Research Specialist (GIS Specialist)

Position Details Recruitment/Posting Title : Research Specialist (GIS Specialist) Job Category : Staff & Executive - Research (Laboratory/Non-Laboratory) Department : Urban Policy Research Center Overview Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is a leading national research university and the State of New Jersey's preeminent, comprehensive public institution of higher education. As one of the largest employers in the State of New Jersey, Rutgers University is committed not only to the students and the State that we serve, but also to the faculty and staff who work on our campuses. The Center for Urban Policy Research (CUPR) works to make human settlements more equitable, sustainable, resilient, and healthy through research, public engagement, education and other forms of capacity-building. CUPR is an umbrella center that combines several units. This merger creates strong capabilities for addressing today’s challenges in a collaborative and multidisciplinary fashion, including climate change adaptation and mitigation, coastal hazards, environmental justice, a healthier built environment, sustainable energy transition, and technological transformations affecting daily life and local governance. Posting Summary Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Research Specialist (GIS Specialist) for the Center for Urban Policy Research (CUPR). Reporting to the Associate Director of CUPR, this position supports data management, analysis, and visualization within CUPR’s Data Informatics Group (DIG) and for the NJ Climate Change Resource Center. The role includes supporting data analysis efforts for the NJADAPT Program, developing datasets, analyses, and visualizations for web applications utilizing interactive web-mapping and dashboards related to climate change impacts in New Jersey. The position leads datasets and analytical workflows for a grant-funded project from the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management to support statewide hazard mitigation planning. The Research Specialist will work with faculty and staff to develop analytical methodologies and visualizations for diverse stakeholders and projects across CUPR and DIG. Key duties include participating in project meetings, sharing expertise, and presenting data and applications to stakeholders. The role focuses on the full data life cycle, with three primary areas: data management, data analysis, and data visualization. Responsibilities Supports data analysis and visualization efforts within the NJ Climate Change Resource Center and the Center for Urban Policy Research and their projects. Researches and develops new datasets, analyses and visualizations to support guidance, tools, and actionable science for stakeholders. Develops and documents methodologies, reviews and QA/QC results, and disseminates data and methodologies to team members and stakeholders. Supports the development of the geospatial data analysis arm of the Data Informatics Group. Assists in developing new analytical techniques and visualizations to advance applied research, supporting sponsored research and external partnerships. Collaborates with the application development arm of the Data Informatics Group to integrate data analysis and visualizations into interactive platforms for stakeholders and decision-makers. Supports data management protocols for CUPR’s DIG and NJADAPT program, ensuring metadata and documentation are complete and datasets are published to standards. Coordinates with project teams to learn data science needs and develops work plans to meet those needs. Networks with data science professionals within the university and with external groups. Develops new skills and techniques to expand analytical offerings of CUPR’s DIG to stakeholders. Assists in developing research papers, journal articles, and other written work to publicize project results. Qualifications Minimum Education and Experience Master's degree in planning, public policy, public informatics, data science, data informatics, geography, statistics, or related field with GIS components; or Bachelor's degree in a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience demonstrating GIS knowledge and at least 2 years in a GIS-related role. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Experience using geographic information systems (GIS) and spatial datasets. Experience documenting datasets, including metadata or methodology documents. Ability to work independently, develop analytical approaches and work plans, and use best practices for data creation and management. Knowledge of ESRI ArcGIS platform, including ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online. Strong organization, analytical thinking, communication, and independent judgement. Ability to research new techniques or skillsets to meet project data goals. Ability to weigh different approaches and develop a defensible strategy. Ability to communicate decisions and outcomes to project teams and external stakeholders. Preferred Qualifications Experience with Spatial Analyst and Spatial Statistics tools. Experience using Python scripting to automate GIS workflows. Experience with ESRI-based development platforms such as Experience Builder and StoryMaps. Experience working with climate change, demographics, planning, and environmental datasets. Experience in statistical analysis using ESRI Geostatistical Analyst, Stata, SAS, or similar tools. Experience applying machine learning techniques to spatial datasets. Equipment Utilized ESRI ArcGIS software platform, Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), and collaboration tools such as GitLab and Slack. Special Conditions This is a grant-funded position contingent upon available funding. Posting Details Posting Number: 26ST1531 Posting Open Date: 07/15/2026 Regional Campus: Rutgers University-New Brunswick Home Location Campus: Downtown New Brunswick City: New Brunswick State: NJ Pre-employment Screenings All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings. Immunization Requirements Immunization policy details apply for certain start dates during Flu Season. Vaccination proof or approved exemptions may be required during the screening process. Details vary by role and department; consult the hiring manager for applicability to the position. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, age, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected status. For more information, see the Non-Discrimination Statement at: #J-18808-Ljbffr Rutgers University