restricted-use 1940 and 1950 full count census data from IPUMS and tract-level census data. For the homeless mortality project (Project #2), this will involve the construction of a place-based predictor database, integrating data from federal, state, local, and other sources across multiple geographic scales. The Research Scientist will prepare these data resources for linkage with restricted-use Census Bureau data and, in some cases, for public release.
30% Restricted-Use Data Linkage and Management - The
Research Scientist will conduct restricted-use data work within the
Federal Statistical Research Data Center (FSRDC) and will therefore
be required to obtain and maintain Special Sworn Status with the
U.S. Census Bureau. Responsibilities will include developing and
managing files for transfer into the FSRDC environment; creating
linked longitudinal datasets from Census Bureau, Social Security
Administration, mortality, tax, and other administrative records;
and constructing restricted-use analytic datasets according to
project specifications. The Research Scientist will maintain
documentation of linkage and data processing activities, complete
required training and compliance activities associated with
restricted-use data access, and work closely with Census Bureau
administrators to prepare statistical outputs for disclosure review
and facilitate the release of approved results.
40% Statistical Analysis - The Research Scientist will
be responsible for implementing and overseeing quantitative
analyses for the principal research projects, the majority of which
will take place within the FSRDC. Working closely with Dr. Fenelon,
Dr. Berry, and project collaborators, the Research Scientist will
develop and execute statistical analysis plans; write, maintain,
and document statistical code; create analytic variables; conduct
mortality estimation, regression modeling, multilevel analyses, and
causal inference analyses; implement missing data procedures and
sensitivity analyses; and generate tables, figures, and other
statistical outputs. The Research Scientist will organize and
maintain analytic files and programming code, review and interpret
findings with project investigators, contribute to the development
of new analytic approaches, and participate in regular project
meetings to ensure the successful completion of study aims.
10% Scientific Writing and Dissemination - The Research
Scientist will contribute to the dissemination of research findings
through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations,
technical reports, and other scholarly products. Responsibilities
will include conducting background literature reviews; drafting and
revising manuscript sections, assisting with the preparation of
tables, figures, and supplementary materials; and contributing to
presentations for scientific and policy audiences. The Research
Scientist will work collaboratively with investigators and
coauthors to communicate findings from project analyses and support
broader research activities.
Flexible Work Profile
Approximately 50-75% of working hours will need to be completed
in-person either at the Minnesota Restricted Data Center or another
FSRDC. Remaining hours can be completed in a remote, hybrid or
fully onsite work arrangement.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- PhD in Sociology, Demography, Public Health, with one or more
years of research training
- Demonstrated expertise in statistical programming and
quantitative data analysis using R and/or Stata (minimum 3
years)
- Experience building datasets and with complex data
management
- Experience documenting, organizing, and archiving statistical
code and analyses
- Experience working with restricted access data, including
preparation of material for disclosure review
- Ability to adeptly manage multiple complex tasks such as
multiple data linkages, projects, and code development
- Strong track record of peer reviewed publications
- Ability to work independently
- The selected candidate must have or be eligible to obtain
Special Sworn Status (SSS) with the U.S. Census Bureau within three
months of employment. Eligibility requires successful completion of
a background investigation and either U.S. citizenship or
satisfaction of Census Bureau residency requirements. Candidates
who do not currently hold SSS are expected to initiate the
application process shortly after accepting an offer.
Preferred Qualifications
- 5 years of related research experience
- Experience working in secure, restrictive, and denetworked data
environments
- Experience working with data that are person-level; nested
(e.g. individuals within families); and/or longitudinal
- Experience working with GIS or spatial data
About the Department
ISRDI 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 and Benefits
Pay Range: $80,000 - $97,000 annually ; depending on
education/qualifications/experience
Time Appointment: 100% Appointment
Position Type: Faculty and P&A 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.
How 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.
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.
Diversity
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
Employment Requirements
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.
About University of Minnesota
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.
