Scheduled Hours

37.5

Position Summary

The Center for Empirical Research in the Law (CERL)â™s mission is to provide a hub for data science and the law at Washington University. Its activities include using data analytic tools to generate novel insights into the operation of the justice system; to publicly share critical data about the law and legal institutions; and to research and teach about the use of big data and novel computational techniques in legal and economic decision-making. Illustrative projects include the Supreme Court Database, which collects detailed, structured data bout the workings of the U.S. Supreme Court for use by researchers, journalists, and the public; Tribal Law Online, which will codify and create public access to previously inaccessible tribal legal codes and court decisions; and research addressing the risks of discrimination and unfairness in automated decisions systems.

This position will work in close collaboration with faculty on cutting-edge research about the law and legal institutions, including the judiciary, as well as the impact of big data on legal and economic decision-making. The role will involve advancing the Centerâ™s interdisciplinary research through data analysis and software engineering, as well as management of data collection including supervision of research assistants. The role will also include identifying appropriate software solutions to meet research needs and training faculty and students on their use.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain databases and data pipelines; create or configure software solutions for scripting data collection, as well as data analysis and data visualization; apply software engineering principles to write original software to meet research-based needs. Manage data collection, including recruiting, training, and supervising student research assistants
• Identify, develop and maintain appropriate online platforms for archiving, sharing, and publicly disseminating research results and data resources on law and legal institutions.
• Other duties as assigned, including coordinating grant proposals or reporting requirements; coordinating communications with faculty affiliates, students, and the public; and other administrative tasks as needed to support the work of the Center.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masterâ™s degree in computer science, computational science, data science, data management or similar field.
• Expertise with full-stack web development, including UX and UI design.
• Experience with legal analytics or study of law a plus.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to envision, plan, manage, and execute projects within budget.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others having different levels of technical expertise.
• Ability to build relationships, work in a team, and develop projects in collaboration with others.
• Experience designing and developing complex database structure including tables, entity relationships and security privileges.
• Experience writing advanced SQL queries, performing index tuning, and writing query optimization.
• Experience managing various database management systems preferably Microsoft SQL Server and MySQL.
• Experience in designing and implementing ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes.
• Experience designing and developing web-based applications for publicly sharing data.
• Familiarity with WordPress and other CMS is a plus.
• Experience architecting and developing secure and complex applications with C#, PHP, and Python.
• Experience working with external APIs and interfaces.
• Experience developing/utilizing software for analysis and visualization of data.
• Ability to clearly document complex software and database specifications.
• Familiarity with Git.
• Experience with STATA, R and/or MATLAB a plus.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree plus three years of related experience.

Grade

G13

Salary Range

$63,900.00 - $109,100.00 / Annually

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

• Want to Live Near Your Work and/or improve your commute? Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees. We also offer a forgivable home loan of up to $12,500 for closing costs and a down payment for homes in eligible neighborhoods.

• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

• We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? Weâ™ve got you covered.

• WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO/AA Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the Universityâ™s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement

Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment â“ fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.

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