Spatial Analysis Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Job Description
This position requires the ability to independently perform data analysis, data management, data systems development, data visualization, and reporting of organizational, policy and environmental data and individual level data for studies of nutrition, physical activity and obesity. The position also requires the ability to work effectively with multiple investigators and manage competing project demands, and to provide project management as needed.
Department Summary:
The Nutrition Policy Institute (NPI) is a statewide institute within the Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of California. NPI conducts and translates policy-relevant research to transform environments for healthy children, families, and communities. We are home to approximately 30-40 academic, staff and student employees located in the UCOP offices in Oakland and other locations.
This position is a career appointment that is 100% fixed.
The home department is the Nutrition Policy Institute (NPI). While this position normally is based in Oakland, CA, this position is eligible for hybrid flexible work arrangements for applicants living in the State of California at this time. Please note that hybrid flexible work arrangements are subject to change by the University.
Pay Scale: $93,345.00/year to $132,720.00/year
Job Posting Close Date:
This job is open until filled. The first application review date will be 08/03/2026.
Key Responsibilities:
30%
Data collection: Prepare training and quality control protocols for quantitative and qualitative data collection, including with human subjects. Assist with development and implementation of survey instruments and other data collection tools, including programming online data collection instruments using software such as Qualtrics. Some data entry may be required. Collect data in the field (e.g., schools, childcare WIC clinics, participants' homes) and supervise and train others to collect data.
25%
Data management: Creates, manages and maintains project databases and organizational data systems. Checks data quality, cleans and records data, geocodes data, and creates derived datasets. Creates standard analytic data files and documents program codes and procedures for use by research team. Develops systems for organizing data to analyze.
25%
Data analysis: Performs statistical analysis for individual research projects. Selects appropriate test formulas and performs computations such as multiple and partial correlation coefficients, linear and logistic regression, multilevel modeling, causal analyses, spatial analyses, and determines sampling and reporting procedures. Analyzes research data using statistical and geospatial software such as SAS, R, Stata, and/or ArcGIS. Prepares and summarizes preliminary and final data.
10%
Data reporting/presentation: Prepares reports and/or analysis of research findings for internal and external dissemination and written analytical sections for peer-reviewed papers, reports and grant proposals. Creates data visualizations including online dashboards, infographics, maps, tables and charts. Creates queries and extracts data across multiple systems for analysis and interpretation. Develops databases using querying and coding languages such as SQL and Python. Utilizes data visualization platforms (e.g., Tableau) to create online dashboards.
5%
Design: In consultation with PI and research teams, designs research and evaluation studies and their data collection and analysis plans, including sampling, survey instruments, data entry programs, and results reports.
5%
Project management: Develops workplans and timelines, organizes and chairs meetings/ consultations with team members, ensures data analysis and reporting are completed on time. As needed, assists with budget management, students, administrative staff and/or lower-level analysts to enter data and conduct analyses, and serves as liaison to subcontractors or other analysis teams.
Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
• At least 3 years of experience conducting a combination of 1) primary data collection in schools and/or with children/students and 2) management, statistical analysis and system programming using SAS, Stata, SPSS, R or other statistical software to conduct analyses including multivariable statistical analyses (e.g., ANOVA, regression, hierarchical modeling), causal modeling, and conducting spatial analysis and geocoding using ArcGIS or other geospatial software.
• Demonstrable skill and experience with developing data collection protocols, infographics, data visualization and presenting data in accessible formats.
• Experience conducting primary qualitative data collection (e.g., interviews or focus groups) and coding/analyzing qualitative data using a software program (e.g., Dedoose, Nvivo, AtlasTI)
• Training and/or experience with managing a web-based interface being fed by multiple databases.
• Experience in database design, creating and managing data files and data security measures.
• Demonstrated skill in data analysis and consultation.
• Demonstrated commitment to working with a diversity of research and community partners, including educators, medical doctors, legislators, non-profits, parents, and youth.
• Skills to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner both verbally and in writing. Ability to communicate effectively with both statisticians and non-statisticians.
• Strong organizational, written and oral communication and critical thinking skills and attention to detail. Ability to prioritize deadlines and project management skills.
• Knowledge of nutrition, physical activity and obesity measurement and its analysis.

Preferred Skills:

• Master's in related field, including biostatistics or public health, with significant course work on analysis and data visualization.
• Familiarity with federal food and poverty programs, such as SNAP, WIC, CACFP and school meals.
• Understanding of how commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is implemented in research and evaluation.
• Fluency in a language other than English, both written and verbal.
• Familiarity with programming languages such as Python and Java.

Special Conditions of Employment:

• Must possess valid California Driver's License to drive a County or University vehicle. Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed, proof of liability damage insurance on vehicle used is required. Reimbursement of job-related travel will be reimbursed according to University policies.
• The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check. This is a designated position requiring a background check and may require fingerprinting due to the nature of the job responsibilities. UC ANR does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities.
• As of January 1, 2014, ANR is a smoke- and tobacco-free environment in which smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes), is strictly prohibited.
• As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs , as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
• Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.
  
  1. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
     
     • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
     • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
     • Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

About Us
The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) brings the power of University of California research and education to all 58 California counties. Through research and extension in agriculture, natural resources, economic growth, nutrition, and youth development, we work to improve the life of every Californian.
Collaborating to solve problems.
Connecting to serve communities.
For over 100 years, our advisors, specialists, faculty and staff have been committed to connecting Californians to their land grant university. We are highly collaborative and mission-driven to promote the health and well-being of people and places across the state. We are also trusted partners with hundreds of community organizations in addressing California's most pressing challenges.
It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.
How to Apply
Internal Candidates*: To apply as an internal UC ANR employee, please go to:
https://ucphrprdpub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psp/ucphrprd/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_EMP_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Employee&SiteId=18&JobOpeningId=87572&PostingSeq=1
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*Employment applications must be submitted online through our careers site. Please note, we do not accept resumes or applications by email or on paper.