IPUMSI Associate Data Analyst

IPUMS 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 an Associate Data Analyst (Research Pro 1- Data Management) to join our team of research and information technology professionals

We are looking for a technically minded person who enjoys working with data and can learn new skills and knowledge quickly. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented and motivated by task completion, knows when to ask questions, communicates progress clearly, and is eager to develop technical skills in data processing and IPUMS data.

The Associate Data Analyst opening is on the IPUMS International team which hosts a rich collection of international census and survey data, with over one billion person records from several hundred microdata samples collected in more than 100 countries (international.ipums.org). The associate data analyst is expected to develop an understanding of basic data infrastructure and metadata components, and consider how these intersect with unique aspects of the data collection. Crucially, the breadth of the IPUMS International data collection frequently poses opportunities for creative problem solving to tackle data nuances across time and space. The associate data analyst will also participate in other tasks, including user support, outreach, and interaction with other IPUMS projects.

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. 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
The 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 a associate data analyst 1 level involves pivoting between execution or adaptation of well-defined tasks to move data through our processing pipeline and troubleshooting complex data or conceptual problems.

• 70%- Manage and create data and metadata via the IPUMS data processing pipeline. This includes processing new data and metadata into IPUMS systems, harmonizing codes across datasets, resolving comparability issues, writing variable documentation, empirically verifying which respondents answered specific questions, ensuring data quality, testing website functionality, and writing internal process documentation.
• 15% Write user-facing documentation and training materials. Expected documentation activities include reviewing and flagging areas for improvement in existing data processing instructions, communicating progress on assigned tasks for supervisors and colleagues to review, updating user-facing documentation to reflect the latest version of data, modifying user-facing documentation based on questions from data users, and helping generate training and dissemination materials.
• 15% 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 and participation, providing information for grant reporting purposes, or analyzing data to illustrate substantive applications of IPUMS data.

Please note: This position is not eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship.

Required:

• BS/BA in an applied data science/analysis or quantitative social science field like geography, sociology, economics, epidemiology, biostatistics, or other related discipline or a combination of education and work experience to equal 4 years
• Data manipulation skills (including documenting and organizing data and code)
• Proficiency with statistical software (e.g., Stata, R)
• Experience working with census or survey data
• 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
• Ability to work independently, including scoping problems and outlining solutions for review/discussion before implementation
• Experience working on projects or in environments that require excellent organization skills and the ability to manage multiple streams of work

Preferred*:

• Knowledge of relevant subject matter (e.g., demography, health, economics, aging, maternal and child health)
• Ability to bring a researcher/end-data user perspective to the processing and documentation of large population-representative datasets
• Experience combining multiple data sources
• Experience working with microdata
• Experience working with a programming language such as Python or Julia and/or Unix
• 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.

The Institute for Social Research and Data Innovation is an interdisciplinary research institute that provides the infrastructure and services to support the work of its four centers: IPUMS, the Minnesota Population Center, the Life Course Center, and the Minnesota Research Data Center. The work of the Institute and its centers advances our knowledge of societies and populations across time and space, including economic and demographic behavior, health, well-being, and human-environment interactions.

Pay Range: $24.04-$27.89 per hour ($50,000 - $58,000 annually); depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

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

Please note: This position is not eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship.

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. All applications must 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.

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 jobcentr@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, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.