Research Analyst, Data Center Communities
- LocationRemote
- Position TypeFull-Time
Regions
We are hiring for roles in the following regions:
Northeast
Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Mid-Atlantic / Southeast
Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi.
Midwest
Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska and Kansas.
Southwest
Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada and Utah.
Pacific Northwest
Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Alaska.
Pacific / West
California and Hawaii.
About the Role
Data centers are being proposed and built across the country, but tracking where, by whom and under what terms is difficult. County records are scattered, zoning hearings are poorly documented, and companies often file applications through unfamiliar subsidiary names.
Architect Digital is hiring a Research Analyst to build and maintain the record of proposed and operating data centers in the United States. You will identify new projects, verify public information about them and keep that information current as projects move through permitting, construction and operation.
This is a research role, not an advocacy role. Your job is to establish what is documented and publicly known about a project, not to advance a position on it.
The ideal candidate is comfortable with public records, thorough by habit and able to write plainly about technical and regulatory subjects.
Core Responsibilities
Project Identification
Monitor county and municipal planning records, zoning agendas, permit filings and local news for new data center proposals nationwide.
Verification
Confirm project details against primary sources, including permit applications, site plans, utility filings and public meeting minutes. Identify the entities and subsidiaries actually filing for a project.
Database Maintenance
Keep the Architect Digital project directory accurate and current as projects change status, ownership or scope.
Policy Monitoring
Track local ordinances, moratoriums and state-level policy that affect where and how data centers can be built.
Research Support
Provide the community engagement team with verified project information they can share with residents.
Trend Analysis
Identify patterns across regions, such as which utilities, water systems or grid interconnections are most frequently cited in project filings.
Neutral Documentation
Present findings without characterizing a project as good or bad for a community. State what is documented and note where information is unavailable or disputed.
Qualifications & Skills
Experience
Two or more years of experience in research, journalism, policy analysis, land use, real estate or a related field involving public records.
Public Records
Demonstrated ability to find and interpret zoning filings, permit applications, utility filings and other government records.
Writing
Ability to summarize complex or technical material clearly and without embellishment.
Attention to Detail
Comfortable cross-checking sources and flagging inconsistencies rather than resolving them by assumption.
Independence
Ability to manage a research pipeline covering many active projects at once with minimal supervision.
Technology
Comfort with spreadsheets, databases and online research tools. Familiarity with GIS or mapping tools is a plus. Prior experience with data centers, blockchain or digital assets is not required.
