Overview
The Empirical Study of Conflict (ESOC) Project seeks a Research Specialist to provide geo-spatial and statistical analysis, as well as qualitative research for a multi-university team of researchers. Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, the Specialist will will help to develop and analyze data on malign influence campaigns (e.g. COVID-19 related misinformation or the various online disinformation campaigns during the 2016 US elections). They will also analyze and develop micro-level conflict data to examine politically motivated violence worldwide and the efficacy of policies to reduce it (including Afghanistan, Colombia, India, Iraq, Pakistan, and the Philippines). 

This position is ideal for those with Masters degrees seeking an applied research position as well as exceptional graduating seniors with a strong interest in pursuing a PhD in Economics or Political Science after acquiring applied research experience.

This is a one-year position. Extension may be possible. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Applicants should submit a cover letter and C.V. online. Upon request, candidates should be prepared to submit references, transcripts, and/or writing samples. The final candidate will be required to complete a background check successfully.

Responsibilities
Essential Requirements include:

• BA or more advanced degree, preferably in social science or statistics, or equivalent work experience
• Academic experience conducting micro-economic and statistical analysis as well as historical research
• Proficiency with or ability to rapidly learn R, STATA, and ArcGIS software or equivalent
• Excellent writing and analytical skills
• Evidence of ability to take the initiative in solving practical research problems
• Ability to work independently and to adjust to rapidly changing needs of researchers 

Qualifications 
Preferred Qualifications: 

• Two years or more experience working on applied machine learning projects
• Familiarity with SQL or other database systems. Candidates are expected to be familiar with data munging tasks such as transformations, visualizations and mining
• Masters degree in Data Science, Economics, or Statistics
• Experience with impact evaluation projects involving randomized trials or matched control designs, need not be in an academic setting
• Familiarity with the use of ESRI suite of products and Python scripting
• Familiarity with SQL or other database systems
• Experience with automated scraping of data from websites
• Experience with machine learning

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. EEO IS THE LAW.