Senior Research Data Analyst, Deportation Data Project (5274C), Berkeley Law - #84426

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Departmental Overview

The Deportation Data Project collects and posts public, anonymized U.S. government immigration enforcement datasets. The project uses the Freedom of Information Act to gather datasets directly from the government and also posts datasets that the government has released proactively or in response to others' requests. The data is made available directly for download and accessible through tools developed by the project. The project also provides documentation for each dataset, including its limitations and how it was obtained, as well as documentation obtained from the agencies.

The team is small, collaborative, and composed of academics and lawyers committed to transparency in immigration-enforcement data.

Position Summary

The Senior Research Data Analyst is responsible for overseeing and advancing the Deportation Data Project's data products, ensuring their accuracy, accessibility, and relevance for research, advocacy, and public understanding. This position leads the verification, analysis, documentation, and publication of complex immigration enforcement data and translates that data into publicly accessible tools and insights.

The Senior Research Data Analyst plays a central role within the organization, working at the intersection of data analysis, legal and institutional knowledge of immigration enforcement, and public communication. In addition to managing core data functions, the role collaborates with internal and external stakeholders-including journalists, attorneys, researchers, and funders-to support analysis, inform strategic decision-making, and advance the project's mission. The position also supervises student data workers and contributes to strategic planning related to data development, research priorities, and organizational growth.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: 03/10/2026.

Responsibilities

RESEARCH DATA MANAGEMENT AND ANALYSIS

Data Validation and Quality Control

• Verifies, validates, and posts newly released datasets in accordance with established project protocols and quality standards.
• Identifies data quality issues or anomalies and escalate methodological or interpretive questions to the Principal Investigators (PIs) as appropriate.

Data Tools and Documentation

• Designs, develops, and maintains public-facing data tools, including dashboards, filtering tools, and other data access or visualization products.
• Contributes to data structure, workflows, and documentation to support accurate data dissemination and reuse, under PI supervision.
• Ensures data tools remain current, functional, and aligned with project goals and user needs.
• Drafts, updates, and maintains comprehensive documentation for datasets, methodologies, and data tools to support transparency, usability, and compliance with best practices.

RESEARCH DATA ANALYSIS AND REPORTING

• Conducts descriptive and exploratory analyses of project data to support short-term inquiries and long-term research objectives.
• Performs limited advanced analyses as needed, with results reviewed by PIs or senior researchers prior to public release.
• Prepares summaries, tables, and visualizations to support internal decision-making and external communications.
• Stays abreast of new tools and technologies to support current and future work of the project.

STRATEGIC INPUT AND PLANNING

• Provides analytical and technical input into strategic planning discussions related to data releases, tools, partnerships, and research directions.
• Participates in discussions regarding new data opportunities, collaborations, and funding prospects, while operating under the guidance and direction of the PIs.

PROJECT COORDINATION AND SUPERVISION

• Supervises and coordinates student workers engaged in data-related tasks, including assigning work, reviewing outputs, and ensuring adherence to project standards.
• Exercises discretion in prioritizing data tasks and workflows, coordinating closely with PIs and project leadership.

EXTERNAL ENGAGEMENT AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT

• Serves as a technical resource for external stakeholders, including journalists, attorneys, advocates, and partner organizations, responding to routine inquiries and providing guidance on data interpretation and appropriate use.
• Supports public representation of project data by explaining methodologies, limitations, and findings, as appropriate and in coordination with PIs.

RESEARCH DATA COMMUNICATIONS

• Updates and maintains data-related content on the project website to reflect newly released data, analyses, and relevant developments.
• Coordinates with project leadership to ensure public-facing materials accurately reflect current research and data releases.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Strong data analysis expertise, including strong proficiency in R and a readiness to learn additional analytical tools and methods.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable insights.
• Knowledge of the U.S. immigration enforcement legal and institutional framework.
• Strong analytical and consulting skills, including the ability to interpret complex datasets, identify key insights, and advise program leadership and other stakeholders on data-driven decisions.
• Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.
• Strong research skills, with the ability to evaluate alternative solutions, assess evidence, and develop clear, well-supported recommendations.
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic, geographically dispersed team, collaborating across different backgrounds, locations, and time zones.
• Ability to work onsite.
• Excellent computer skills with the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new systems and programs.
• Strong organizational skills with demonstrated ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Strong understanding of the fundamentals of statistical analysis and use of descriptive statistics.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and work effectively with individuals and groups from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment that promotes collaboration and mutual respect among all members of the UC Berkeley community and its stakeholders.
• Must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage with and understand individuals from varied academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in Spanish.
• Advanced degree in a related field and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Experience working with immigration enforcement data and related analytical projects.

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted annual salary range for this position is $100,000.00 - $108,000.00. The expected hiring range is $104,000.00 - $108,000.00, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

• This is a 12-month, full-time (40 hours/week), contract appointment that is eligible for UC benefits with the possibility of extension.
• This is a non-exempt, biweekly-paid position.

How to Apply

• To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Other Information

• This position will be governed by the terms and conditions in the agreement for the Research and Public Service Professionals, represented by the UAW.
• This is not a visa opportunity. This position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.
• This position is eligible for up to 20% hybrid work. Exact arrangements are determined in partnership with your supervisor to meet role responsibilities and department needs, and are subject to change. Remote work arrangements exceeding 20% of the schedule are subject to additional approval from the direct supervisor and senior leadership.

Conviction History Background

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Misconduct

SB 791 and AB 810 Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional 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; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, 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

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.