Data Analyst and Content Writer Full-time NEW

Data Scientist / Content Writer

This position has a term length of two years from the date of hire. Location – This role is primarily in-person. Work primarily takes place at the Enterprise Square location in downtown, Edmonton.

The Cities Institute at the Alberta School of Business is a newly launched research and engagement hub focused on urban economics, real estate and housing, transportation, infrastructure, and sustainable city-building. The Institute's mission is to provide rigorous, data-driven insights that inform public policy, guide urban planning, and foster resilient communities. We seek to bridge academia, government, industry, business strategy, and the broader public through applied research, public scholarship, and innovative knowledge translation.

The Cities Institute is seeking a motivated and versatile individual to serve as our Data Scientist / Content Writer. This hybrid role combines strong technical data science capabilities with a passion for public scholarship and digital communication. The ideal candidate will possess a deep familiarity with Canadian data sources and a keen ability to communicate complex ideas in accessible and engaging ways.

Responsibilities

Data Science and Analysis (50%)

• Identify, extract, and clean data from public sources, including Statistics Canada, CMHC, municipal open data portals, and international datasets.
• Build and maintain data pipelines, including scripts for real-time web scraping and API integration using R, Python, or Stata.
• Perform statistical and geospatial analysis to support research projects in housing, infrastructure, mobility, and city planning.
• Generate high-quality, publication-ready tables, charts, and data visualizations using ggplot2, seaborn, matplotlib, or other appropriate tools.
• Work collaboratively with the Executive Director, the Director of Research and Outreach and affiliated faculty to support grant applications, reports, and presentations.

Content Development and Public Engagement (50%)

• Write clear and engaging research summaries, blog posts, data explainers, and policy briefs for the Institute's website and newsletter.
• Collaborate in the production of multimedia content, including data-driven videos, podcasts, and social media campaigns.
• Assist in designing infographics and interactive web dashboards that communicate research findings to a general audience.
• Maintain editorial and data accuracy while ensuring content is accessible, timely, and responsive to public discourse.
• Stay informed of urban policy debates and emerging topics relevant to Canadian cities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Urban Studies, Public Policy, Geography, Business, Economics, Statistics, Machine Learning or a related field; Master's degree is preferred.
• 2 years of demonstrated experience in web scraping, accessing, and managing large datasets.
• Proficiency in Stata, R or Python for data wrangling, analysis, and visualization.
• Strong writing skills with the ability to translate technical analysis into readable and compelling content.
• Familiarity with public sector data, especially Canadian sources such as Statistics Canada and CMHC.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with little supervision.
• Ability to manage and resolve conflict, using sound judgment to know when to involve others.
• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing training in administrative and technical skills.
• Expertise with MS Office, Google Suite applications, and the ability to utilize technology to increase efficiencies.
• Commitment to continued professional development and participation in skills development and lifelong learning to strive for continuous improvement of the program.
• Some evening and weekend work may be required.

Application Instructions

Click “Apply Now” and submit the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Sample of Writing and Data Analysis

Ideally, those who are applying for this job should be able to demonstrate their data analytics proficiency with examples of applied analytic work and also should submit samples of their writing, especially samples of reports or blogs or other social media content.

This position is subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the collective agreement between the Governors of the University of Alberta and the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package.

About Us

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people – from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L'Université de l'Alberta s'engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.