US Micro Data Analyst 2 (# 365212)

Job ID: 365212About the JobIPUMS makes the world's largest collection of population and health survey data freely accessible online. Thousands of researchers use these data worldwide, and you can contribute to the development and enhancement of this public good. We seek one or more data analysts (Researcher 2) to join our team of research and information technology professionalsWe are looking for a technically minded person who enjoys working with data and can learn new skills and knowledge quickly. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who knows when to ask questions, can simplify complex information, has experience collaborating on projects, communicates progress clearly, and is eager to solve problems and build expertise with IPUMS data.The data analyst(s) will be part of a broader team that supports multiple IPUMS collections: IPUMS USA, CPS, Time Use, and Health Surveys. These data collections share common infrastructure while each has its unique challenges and timelines of deliverables. Data analysts will work across data collections, pivoting between discrete tasks with defined deadlines and longer-term projects as needed. The technical skills required and developed while working on different initiatives will be similar across the data collections, but analysts will learn the nuances of each data collection and how to apply their skills accordingly.Analysts will be expected to develop domain expertise into a subset of topical areas, technical applications, and/or data collections, and will be expected to leverage this expertise to develop user-facing documentation and dissemination materials.The environment supports individual growth while being highly collaborative; we expect analysts to take ownership of tasks assigned to them and enlist the team to refine approaches and output, as well as provide constructive feedback to colleagues on their work. You will work closely with members of the immediate research team as well as other research staff (e.g., technical researchers, student research assistants, full-time research staff on other teams) and software developers.RESPONSIBILITIESThe signature activity of IPUMS is the harmonization of discrete datasets into a single consistently coded and documented series that enables comparative analyses over time. Harmonization work at the data analyst 2 level involves distilling complex information, scoping solutions to complex data or conceptual problems, and executing or adapting well-defined tasks to move data through our processing pipeline.• 40-60% Manage and create data and metadata via the IPUMS data processing pipeline. This includes harmonizing codes across datasets, resolving comparability issues, writing variable documentation, empirically verifying which respondents answered specific questions, ensuring data quality, testing website functionality, processing new data and metadata into IPUMS systems, adapting existing methods and tools for new purposes, and developing new approaches to address novel situations.• 30-40% Write internal and user-facing documentation and training materials. Expected documentation activities include transferring technical documentation into more accessible language and formats; documenting processes, complex variables, and harmonization decisions in the format of internal reference documentation, blog posts, conference presentations, data training workshops and webinars, and working papers; generating other documentation describing complexities and/or innovations as they relate to IPUMS data and their research applications.• 10-30% Other duties as assigned. This may include participating in User Support activities (reviewing and responding to targeted questions from data users, summarizing common questions and proposing improvements to documentation or tools, participating in Virtual Office Hours), conference travel, providing information for grant reporting purposes, analyzing data to illustrate substantive applications, and other duties as assigned.Salary Range: $52,000 - $61,000 depending on qualificationsWork Location: This position is eligible for hybrid (on-site presence is required 2 days per week during the six-month onboarding period, and at least one day each two week period thereafter) or fully onsite work arrangements. ISRDI is located at 50 Willey Hall in Minneapolis, MN.QualificationsRequired:• BA/BS degree with at least one year of related experience or a combination of education and work experience to equal five years• Proficiency with statistical software (e.g., Stata, R)• Knowledge of relevant subject matter (e.g., demography, health, economics, aging, maternal and child health)• Experience/ability to synthesize complex information into accessible formats• Experience working with large-scale census or survey data• Ability to work independently, including scoping problems and outlining solutions for review/discussion before implementation• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills• Approaches new or unfamiliar areas with curiosity and enjoys learning new skills and/or about new topics• Experience communicating updates on time-sensitive tasks with teams/supervisors• Experience working on projects or in environments that require excellent time management and organization skills and the ability to manage multiple streams of workAdditional selection criteria*:• Ability to bring a researcher/end-data user perspective to the processing and documentation of large population datasets• Experience with technical writing, e.g., technical documentation about data or statistical methods, or research manuscripts• Experience combining multiple data sources• Experience working with a programming language such as Python or Julia and/or Unix• A master's degree or equivalent years of experience in a related field• Willingness to acquire Special Sworn Status• 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.About the DepartmentIPUMS is part of the Institute for Social Research and Data Innovation (isrdi.umn.edu). ISRDI is an interdisciplinary research organization that includes the Minnesota Population Center (pop.umn.edu), the Life Course Center (lcc.umn.edu), and the Minnesota Research Data Center (mnrdc.umn.edu). ISRDI supports a work-life balance for our staff with 40-hour work weeks 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 persons from historically excluded and underrepresented groups. We strongly encourage members of underrepresented groups to apply.BenefitsWorking at the UniversityAt the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.The University also 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 areaPlease visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.How To ApplyApplication Review Begins November 18, 2024. All applications should include a cover letter and a resume. Please detail in your cover letter how your experience (e.g., coursework, internships, employment, community involvement) addresses the required qualifications listed above. Please pay particular attention to your experiences with data, including relevant courses, internships, and jobs.Questions concerning the application process, including requests for accommodation, may be addressed to Sophia Yohannes-Smadi, HR & Operations Coordinator, at isrdi-jobs@umn.eduDiversityThe 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.eduEmployment RequirementsAny 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.About the U of MThe 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 the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).