Senior Data Analyst

This is a temporary, 9-month appointment with the possibility of continuation dependent on funding and satisfactory performance.

IPUMS makes the world's largest collection of population and health survey data freely accessible online. Hundreds of thousands of researchers worldwide use these data, and you can contribute to developing and enhancing this public good.

We seek a senior data analyst interested in health survey data to join our diverse team of research and technology professionals. We are looking for a technically minded person who enjoys working with data and can learn new skills and knowledge quickly.

The current senior data analyst opening is on the IPUMS Global Health team. IPUMS Global Health projects generally, and the IPUMS DHS project in particular, integrate health survey microdata from low- and middle-income countries and develop associated metadata and documentation. In this position, you will reformat public use microdata files into a consistent format, develop and implement efficient processes for creating harmonized variables and their documentation, carry out supplemental programming, run and check recoded data, update metadata control files, and collaborate on creating website content and publicity materials. You will also participate in other tasks, including user support, outreach, and involvement in other IPUMS projects.

The signature activity of all IPUMS projects is the integration of discrete datasets into a single consistently coded and documented series that enables comparative analyses over time and space. IPUMS projects share common methods and infrastructure while each has its unique challenges and timelines of deliverables. The environment is highly collaborative, and you will work closely with research scientists, data analysts, student research assistants, and software developers. We are constantly pushing the boundaries of data processing and dissemination methods, and there is considerable opportunity for initiative and creativity by all members of the research staff.

RESPONSIBILITIES

* 60% Data processing: Execute all stages of the IPUMS DHS data processing pipeline, including: reformatting public use files; linking data across file types; adding samples, checking variable universes, and updating documentation for integrated variables; developing supplemental programming; tracking progress in harmonizing survey data; running, testing, and deploying recoded data; updating metadata control files; and expanding and keeping current the material on the project website.

* 30% Improving workflows and processes: Identify, design, and implement improvements to established workflows, including modifying and developing code and more efficient approaches to automate data production. Liaise with IT staff to diagnose and resolve problems and to implement reforms to workflow processes.

* 5% Supporting other IPUMS Global Health projects: Provide support for data production tasks on other IPUMS Global Health Projects.

* 5% Other tasks: Collaborate on preparing and presenting information about IPUMS Global Health data in a variety of venues, including professional conference exhibits, workshops, webinars, online office hours, and blog posts.

Pay Range: $29.90 - $36.60 per hour ($62,254.10- $75,000, annually), depending on qualifications

Work Location: This position is eligible for fully remote, hybrid, or fully onsite work arrangements. ISRDI is located at 50 Willey Hall in Minneapolis, MN.

Required:

• BA/BS degree in applied data science/analysis or quantitative social science field like geography, sociology, economics, epidemiology, biostatistics, statistics, public health, or other related discipline plus at least four years of relevant experience or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least eight years.
• Excellent data manipulation skills (including documenting and organizing data and code)
• Experience analyzing and integrating complex data that vary over space and time
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision and to collaborate with others
• Attentive to detail and committed to accuracy
• Willingness to acquire new skills and learn IPUMS standard procedures

Preferred*:

• Experience using one of the IPUMS databases or other large-scale census or survey datasets
• Experience with statistical packages (R, SPSS, Stata, or SAS)
• Experience with technical writing, web content design, and/or public communication
• Degree in a social science or other field where health or social science survey data are directly applicable
• Ability to read language(s) in addition to English and/or cultural knowledge of other world regions
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice

*Are you excited about this job and meet the required qualifications, but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every preferred qualification? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. If this is you, we strongly encourage you to apply because you just may be the right candidate for this role.

IPUMS is part of the Institute for Social Research and Data Innovation (ISRDI). ISRDI is an interdisciplinary research organization that includes the Minnesota Population Center, the Life Course Center, and the Minnesota Research Data Center. ISRDI promotes a work-life balance for our staff, offering 40-hour workweeks and flexible work hours. The University also offers excellent health insurance, retirement benefits, and tuition assistance. ISRDI encourages and supports staff training and development.

Diversity and inclusion are core values of our organization! We are committed to creating a work environment that celebrates and promotes diversity and advances a culture of inclusion for people from historically excluded and underrepresented groups. We strongly encourage members of underrepresented groups to apply.

Pay Range: $29.90 - $36.60 per hour ($62,254.10- $75,000, annually); depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Questions concerning the application process, including accommodation requests, may be directed to Alex Lunde, HR & Operations Manager, at isrdi-jobs@umn.edu.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.