day-to-day governance. In partnership with a network of universities and research centers, we provide members of government and the public with timely, relevant, and scientifically rigorous evidence that informs the District’s most important debates and decision-making processes. We strive to integrate evaluation, including randomized field experiments, into government action so that testing, iterating, and improving become standard practice.

The Data Scientist possesses skills in programming, statistics, and scientific communication, such that the incumbent can generate actionable insights from data and then convey those insights to others in compelling graphical, numerical, and narrative forms.

Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will be responsible for identifying and executing opportunities to harness data analytic approaches that provide insight into and achieve District priority goals. Participates in providing input on District-wide data priorities and policies.  Proficiency in creatively determining which analytic approaches and computing techniques is most appropriate for a given data situation. Proficiency and creativity in visualizing, analyzing, and communicating insights from data. Proficiency in at least one database querying language, such as SQL. Expertise in at least one statistical programming language, such as R, Python, Stata, SAS, or similar.

Qualifications and Education

A degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science, data science or field directly related to the position. The degree must be in a major field of study (at least at the baccalaureate level) that is appropriate for the position.

A degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science, data science or field directly related to the position. The degree must be in a major field of study (at least at the baccalaureate level) that is appropriate for the position.

OR

Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major field of study (30 semester hours), plus additional education or appropriate experience.

AND

Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, the incumbent must possess one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression.