Senior Data Scientist

SENIOR DATA SCIENTIST

DART PROGRAM

POSTED:9/3/2025

ABOUT CJA

The New York City Criminal Justice Agency (CJA) is a not-for-profit service and research organization that operates in partnership with the New York City Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice.  CJA is the City’s main pretrial services agency, combining operations, pilot projects, and research under one roof.  CJA utilizes procedural justice practices to provide pretrial services to over 100,000 arrested annually in New York City. Information collected about these arrestees and subsequent case processing is maintained in the agency’s internal and externally shared database systems, which are used to conduct descriptive and evaluation research on arrestee characteristics, case processing and court outcomes, and on issues and potential reforms to criminal justice policy in New York City. CJA’s programs operate in the criminal courts and detention facilities 24 hours a day seven days a week within the 5 boroughs of NYC, employing over 300 employees, citywide.

PROGRAM SUMMARY

DART – We lead research and analytics that turn CJA’s unparalleled justice system data into insights that drive policy and practice. Drawing on over 100,000 annual face-to-face interviews and comprehensive data feeds from police, courts, and corrections, we analyze complex trends, evaluate emerging policies, and apply causal techniques to assess the impact of policy and applied interventions. Through rigorous analysis, compelling visualizations, and impactful publications, we illuminate the workings of New York City’s justice system and advance new lines of inquiry to shape a fairer, more effective system.

POSITION SUMMARY

As a Senior Data Scientist, you will deliver advanced analytics that drive policy and practice. You’ll combine expertise in causal inference—including RCTs and quasi-experimental methods—with policy relevant data analysis, predictive modeling, and modern machine learning techniques.
You’ll collaborate with DART and IT staff to build pipelines and scalable workflows, conduct exploratory and statistical analyses, and translate complex findings into intuitive and actionable products—policy briefs, interactive dashboards, and applied ML tools. You’ll collaborate with a supportive team to drive projects from scoping through delivery.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Analytics & Data Science – Conduct exploratory data analysis and build descriptive and predictive models to support policy and practice. Create reproducible workflows in Python, R, and SQL, and maintain well-documented Jupyter Notebooks. Develop dashboards, visualizations, and data tools to make analyses accessible to technical and non-technical stakeholders.


• Causal Research & Evaluation – Design and oversee rigorous causal studies, including RCTs and quasi-experimental designs. Define evaluation frameworks, identify appropriate counterfactuals, and ensure methodological rigor in estimating policy and operational impacts. Conduct power and sample size calculations to optimize the design of RCTs and quasi-experimental studies. Translate findings from causal analyses into actionable recommendations that inform policy and practice.


• Research Dissemination and Communication – Deliver policy briefs, presentations, and interactive dashboards that translate complex findings into actionable, decision-ready evidence.


• Partner with city agencies, nonprofits, and justice system stakeholders to scope projects and align research with operational needs. Support public and stakeholder engagement by presenting results at conferences, policy forums, and cross-agency working groups.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience: 5+ years of experience in applied data science, analytics, or research roles, ideally in policy or civic tech. A strong portfolio of self-directed analytic work is expected. Experience in the justice system is a plus.


• Education: A postgraduate degree (Master’s or PhD) in statistics, economics, data science, computational social science, or a related quantitative field.


• Technical Expertise:
  - Strong proficiency in Python or R for data manipulation, analysis, and modeling (Python preferred).
  - Experience conducting causal inference and advanced econometric analyses, including RCTs, DiD, IV, ITS, matching, and synthetic control.
  - Advanced statistical techniques and modern machine learning methods for predictive modeling.
  - Experience working with relational databases (e.g. Microsoft SQL, PostgreSQL) and writing complex SQL queries.
  - Expertise in data wrangling and cleaning, including handling messy, incomplete, or complex administrative datasets
  - Proven ability to translate complex analyses into clear, actionable insights for technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  - Experience integrating external data from APIs and common data formats like JSON, CSV, and Parquet
  - Strong data storytelling skills, with experience creating or supporting compelling visualizations, dashboards, and policy briefs.
  - Proficiency with Jupyter Notebooks for data exploration, analysis, and presentation of results.
  - Familiarity with building reproducible pipelines and version-controlled workflows (Git/GitHub, CI/CD).


• Problem-solving skills: Ability to multitask and adapt to a fast-paced environment working with urgency on requests/situations that require a quick turnaround. Work collaboratively to identify and troubleshoot technical problems and find solutions.


• Proven ability to collaborate with complex stakeholder relationships as well as technical and nontechnical staff.


• Exceptional communication skills: A positive attitude and a customer-oriented approach are required as well as the ability to communicate clearly and effectively at all organizational levels and with stakeholders that are both highly technical and non-technical.


• Problem-solving skills: Ability to multitask and adapt to a fast-paced environment working with urgency on requests/situations that require a quick turnaround. Work collaboratively to identify and troubleshoot technical problems and find solutions.


• Mission Oriented: Committed to CJA’s mission and values of commitment, fairness and innovation.

LOCATION: Lower Manhattan

HOURS:

Hybrid work schedule- 3 days a week in office/2 days work from home

SALARY: Up to $140K yearly

*Internal applicants must be 1 year in their current roles and in good standing (no disciplinary action within the last 90 days) to apply.

BENEFITS : CJA offers a very generous benefit plan including health, dental and vision insurance, a comprehensive mental health and wellness (EAP) plan, four weeks’ vacation, paid holidays and a retirement plan with employer matching contributions.  CJA is also strongly committed to professional learning and development for its staff members and offers staff varied opportunities for learning and development through partnerships and vendor services for web based, in-person professional development training, as well as in-house job training and development.

Only those candidates being considered will be contacted.

CJA is seeking applicants who pursue professional development pathways by participating in educational opportunities, reading professional publications, maintaining professional networks, and engaging with professional associations

The New York City Criminal Justice Agency is an Equal Opportunity Employer

CJA is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, parental status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.