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JOB: SITU Junior Computational Researcher

Junior Computational Researcher

Location: Brooklyn, NY (Hybrid)

Type: Full-time, permanent

Salary: $65,000-$85,000, Exempt

Overview

SITU Research is a visual investigations practice developing new forms of fact-finding and reporting to cut through digital noise and amplify truth. As an interdisciplinary team of architects, computer scientists, and researchers, we take a rigorous and comprehensive approach to synthesizing disparate forms of evidence in order to provide complete accounts of contested events. Whether in the form of interactive digital platforms or 3D site reconstructions, our visual tools allow victims and their advocates to access contextualized reports of what really happened.

Our collaborators and clients have included: The International Criminal Court, The United Nations, Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change, The Intercept, PBS Frontline, Don’t Shoot Portland, National Lawyers Guild, The Associated Press and Human Rights Watch, among others. By joining our team, we offer the opportunity to support creative, world-changing projects.

SITU’s Research division is seeking a Junior Computational Researcher to join our interdisciplinary team engaged in projects that cross design, technology, and human rights. The work, which can broadly be understood as Visual Investigations, involves applied research and innovation in advocacy, legal, and journalistic contexts across a range of issues, from combatting suppression of dissent to rendering visible environmental crime.

About the role

This position will focus on developing and evaluating new methods for open-source visual investigations. Crucially, the candidate should possess an enthusiasm for technological innovation, creative problem-solving, and come with experience in applied interdisciplinary work. This position will report directly to the Deputy Director of SITU Research.

Skills and Abilities

  • 2+ years of relevant professional experience
  • Experience utilizing spatial analysis tools in an applied setting such as: machine learning, computer vision,geospatial analysis, image analysis, or remote sensing
  • Critically test new technical platforms and summarize results
  • Experience with open-source content discovery, archiving, and verification
  • Competency in the visual design of diagrams, maps, and 3D scenes
    • Experience with web development (HTML, CSS, Javascript, React, Vue, Svelte, three.js, d3.js, leaflet, mapbox)
    • Experience with data analysis (Python, pandas, numpy, scikit-learn, SQL)
    • Experience with GIS tools (QGIS, ArcGIS, ArcMap, Leaflet, or MapBox)
    • Experience with command line interface and scripting tools for file manipulation
  •  Proven ability to work flexibly and independently, as well as with instruction
  •  Strong written and spoken communication skills; ability to document work with attention to detail and incorporatecritical feedback
  •  Demonstrated research skills and experience collaborating on interdisciplinary teams
  •  Interest in learning best practices via exposure to sensitive/graphic content
  •  Openness to explore, use, and learn new methodologies, frameworks, and tools
  •  Familiarity with design, access, and accessibility best practices

Additional Relevant Skills and Qualifications

  • Competency in 3D modeling and rendering software like Blender, Unity, Unreal, Rhino, Meshlab, Cloud Compass, 3DS Max or Cinema 4D, and an understanding of various rendering techniques and optimizations for large complex geometries
  • A degree in a design-related field such as Architecture, Urban Planning, Computer Science, or equivalent working experience is recommended but SITU will consider applicants from other fields as well

We offer the opportunity to support creative, thoughtful, and high-quality projects in a studio environment. Benefits include employer health (including two fully funded options), dental, vision, life, and long term disability insurance plans, 4 weeks of paid time off, holiday time, and additional perks such as subsidized CitiBike memberships and highly reduced parking passes through the Brooklyn Navy Yard. After a year of work, you are eligible to contribute to a company 401(k) plan with a 4% employer match.

About Us

SITU Research’s work touches social and political events from around the world. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and beyond. We believe that having a diverse team (in terms of education, culture, ethnicity, race, class, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ancestry, languages spoken, religion, mental or physical disability, national origin, citizenship status), is not only the right thing to do, but that it leads to more principled, ethical, and rigorous work. We strongly encourage applications from people who have been historically underrepresented in the fields of human rights, design and architecture.

Select projects include: Documenting Enforced Disappearances (2024); Crime Scene: Bucha (2022); The Crimes of ISIL against the Yazidi Community in Sinjar (2021); After the Strike (2021); The Trap, Mott Haven, Bronx (2020); Choking Dissent: How Tear Gas is Used to Crush Protestors (2020); Cerro de Pasco, Peru (2020); and ICC Digital Platform: Timbuktu, Mali (2016). These reports serve as an indispensable baseline for advocacy, litigation, journalism, and beyond. Learn more at https://situ.nyc/research/profile.

Application Instructions

Please send your application materials to work@situ.nyc with the subject line ‘Junior Computational Researcher’

Include, as a single (1) PDF attachment:

  •  a cover letter
  •  your resume
  •  three (3) references
  •  a portfolio, website, and / or relevant work samplesNo phone calls, please.SITU is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusivity in the workplace and beyond. We encourage all of our employees to bring their original, authentic, and multifaceted selves into the company. As an equal opportunity employer, we do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, sex, ancestry, citizenship status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, veteran status, or military status. We highly encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

This opportunity will close on 2/4/25, please apply before this deadline.