The Role

The Data Scientist will serve as the analytical anchor for projects at the intersection of AI, democracy, and social ecosystems. This role requires deep expertise in statistical methods, machine learning, and computational social science, with a focus on understanding how information flows, how civic discourse shifts, and how data science can strengthen affiliated projects.  This role will report directly to the Principal Engineer of the Technical Projects Group. Preference will be given to candidates based in New York.

You will conduct original research, support grantees and startups with technical needs, and deliver rapid analyses and visualizations to inform leadership decisions.

Key responsibilities for this role include the following:

Research on Information Ecosystems

- Track shifts in civic discourse and analyze how information flows across platforms.
- Map influence patterns, creator networks, and pivotal moments in digital conversation.
- Produce insights on information dynamics that inform strategy and priorities.

Support for Startups and Projects

- Provide data science expertise to affiliated grantees, startups, and partners.
- Help projects design analyses, validate findings, and strengthen data pipelines.
- Collaborate with technical and non-technical teams to ensure data work aligns with practical goals.

Ad-Hoc Analysis & Visualization

- Deliver timely analyses and dashboards on questions from leadership.
- Build clear, compelling visualizations to make complex data legible.
- Respond quickly to emerging issues in political, civic, or platform-related contexts.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

- Social Data Analysis: Experience with large-scale, messy, or fragmented datasets from APIs and platforms.
- AI/ML Expertise: Hands-on experience with NLP, network analysis, and statistical modeling.
- Exploratory Research: Ability to investigate open-ended questions and turn findings into actionable insights.
- Civic & Political Data Fluency: Understanding of how civic and political datasets are structured and used.
- Collaboration: Proven ability to work across disciplines with engineers, policy experts, and external partners.
- Communication: Strong ability to distill technical work into insights that inform leadership decisions.

Required Qualifications

- PhD (or ABD/near completion) in Data Science, Statistics, AI/ML, Computational Social Science, Physics, or related quantitative field.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze large-scale social media and civic data.
- Prior experience in political analytics, civic research, or social ecosystem analysis.
- Strong programming skills (Python, R, SQL; ML/NLP frameworks).
- Commitment to applying data science for democratic resilience and social good.
- Active use of AI tools in day-to-day workflow, with openness to adopting and experimenting with new technologies.

$150,000 - $185,000 a year

This is an exempt position.

Hillspire, LLC is an equal opportunity employer and we strive to create an atmosphere where diversity of identity, experience, and background are welcomed, valued, and supported.

We believe that diversity brings about greater results on all levels and we aim to use our resources to generate greater impact through our work. Candidates who contribute to this diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.

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