Data Associate / Senior Data Associate

Organization
Brac Institute of Governance & Development
Location
BIGD, Mohakhali, Dhaka
Job Type
Full-time
Deadline for Applications
03/31/2026
How to Apply
Interested candidates are requested to submit a resume (maximum three pages) along with a cover letter explaining their interest in and suitability for the position. Applications should be submitted through the link below.
Where to Apply
https://bigd.bracu.ac.bd/job/data-associate-senior-data-associate/
Tags
Full-time

Position Summary

BRAC Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD), BRAC University, seeks a Data Associate (DA) or a Senior Data Associate (SDA) as a Data Scientist for the Data and Innovation Research Program in BIGD. The selected candidates will contribute to research on Machine Learning (ML) based prediction, Small Area Estimation (SAE), survey design and implementation, and the development of ML/AI-based data pipelines for the institute. Data and Innovation Research program combines observation data, survey data, and emerging technologies like machine learning to improve data accessibility and promote data-driven policymaking. Ongoing studies include the IGC-BIGD Datahub, Predictions of Internal Migration in Bangladesh, Influencing Social Welfare Allocation through Data (an RCT), and Capacity Building of Factories in Sustainability and Climate Action.

The DA/SDA will work on two main scopes: (1) research involving ML and SAE based prediction, including running surveys and fine-tuning models, and (2) business development of ML/AI-based pipelines for the institute.

Primary Responsibilities

A. Research 

  • Design and implement Small Area Estimation (SAE) models, including Fay-Herriot area-level models, for predicting socioeconomic indicators at upazila and zilla levels
  • Apply machine learning and supervised learning techniques for predictive modeling using satellite imagery, remotely sensed data, census data, and household survey microdata
  • Assist in survey design, questionnaire development, enumerator training, field implementation, and real-time data quality monitoring
  • Perform data cleaning, processing, and econometric/statistical analysis using Stata and Python
  • Fine-tune and validate predictive models by integrating multiple data sources (e.g., HIES, BEMS, Population Census, satellite covariates)
  • Prepare research reports, working papers, policy briefs, and contribute to journal articles; conduct literature reviews and support IRB submissions

B. Business Development (ML/AI Pipeline)

  • Develop and assist with ML/AI-based based research proposals for local and international funding calls
  • Identify opportunities for applying data science and AI solutions across BIGD’s portfolio; support proposals and concept notes for new data-driven projects
  • Coordinate with external partners including government agencies, international organizations (e.g., IGC, Embassy of Denmark), and present findings to stakeholders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Economics, Mathematics, Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), Statistics, or any quantitative-focused field
  • For DA: 0–2 years of experience; for SDA: 2–4 years of demonstrated experience in quantitative research, data science, econometrics, or a related field
  • Proficiency in Stata and/or Python for econometric analysis, data processing, and statistical modeling; familiarity with ML libraries (e.g., scikit-learn, TensorFlow) preferred for SDA
  • Experience with or exposure to Small Area Estimation, mixed-effects models, spatial econometrics, survey data, or remotely sensed data is a plus (required for SDA)
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills in English; ability to present technical findings to non-technical audiences
  • Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and collaborate in a team research environment; SDA candidates should demonstrate ability to lead junior researchers

Eligibility

BIGD will recruit individuals with the right to work in Bangladesh. BIGD is committed to providing equality of opportunity and will not discriminate on grounds of sex, race, age, gender, sexual orientation, citizenship, class, caste, ethnicity, disability, location, or religion.