Required Qualifications:
- Master’s or equivalent experience in a population-related field or data science with one or more years of research training.
- Demonstrated expertise in one or more statistical software packages such as Stata or R.
- Experience working with population microdata
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience performing large-scale record linkage.
- Experience with a programming language such as Python.
- Experience with historical census microdata.
Please detail in your cover letter your experiences with data, including relevant courses, internships, and jobs.
IPUMS is developing a U.S. record linkage database of unprecedented scale, spanning 1850 to the present, and including information on hundreds of millions of persons from censuses, surveys, vital statistics, and administrative records. We are seeking a researcher to be the point person for this project.
The backbone of the project involves linked full-count census data spanning the period 1850 to 1950. These data will be augmented by Social Security and other administrative records, and partner organizations are performing additional linkages between the historical database and modern census and survey data.
We are nearing the conclusion of the first project phase, which has developed software infrastructure and created an initial set of linked censuses. We now plan an extension of that work, adding new data, improving the software, and testing new linkage techniques.
The Senior Data Analyst will be part of a team composed of faculty, staff, software developers, and students. They will meet regularly with the developers and the project leadership group. The researcher may contribute to papers and presentations at academic conferences that describe the linking methodology, assess data quality, and advertise the database.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- 30% Develop and improve machine learning algorithms. Explore alternative linking strategies and compile comparative statistics for quality assessment.
- 20% Incorporate new data sources into linking methods. Add new data to the system, resolving conflicts between links derived from alternative sources.
- 10% Assist implementation of linking method into production code. Work with software developers to implement selected linking approaches in a robust, metadata-driven system.
- 5% Develop a process for updating and archiving links. Work with the software team to devise a system for editing links throughout the system while storing older versions for reference.
- 10% Perform data quality assessments. Develop robust, reproducible methods to confirm the validity of linked data for public dissemination.
- 10% Document the linking methodology. Write text for both internal and external audiences describing the linking method. This might include commented code, web text, working papers, or conference presentations.
- 10% Develop training data. Devise appropriate training data to inform machine learning and instruct student workers in its creation.
- 5% Meet with the project leadership group. Participate in regular meetings with the leadership team to strategize, set priorities and coordinate with stakeholders.
Salary Range: Annual salary starting at $59,000- $69,000, depending on qualifications.
We would prefer candidates who can work hybrid (at least once a week) or fully onsite; position does not require being fully onsite.
IPUMS 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). The Institute 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! IPUMS 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.
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. Application requirements include a resume and a cover letter describing your interest and qualifications for the position. Questions concerning the application process may be addressed to Alex Lunde, HR & Operations Manager, at isrdi-jobs@umn.edu.
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-UOHR (8647).
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.
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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.