The Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) seeks a Data Scientist-Model Developer to research, design, implement, adapt, and maintain models of travel behavior and transportation systems in various platforms. The Data Scientist–Model Developer will join a team at the forefront of advancing the state of the practice in transportation modeling, designing, building, and maintaining critical tools that support transportation planning across the Boston Region and Massachusetts. In this role, you will have the opportunity to apply innovative modeling techniques, including exploratory modeling, to address complex transportation challenges and inform key decisions. If you are driven to produce quality work, passionate about the power of models, and committed to ensuring stakeholders understand and utilize these tools effectively, we encourage you to apply.

• Develop, update, and refine model input data in spatial data formats.
• Contribute as a key team member on the development and maintenance of custom software applications to support transportation modeling.
• Perform research and participate in the development of modeling features related to emerging transportation technologies, transformative modes, and shared mobilities.
• Ensure that transportation modeling tools and analytical capabilities are credible and effective for policy analysis; participate in quality assurance and quality control processes.
• Work collaboratively to advance the state of the practice for transportation tools at the agency.
• Work from functional specifications and requirements produced by transportation modelers and translate those into efficient, flexible scripts with error handling, testability, and user-centered features.

While the following sections describe required and desirable qualifications, candidates who believe that their particular experience and skills fulfill the requirements are encouraged to apply. Required

• A desire to help build an equitable, sustainable, and resilient transportation system for the Boston region
• Advanced degree in transportation modeling, computer science, data analytics, data science, statistics, mathematics, engineering or related field, and 1-3 years of experience using the required skills or comparable skills
• Excellent ability to think logically and algorithmically in clear, cogent software design and well-documented code using Python, GitHub, and is familiar with AI supported programming approaches.
• Experience conducting statistical analysis of datasets, extracting useful information, and fitting mathematical models to describe the data to be programmed into a larger process
• Experience using data management, procedure development, and data visualization in either R or Python (preferably both)
• Effective work prioritization, time management, and collaboration skills
• Facility with version-control software like GitHub and methods
• Excellent problem solving and analytical skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills

Preferred

• A passion to learn new analytical skills and share knowledge with the team
• Experience using travel demand modeling software, such as TransCAD, to support large, complex model development and applications projects
• Strong understanding of econometric and demand models, use and purpose of market segmentation, and interpreting model estimators in the context of behavioral theory
• Experience building and maintaining code environments for development and production

This is a full-time position and the starting salary range is $74,000 - $88,000 annually, contingent upon qualifications and experience. The agency offers excellent Massachusetts state employee benefits; a flexible, supportive work environment; and a commitment to ongoing professional development. The Boston Region MPO reserves the right to fill more than one position through this recruitment should organizational needs and available resources support doing so. Additional Information The Boston Region MPO is a public agency made up of a passionate group of transportation planners, analysts, modelers, programmers, and engineers working to address the Boston region’s transportation challenges. The agency’s deep transportation knowledge is an essential asset to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), regional transit authorities, cities and towns within the region, as well as other agencies and stakeholders. The agency has a hybrid schedule, combining time in the office with remote work. Employees must reside within a commutable distance from the Boston Region MPO office, which is located in downtown Boston, in a transit-oriented and bicycle-friendly area. Candidates must have legal authorization to work in the United States. The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) is the fiduciary agent and legal employer of the Boston Region MPO staff. Both organizations are Equal Employment Opportunity employers that take pride in the diversity of their workforces and encourage all qualified persons to apply. MAPC participates in the E-Verify system to confirm employment eligibility. MAPC and the Boston Region MPO may consider sponsorship on a case-by-case basis.

How to Apply

This position is open until filled, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. First consideration will be given to those applicants who apply within the first 21 days. When applying for this position, please upload both a resume and cover letter via bostonmpo.org/careers. The cover letter should express why applicants want to work in public service or transportation planning. Candidates selected to interview will be asked to submit three references plus a sample of relevant writing or a work product.