Spatial Data Analyst - Temporary

Northeastern University•Oakland, CA

About The Position

About the Opportunity Job Summary Conduct spatial analysis and statistical modeling to evaluate cannabis cultivation density patterns across tribal, private, and boundary lands. Develop refined sampling grids, analyze temporal trends, and produce visualizations and reports to support cannabis remediation research on tribal lands. Minimum Qualifications Knowledge of spatial statistics, GIS analysis, and statistical modeling using R. Ability to integrate and analyze complex environmental datasets; as normally acquired through a Master's degree in Geography, Environmental Science, Statistics, or related field 2-3 years of relevant experience. Key Responsibilities Refine sampling grid methodology and develop statewide grids that improve land-type resolution while maintaining privacy requirements. Conduct spatial distribution analysis of tribal and private lands and validate grid compatibility with existing data products. 30% Fit and evaluate statistical models to assess cannabis density patterns across land types and time periods. Analyze relationships between cultivation and natural resources, incorporating county-level effects and spatial interactions. 40% Produce spatial visualizations, heat maps, and statistical summaries of model outputs. Prepare comprehensive technical reports documenting methods, results, and limitations with all source code and data properly documented. 20% Provide ongoing analytical and writing support for manuscript development and technical consultation. Collaborate with Principal Investigator on refinements and additional analyses as the project progresses. 10% Position Type Temporary Additional Information Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer. Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. This job is for a current or anticipated job vacancy. Pay Rate: 60.00 Founded in 1898, Northeastern is a global research university and the recognized leader in experiential lifelong learning. Our approach of integrating real-world experience with education, research, and innovation empowers our students, faculty, alumni, and partners to create worldwide impact. Our global university system provides our community and academic, government, and industry partners with unique opportunities to think locally and act globally. The system—which includes 14 campuses across the U.S., U.K., and Canada, 300,000-plus alumni, and 3,000 partners worldwide—serves as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions. The university’s residential campuses for undergraduate and graduate degrees are located in Boston, London, and Oakland, California. Our research and graduate campuses are in the Massachusetts communities of Burlington and Nahant; Arlington, Virginia; Charlotte, North Carolina; Miami; Portland, Maine; Seattle; Silicon Valley, California; Toronto; and Vancouver. Northeastern’s personalized, experiential undergraduate and graduate programs lead to degrees through the doctorate in 10 colleges and schools across our campuses. Learning emphasizes the intersection of data, technology, and human literacies, uniquely preparing graduates for careers of the future and lives of fulfillment and accomplishment. Our research enterprise, with an R1 Carnegie classification, is solutions oriented and spans the world. Our faculty scholars and students work in teams that cross not just disciplines, but also sectors—aligned around solving today’s highly interconnected global challenges and focused on transformative impact for humankind.

Requirements

Knowledge of spatial statistics, GIS analysis, and statistical modeling using R.
Ability to integrate and analyze complex environmental datasets; as normally acquired through a Master's degree in Geography, Environmental Science, Statistics, or related field 2-3 years of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

Refine sampling grid methodology and develop statewide grids that improve land-type resolution while maintaining privacy requirements. Conduct spatial distribution analysis of tribal and private lands and validate grid compatibility with existing data products.
Fit and evaluate statistical models to assess cannabis density patterns across land types and time periods. Analyze relationships between cultivation and natural resources, incorporating county-level effects and spatial interactions.
Produce spatial visualizations, heat maps, and statistical summaries of model outputs. Prepare comprehensive technical reports documenting methods, results, and limitations with all source code and data properly documented.
Provide ongoing analytical and writing support for manuscript development and technical consultation. Collaborate with Principal Investigator on refinements and additional analyses as the project progresses.