Data Scientist

ABOUT US

At the Sorenson Impact Center, we envision a thriving world where all people are valued, communities prosper, and the measured impact of actions guides decision making. Housed at the University of Utah David Eccles School of Business, we advance global impact through innovation in impact investing and finance, public policy and spending, and corporate and social sector behavior. We utilize world-class data science and impact storytelling as key tools in this global effort. As part of its mission to train future impact leaders, the Center integrates academic programming and experiential learning into each of its practice areas including in the operations of our own impact investing practice and fund, and in the management of an outside fund. In addition, the Center hosts one of the largest and most recognized convenings and collaboration opportunities in the impact space, the annual Sorenson Impact Summit.

Who We Are:

• Our vision: We envision a thriving world where all people are valued, communities prosper, and the measured impact of our actions guides our decision making.
• Our mission: We change the world by helping others integrate measurable impact into decision making and by training future social impact leaders.
• Our strategy:
• We help integrate data-driven impact into decisions of (1) capital allocation, (2) public policy & spending, and (3) corporate & social sector behavior.
• We catalyze impact by innovating, collaborating, educating, advocating, demonstrating, and inspiring change.

POSITION OVERVIEW

We are seeking a talented Data Scientist Demonstrated ability to conduct quality research or produce well-crafted work in a quantitative field in a timely and orchestrated manner. A strong foundation in statistics/probability, applied math, and disciplined programming is expected. Must be capable of presenting complex information in plain language and seeking clarification from domain experts through constructive dialog in an efficient manner. Expect to take leadership responsibilities over teams where a sizable amount of contributions come from interns.

For client-facing development, R with tidyverse or Python with pandas/arrow and git is required. Experience with visualization/charting libraries in R or Python is also required. Familiarity with Dockers, SQL and Javascript would be highly desirable. A core responsibility will be in the conceptualization and implementation of methods, tools and infrastructure in social impact – working with new technologies or topics should not be disconcerting for you.

A notable amount of our collaboration with clients as well as internal efforts are exploratory in nature; together with our emphasis on incorporating students in field work engenders a highly dynamic environment. Adaptability, ability to work autonomously, and resilience to uncertainties are traits that we look for or hope to develop. Presentation matters: aesthetics, functionality, and user experience should all be important considerations to you.

The Sorenson Impact Center strongly encourages diverse applicants including those who self-identify as Black, Native or Indigenous, People of Color, LGBTQIA+, non-binary, living with disabilities, neurodivergent, speak English as a second language and others from overlooked/underestimated communities.

Responsibilities

• Oversees/conduct data science operations using statistical and visualization methods, data-centric technologies/frameworks, data-mining techniques, and machine learning
• Deploy dashboards, tools, and applications for internal and external clients
• Contribute to deliverables for clients including writings and presentations
• Mentor and supervise staff and interns in their field work
• Contribute to the design and construction of infrastructure for data operations
• Perform R&D in social impact topics, in particular market-related approaches
• Step in to support all aspects the data science operations
• Learn and incorporate concepts underpinning social impact as a core value proposition
• Present work to various types of audiences
• May travel to fulfill the Center’s obligations and needsnt
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• Work Environment and Level of Frequency typically required
• Nearly Continuously: Office environment.
• Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required
• Nearly Continuously: Sitting, hearing, listening, talking.
• Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking.
• Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.

Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree and 6-8 years of related experience in the field or related area is required.

This position has no responsibility for providing care to patients.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Preferences

Preference will be given to candidates who exhibit the following:

• Experience working on or leading teams with diverse stakeholders.
• A degree in data science, statistics, engineering, physical sciences or a related field. Master’s or PhD preferred.
• Data engineering, programming, and analysis experience required.
• Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in a programming language, such as R or Python and working knowledge of git.