Research Data Engineer

Location: New York, NY or Remote within the U.S

About the Role 

We're looking for someone to help us build a unified system for our primary research data, financial data, and business development information — including reconciling older historical data with newer data that has drifted in format or structure over time, so we can run reliable long-term analyses. 

This role is a strong fit for someone with a background in library or information science combined with programming experience. A large part of this job is about organizing, documenting, and making sense of data that has changed shape over the years — the kind of problem information science trains people to solve well. You'll also build the technical pipelines and API connections that move this data between our systems, with support available for the more infrastructure-heavy pieces (cloud setup, deployment) as needed. 

This is a backend-focused role — no custom dashboard or front-end UI work required. We use off-the-shelf BI tools for reporting. 

What You'll Do 

• Design how our historical and current data fit together, including resolving inconsistencies from changed formats, renamed fields, or different collection methods over time 

• Build a clear, well-documented data dictionary and provenance record — where data came from, how it's changed, and what it means today 

• Build data pipelines (ETL/ELT) to bring data in from internal tools and external vendors on a reliable schedule 

• Build and maintain API connections between our systems and third-party software (CRM, accounting/finance tools, research platforms, and similar) 

• Apply sensible data governance and access controls for sensitive financial and confidential records 

• Monitor data quality over time and flag issues before they affect analysis 

• Partner with IT/outside contractors as needed on cloud infrastructure and deployment, especially early on 

What We're Looking For 

• A degree or coursework in Library Science, Information Science, or a related field (MLIS or equivalent experience) 

• Demonstrated programming experience — coursework, personal projects, prior job, or research work involving Python and/or SQL 

• Strong understanding of metadata, taxonomy, data provenance, and information organization principles 

• Comfort learning new technical tools and systems independently 

• Excellent documentation and communication skills — this role sits between technical and non-technical colleagues 

• Bachelor's degree required; graduate degree in library/information science strongly preferred 

Nice to Have (Not Required) 

• Experience with research data management, digital scholarship, or data curation in an academic or research library setting 

• Familiarity with cloud data platforms (Snowflake, BigQuery, AWS, or similar) 

• Exposure to ETL/orchestration tools (Airflow, dbt) or API development 

• Experience with survey, longitudinal, or panel data specifically 

A Note on Compensation 

We recognize this role bridges two skill sets that are typically compensated differently. Candidates with stronger, more production-level programming experience alongside their library/information science background will be considered at the higher end of the range ($120K–$130K); candidates whose programming experience is more foundational will be considered in the $95K–$110K range, with a clear growth path as technical skills develop on the job. 

What Success Looks Like in the First Year 

• Historical and current datasets are consolidated into one system, with clear documentation of how legacy data was reconciled and why 

• Key third-party integrations are connected and syncing reliably, with support from IT/contractors as needed on infrastructure 

• A data dictionary exists that any new hire, contractor, or vendor could use to understand the system without extensive hand-holding 

• Data quality issues are caught and flagged proactively 

DRC is committed to attracting and retaining exceptional talent and supporting employees’ professional growth and success. Full-time employees are eligible for a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off; participation in the Firm’s 401(k) plan; and additional employee benefits, subject to the terms and eligibility requirements of the applicable plans and policies.

New York Base Salary Range: $95,000–$130,000 annually

This range represents the base salary DRC reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for this position when performed in New York. For candidates working remotely from another approved location, the applicable salary range may differ based on geographic market and applicable law. The final base salary will be determined based on legitimate business considerations, including the candidate’s experience, education, qualifications, specialized knowledge, skills, and work location.

Candidates outside New York will be provided with the applicable compensation range for their approved work location. Any additional compensation for which the position is eligible, such as a discretionary bonus or incentive compensation, will be communicated separately.

Equal Employment Opportunity

DRC is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibit discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, age, sex, pregnancy or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or familial status, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.