Temporary Associate Data Analyst

This is a one-year, part-time appointment. Applications must be submitted by 12/28/25 at 11:59 PM CST.

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 an associate data analyst interested in international census data and geographic information systems (GIS) to join our diverse team of research and information technology professionals. We are looking for a technically-minded person who enjoys working with data and has the ability to learn new skills and knowledge quickly. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented and motivated by task completion, knows when to ask questions, has strong organization skills, and is eager to develop technical skills in geographic census data processing and IPUMS data.

The current opening is for work on the International Historical Geographic Information System (IPUMS IHGIS - ihgis.ipums.org) and National Historical Geographic Information System (NHGIS, https://www.nhgis.org/). IHGIS provides data tables and corresponding GIS boundary files from population and agricultural censuses around the world. NHGIS provides summary tables and time series of population, housing, agriculture, and economic data, along with GIS-compatible boundary files, for years from 1790 through the present and for all levels of U.S. census geography. The primary responsibility for this position is to contribute to the development and documentation of geographic census data for both collections. The work may also involve contributions to IPUMS user support and outreach.

RESPONSIBILITIES
You will be involved in all stages of the development, documentation, and dissemination of IPUMS IHGIS data.

70% GIS data development.
Support the development of GIS boundary files corresponding to the units described in census data tables. Identify and assemble source data and reference information. Align boundaries both geometrically and with the specific sets of units in data tables. Validate and organize completed files for publication. Develop scripts to improve workflows. Assist with training and guiding undergraduate research assistants. Author and edit text describing data products and workflows for both internal and external audiences.

20% Processing and metadata development for data tables.
Process metadata for new IHGIS and NHGIS datasets. Convert source documents to data files using optical character recognition and other software. Utilize markup frameworks, database queries, and scripts to manipulate data structures and conduct quality assurance. Review and edit table titles, classifications, topics, variable labels, and other metadata.

10% Documentation and outreach support.
Prepare materials promoting the use of IHGIS and NHGIS, including blog posts, presentations, webinars, and documentation. Prepare documentation for the project websites describing census geography concepts.

Work location: This position is eligible for remote, hybrid, or fully onsite work arrangements. ISRDI is located in Willey Hall at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, MN.

Required

• A bachelor's degree or a combination of related education and work experience equal to 4 years
• Experience and/or coursework using GIS and spatial data
• Experience and/or coursework in R and/or Python programming
• Experience with one of the IPUMS databases or other large-scale census or survey datasets
• Excellent data manipulation skills and ability to learn new information technology
• 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
  

Preferred

• Degree in Geography or GIS
• Experience with a data development project
• Experience with project coordination
• Experience with technical writing, web content design, and/or public communication

Pay Range: starting rate is $24.04/hour

Time Appointment: 50% 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
• 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

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.

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 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).