Research Scientist 3 (Posting #465-24)

The NJ Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Applied Research and Evaluation (OARE) seeks a Research Scientist 3 who, under the direction of a Research Scientist 1 or other supervisory official, conducts or participates in research projects or developed programs in a specified professional field; does other related work.

This position will support NJ DCF’s use of evidence to inform decision-making among agency leadership staff by facilitating the translation of data into insights. The core functions of this position include: 1) synthesizing data and sharing key findings with stakeholders; 2) increasing data literacy among DCF’s leadership staff and 3) analyzing and visualizing NJ DCF’s administrative data.

Position is located in Trenton, NJ and may be eligible to work remotely for up to two (2) days in a calendar week.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Support the development and implementation of a training series aimed at improving the capacity of DCF leaders to understand data and use it to improve agency performance and outcomes.

• Support the development of goals, objectives and content for the training series with guidance and partnership from agency leadership and relevant Offices within and outside of Analytics and Systems Improvement.
• Partner and direct the work of research staff and subject matter experts, as needed, to assist with development of training content.
• Support implementation of the training series, coordinating the appropriate resources, processes and personnel to accomplish training goals and objectives.
• Partner with Office of Applied Research and Evaluation, Communications and other staff, as relevant, to assist with evaluation, branding and continuous quality improvement related to the training series.

Conduct analysis of NJ DCF data, summarize and communicate findings to agency leadership and other key stakeholders.

• Carry out specialized research and analysis of DCF’s administrative data focused on key trends and highlights related to agency outcomes and performance.
• Interpret findings from data analysis.
• Develop sound, accurate reports, presentations and data visualizations for DCF leadership and other stakeholders on agency performance and outcomes.
• As appropriate, engage staff in the interpretation of findings.
• Respond to data-related inquiries from agency leadership.
• Develop data briefs, reports, short summaries or other written products, as needed.

Serve as a scientific consultant on the meaning and interpretation of NJ DCF’s administrative data (i.e., CYBER, NJ SPIRIT)

• Assist programmatic and research staff in understanding and interpreting DCF’s administrative data.
• Provide guidance to DCF staff on accessing administrative datasets for analysis.
• Collaborate with other research staff in developing research questions and appropriately analyzing DCF’s administrative data.

Support special projects, as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's or advanced degree in Data Science, Public Health, Social Work, Psychology or other Social Science field. PhD is preferred.

EXPERIENCE: Two (2) years of full-time experience in a field appropriate to the position.

NOTE: A Doctorate in a discipline appropriate to the position may be substituted for two (2) years of experience indicated above.

SPECIAL NOTE: Successful candidates will have strong problem-solving and communication skills, enjoy working in teams in a fast-paced environment, and be passionate about translating data for real-world impact.

RESUME NOTE: Eligibility determinations will be based upon information presented on the resume only. Applicants who possess a degree from a college or university outside the United States must provide an evaluation of one’s transcripts from a recognized evaluation service at the time of submission by the above closing date. Failure to do so may result in your ineligibility.

SALARY: $74,534.83- $105,943.75

TO APPLY: You must submit a cover letter and resume as a single PDF document, saving the file by your Last Name, First Name.

Please indicate in your cover letter the Posting # and where you found this job opportunity. Send the file to:

Job.Posting@dcf.nj.gov

LICENSE: Appointee will be required to possess a driver’s license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS: As a prospective employee of the State of New Jersey, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at StudentAid.gov/PSLF.

VETERANS PREFERENCE: Are you a veteran? If so, proof of your NJ Veterans Preference is required at application. Please provide a copy of your New Jersey Civil Service Commission NOTIFICATION OF VETERANS STATUS along with your cover letter and resume. For information on how to apply for Veterans Preference in the State of NJ, please visit the Civil Service Commission's website at http://www.state.nj.us/csc/seekers/veterans.

SAME APPLICANTS: If you are applying under the NJ “SAME” program, your supporting documents (Schedule A or B letter), must be submitted along with your resume by the closing date indicated above. For more information on the SAME Program visit their Website at:

https://nj.gov/csc/same/overview/index.shtml, e-mail: CSC-SAME@csc.nj.gov or call CSC at (609) 292-4144, option 3.

RESIDENCY LAW: Please refer to the New Jersey

Department of Children and Families’ website at:

https://www.nj.gov/dcf/about/employment/dcf/.

The Department of Children and Families is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a respectful and inclusive work environment which reflects the diversity of the state we serve.