About the Job

9521 - Research Assistant (Data Statistician with the Clemency Project) Start date: As soon as possible; End date: December 31, 2026 JaneAnne Murray, Law School

Professor Murray is seeking an experienced Quantitative Researcher, Statistician, or Empirical Legal Scholar to analyze 10+ years of individual-level federal offender data from the U.S. Sentencing Commission (USSC). The project involves modeling how individual offender variables impact district-level outcomes and visualizing geographical trends across US Judicial Districts.

Key Responsibilities

• Data Ingestion & Longitudinal Harmonization: Clean, merge, and structure a decade of USSC Individual Offender Datafiles, resolving variable code changes across fiscal years.
• Hierarchical Statistical Modeling: Build multilevel regression models (HLM / GLMM) to analyze case-level factors—including drug weights, role adjustments (e.g., AGGROL/MITROL), mandatory minimum applicability, and criminal history—to evaluate district-level variance.
• Spatial Analysis & Mapping: Map aggregate and model-adjusted district-level metrics onto U.S. Federal Judicial District shapefiles to visualize geographical disparities over time.
• Reporting: Deliver clear statistical summaries, regression tables, coefficient plots, and interactive or high-resolution spatial maps.

Expected pay frequency

• $30 per hour
• 12.5% (5 hrs/week or 20 hours a month).

Remote work with periodic meetings (in-person or Zoom) to ensure understanding of expectations and progress on work.

No set schedule. Deliver clear statistical summaries, regression tables, coefficient plots, and interactive or high-resolution spatial maps by 12/31/26.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Proven experience working with USSC datasets or similar microdata (e.g., ICPSR datasets).
• Proficiency in R (preferred for sf, lme4/brms, ggplot2) or Python (geopandas, statsmodels).
• Strong expertise in hierarchical/multilevel modeling and spatial data visualization.

Preferred Qualifications

• ABD

About the Department

Recognized as one of the country’s preeminent public law schools, the University of Minnesota Law School is a leader in preparing students to solve our time's complex social, economic, and business issues. Our exceptional faculty, innovative curriculum, and unmatched clinical and experiential learning opportunities equip students for the demands of the 21st century. We are distinguished by a rare collegial culture emphasizing teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, and persuasion. The Law School draws a talented, diverse student body from every part of the United States and numerous countries.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $30 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Office of Student Health Benefits website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

Student workers are eligible to participate in the Student Health Benefit Plan, if they maintain 6 or more eligible course credits within a given semester. The same applies for Undergraduate Students, Graduate Assistants, Residents, Fellows and Interns.

Application Deadline: 10/20/2026

How To Apply

Student positions are a form of financial support while pursuing an education at the University of Minnesota.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Required Attachments: Resume and Cover Letter

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.

Experience with USSC or similar microdata, proficiency in R or Python, expertise in hierarchical modeling and spatial visualization; ABD preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• harmonizing datasets
• building models
• mapping metrics

Skills & Tools

R, sf, lme4, brms, ggplot2, Python, geopandas, statsmodels

Job Details

• Category: Research and Development (R&D)
• Seniority: Mid Level
• Commitment: Part Time, Temporary
• Workplace: Remote — Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
• Salary: USD 62,400 – 62,400 / year
• Languages: English

Benefits

• Tuition reimbursement

About University of Minnesota Twin Cities

A public research university offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional education with extensive research partnerships. — Industry: Education