Research Scientist 1 in Albuquerque, New Mexico at University of New Mexico

Requisition ID: req37046

Working Title:
Research Scientist 1

Position Grade:
11

Position Summary:
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 1to 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.

Conditions of Employment:

• Successful candidate must submit to a post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check. Additional health screenings may be required, dependent on the nature of the research conducted, as determined by Employee Occupational Health Services.
• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

Campus:
Main - Albuquerque, NM

Benefits Eligble:
This is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for a more information.

Department:
Geospatial and Population Studies (069D)

Employment Type:
Staff

Staff Type:
Term - Full-Time
Term End Date:
one year from hire

Status:
Exempt

Pay:
$3,841.07 - $5,148.00 monthly depending on experience.

Benefits Eligible:
This is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for a more information.

ERB Statement:
As a condition of employment, eligible employees working greater than .25 FTE as determined by the New Mexico Education Retirement Act must make mandatory retirement contributions. For more information, review the Benefits Eligibility at a Glance grid.

Background Check Required:
Yes
For Best Consideration Date:
7/31/2026

Application Instructions:
Only applications submitted throughthe official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this jobadvertisement on a 3rd party site, pleasevisit UNMJobs to submit an application.
Please submit a resume/UNMJobs application, cover letter, and three (3) professional references. 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.Minimum Qualifications: 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: 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.