The Center for Science Education at Tufts University is seeking someone with experience in spatial data analysis to assist with analysis of data collected by undergraduates and high school students through a national course-based research initiative. The aim is to identify “hotspots” where resistance levels are high and could pose a threat for multi-drug resistant infections in humans. We are particularly interested in investigating whether antimicrobial resistance levels correlate to socioeconomic variables. In Phase 1 the candidate will use ArcGIS software to analyze our spatial database information, compare our data to other existing spatial datasets, looking for patterns, and create maps. In Phase 2 the candidate will use the workflow developed in Phase 1 as basis for developing and piloting a student curriculum. The position could be filled by one person with experience in spatial analysis and interest in education/outreach OR these could be two separate hires, depending on experience and interest of the candidates. The Phase 1 position is intended for someone with experience in spatial analysis. The phase 2 position is intended for someone with interest in curricular development and aptitude for spatial analysis. Candidates will be working with STEM faculty experts in science curriculum design. The curriculum generated will be disseminated internationally through the Prevalence of Antibiotic Resistance in the Environment (PARE) project.

Phase 1 anticipated tasks include:

• Creation of an automated process to remove data entries that do not meet validation criteria.
• Investigate the repository of geo-tagged datasets (e.g. census demographic data, USDA soil use data, health data) to choose a selection of datasets to compare our data against.
• Perform preliminary exploration, analysis and visualization of data using the ArcGIS platform. Develop a streamlined data analysis workflow for students to run regressions and create visual output data.

Phase 2 anticipated tasks include:

• Work with curriculum experts at the CSE to develop learning goals, background materials, methods and step-by-step instructions as part of student and instructor-level materials for classroom implementation. 
• Meet with area partner high school and community college faculty to listen to and incorporate their instructional needs into the curriculum
• Assist faculty to pilot curriculum in undergraduate and high school classrooms

Qualifications Phase 1:

Experience in analyzing spatial data using the ArcGIS platform

Qualifications for Phase 2:

• Passion for increasing access to research for underserved populations
• Interest in health data/public health
• Aptitude for data analysis
• Interest in learning standards for curriculum design and implementation
• Current graduate student or post-doctoral fellow

Duration

Phase 1: 6 months,

Phase 2: 6 months

Pay

The project budget includes a full time, 6.5 week summer internship or 12.22% effort throughout one academic year on this project (combined for Phase 1 and 2). Tufts University follows the NIH/NRSA stipend guidelines for base salary calculations.

To apply

Contact Carol Bascom-Slack <Carol.Bascom_Slack@tufts.edu>