Data Scientist

Summary

The Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) seeks a Data Scientist-Model Developer to research, design, implement, adapt, and maintain models of travel behavior and transportation systems. In this role, you will apply innovative modeling techniques to address complex transportation challenges and inform key decisions.

Responsibilities

• Develop, update, and refine model input data in spatial data formats
• Contribute as a key team member on the development and maintenance of custom software applications to support transportation modeling
• Perform research and participate in the development of modeling features related to emerging transportation technologies, transformative modes, and shared mobilities
• Ensure that transportation modeling tools and analytical capabilities are credible and effective for policy analysis; participate in quality assurance and quality control processes
• Work collaboratively to advance the state of the practice for transportation tools at the agency
• Work from functional specifications and requirements produced by transportation modelers and translate those into efficient, flexible scripts with error handling, testability, and user-centered features

Skills

• A desire to help build an equitable, sustainable, and resilient transportation system for the Boston region
• Advanced degree in transportation modeling, computer science, data analytics, data science, statistics, mathematics, engineering or related field, and 1-3 years of experience using the required skills or comparable skills
• Excellent ability to think logically and algorithmically in clear, cogent software design and well-documented code using Python, GitHub, and is familiar with AI supported programming approaches
• Experience conducting statistical analysis of datasets, extracting useful information, and fitting mathematical models to describe the data to be programmed into a larger process
• Experience using data management, procedure development, and data visualization in either R or Python (preferably both)
• Effective work prioritization, time management, and collaboration skills
• Facility with version-control software like GitHub and methods
• Excellent problem solving and analytical skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• A passion to learn new analytical skills and share knowledge with the team
• Experience using travel demand modeling software, such as TransCAD, to support large, complex model development and applications projects
• Strong understanding of econometric and demand models, use and purpose of market segmentation, and interpreting model estimators in the context of behavioral theory
• Experience building and maintaining code environments for development and production

Qualifications

Must Haves

• A desire to help build an equitable, sustainable, and resilient transportation system for the Boston region
• Advanced degree in transportation modeling, computer science, data analytics, data science, statistics, mathematics, engineering or related field, and 1-3 years of experience using the required skills or comparable skills
• Excellent ability to think logically and algorithmically in clear, cogent software design and well-documented code using Python, GitHub, and is familiar with AI supported programming approaches
• Experience conducting statistical analysis of datasets, extracting useful information, and fitting mathematical models to describe the data to be programmed into a larger process
• Experience using data management, procedure development, and data visualization in either R or Python (preferably both)
• Effective work prioritization, time management, and collaboration skills
• Facility with version-control software like GitHub and methods
• Excellent problem solving and analytical skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills

Nice to Haves

• A passion to learn new analytical skills and share knowledge with the team
• Experience using travel demand modeling software, such as TransCAD, to support large, complex model development and applications projects
• Strong understanding of econometric and demand models, use and purpose of market segmentation, and interpreting model estimators in the context of behavioral theory
• Experience building and maintaining code environments for development and production

Benefits

• 75% employer paid medical insurance premium
• Low cost basic and optional life insurance
• Retirement Savings plans: Defined Benefit Pension plan through Mass. State Employees Retirement Board System (MSERB) and a Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan
• Reasonable dental and vision plans
• Paid vacation time starting at 15 days per year (based on hire date)
• Paid sick time - 15 days per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Up to 5 paid discretionary days per year (pro rated based on start date)
• Up to 40 paid days for FMLA qualifying events, including parental leave
• Flexible Spending Accounts for health care and dependent care
• Transit commuter subsidy up to $225
• Discounted Blue Bikes membership
• Tuition assistance
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
• Professional development
• Professional membership dues assistance
• Short-term Disability coverage
• Optional Long-Term Disability coverage
• Mass4You Wellness Programs and Employee Assistance Program
• A flexible, supportive work environment
• A commitment to ongoing professional development