Position DetailsPosition Information
Recruitment/Posting Title Newark Community Data Hub Postdoctoral Associate
Department Cornwall Center Metro Studies
Salary Details $74,000
Offer Information The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
Benefits Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:
- Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
- Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
- Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
- Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
- Life insurance coverage
- Employee discount programs
Posting Summary The Joseph C. Cornwall Center for Metropolitan Studies seeks a data science, analytics, and mapping-focused Postdoctoral Associate to support the Newark Community Data Hub. The Associate position is awarded for one year beginning December 2026, with the possibility of renewal. The position carries a stipend of $74,000, health benefits, and $3,000 in research funds.
About the Data HubThe Newark Community Data Hub is a partnership between the Joseph C. Cornwall Center and the Opportunity Youth Network's (OYN) My Brother's Keeper Newark (MBKN). It builds on the MBK Key Life Milestone Framework - a cradle-to-career framework spanning early childhood, education, workforce, health, and community safety - to organize publicly available data around the indicators that matter most to Newark residents, organizations, and policymakers. Layered with social determinants of health and economic mobility indicators, the Hub creates space for collective learning about the city's pressing questions, with the aim of grounding future action in that shared knowledge. Year 1 focuses on converting early analytic work into a fully functioning Hub.
The RoleThe Postdoctoral Associate will serve as a core member of the Hub's analytic team, working under the supervision of the Senior Research Analyst who is the technical director for the Data Hub. Primary responsibilities are quantitative and computational, with some involvement in qualitative work such as focus groups, as project needs require.
Responsibilities include:
- Sourcing, cleaning, and maintaining data pipelines from publicly available sources (Census, ACS, administrative records, and similar) organized around the MBK milestone framework and SDOH indicators.
- Building and updating interactive dashboards and data visualizations for public and community audiences.
- Conducting GIS and spatial analyses at the neighborhood level.
- Applying machine learning, AI integration, and predictive modeling methods to Hub research questions.
- Conducting literature reviews to guide data and analytic planning.
- Leading preparation of research briefs, community data presentations, and public-facing reports.
- Prepare technical briefs to guide data use.
- Supporting community data convenings - translating technical findings for non-specialist audiences.
- Participating in mixed method research, including focus groups or community listening sessions, as needed.
Position Status Full Time
Posting Number 26FA0969
Posting Open Date 10/29/2026
Posting Close Date 01/05/2027
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience Recently conferred doctorate (within 5 years) in a quantitative social science field - including but not limited to urban planning, public policy, sociology, geography, economics, or data science. Strong proficiency in statistical analysis, GIS, and at least one of: machine learning methods, AI/LLM integration, or predictive modeling. Experience working with large, multi-source datasets. Commitment to equity and community-centered research.
Certifications/LicensesRequired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Strong proficiency in statistical analysis, GIS, and at least one of: machine learning methods, AI/LLM integration, or predictive modeling.
Preferred Qualifications Background or coursework in education research, workforce development, or public health. Experience with place-based or community-embedded research. Familiarity with R, Python, or similar tools for data analysis and visualization. Comfort facilitating community-facing research activities.
Equipment UtilizedPhysical Demands and Work EnvironmentOverviewStatementPosting Details
Special Instructions to Applicants Offline applications not accepted.
To ensure full consideration, candidates should submit: Cover Letter/Letter of
Interest, Curriculum Vitae, Research Statement, reference information, and a single-authored academic writing sample via jobs.rutgers.edu. Questions should be addressed to Kimaada Sills at
Please refer to the School and Campus websites for additional information. (
;/strong>; https://;/strong> Applications reviewed on a rolling basis. Position contingent upon funding.
Quick Link to Posting
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Campus
Rutgers University-Newark
Home Location Campus
Rutgers University-Newark
City
Newark
State
NJ
Location Details
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