MADMC Researcher 2

The School of Public Health division of Health Policy & Management is seeking applications for a full-time Midwest Analytics and Disease Modeling Center (MADMC) Research Associate position, job code 8352PH, Researcher Professional 2 - Public Health.

Note: This job opening is part of a multi-role recruitment effort. We have a total of 2-3 open headcounts currently available across our MADMC team, and we are interviewing for several different functions to find the best qualified fit for our current needs.

Center Description

The CDC-funded Midwest Analytics and Disease Modeling Center (MADMC) is one of 13 CDC-funded Insight Network sites across the United States that aims to develop analytical tools and build capacity in public health. MADMC works closely with public health and health system partners to develop and pilot test analytic tools to support public health operations and decision-making. MADMC brings together academic experts in decision analysis, infectious disease modeling, data analytics, health informatics, machine learning, and geospatial analysis to work with state public health and health system leaders.

Work Arrangements

The University of Minnesota endorses a "Work with Flexibility" approach that encourages employees to select a work location where they can do their best work. We offer a flexible work environment that meets the needs of our students, faculty, staff and partners we serve. This means that the incumbent may have the option to work at least partially remotely. Onsite location: Mayo Memorial Building, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis on the East-bank campus

We are seeking a candidate with training in data analytics, geospatial analysis, epidemiology, mathematical modeling, and/or health services research who also has an interest in pandemic preparedness and/or infectious disease topics. The Research Associate will have the opportunity to work closely with team members at University of Minnesota, the Minnesota Electronic Health Record Consortium (MNEHRC), and the Minnesota Department of Health.

Job Responsibilities and Duties

With supervision and guidance from faculty and staff, the Research Associate will contribute to the development, pilot testing, and integration of analytic tools to support public health preparedness, response, and decision-making. Projects vary as public health needs arise; see the MADMC website for a list of current and past projects: https://www.sph.umn.edu/research/centers/midwest-analytics-and-disease-modeling/tools/. Depending on the projects they are assigned to, the Research Associate will have the following job duties:

• Development of data analytic and/or mathematical modeling tools (80%), which may include the following tasks:
  • With support from senior staff, execute data cleaning, analysis, and visualization to support ongoing public health analytic initiatives.
  • Build and maintain interactive dashboards and data tools using RShiny.
  • Collaborate on shared codebases via GitHub, actively participating in version control through commits, pull requests, and code reviews.
  • Assist in developing comprehensive technical documentation, including procedures for tool updates and ensuring all code is well-commented and reproducible.
  • Conduct literature searches as needed to support projects
  • Engage with public health subject matter experts (SMEs) to learn from their expertise and incorporate their feedback into project deliverables.
    
• Center- and project-related administration and project management tasks (10%), including:
  • Assist with project evaluation activities, including the collection and analysis of user survey results and assisting with user interviews.
  • For assigned projects, help set meeting agendas, track milestones, and ensure project deadlines are met.
  • Assist with general center operations and preparedness activities, such creating operational protocols and documenting existing resources to be leveraged in response to emerging threats and other levels of public health emergency.
    
• Dissemination and knowledge translation tasks (10%), including:
  • Assist in drafting academic manuscripts and conference abstracts.
  • Assist with drafting presentation slides and posters.
  • Contribute to the creation of public-facing materials like one-pagers and case studies for assigned projects.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree and at least two years of relevant work experience, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience equal to at least 6 years
• Demonstrated effective written, virtual, and in-person communication
• Ability to work independently as well as a member of a research team
• Experience using the R programming language. 2+ years of experience strongly preferred
• Experience applying analytic and/or mathematical modeling methods to health care or public health applications
• Demonstrated commitment to promoting a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree in public health, epidemiology, health services research, or other relevant field
• Interest in pandemic response
• Experience coding and interactive data visualization in RShiny
• Experience with geospatial analysis
• Understanding and/or experience with mathematical disease modeling
• Experience working with public health and/or health system organizations
• Experience coding collaboratively using Github

The University of Minnesota School of Public Health (SPH) is Minnesota's only school of public health, committed to improving the health and well-being of communities worldwide. Through innovative research, learning, and concrete action, we tackle today's biggest health challenges. SPH includes four academic divisions: Biostatistics & Health Data Science, Environmental Health Sciences, Epidemiology & Community Health, and Health Policy & Management.

Ranked nationally by the U.S. News & World Report as the #6 public school of public health, SPH is home to approximately 1,000 students, 130 faculty, and 400 staff across 25 internationally recognized centers. Our academic excellence is highlighted by our #3-ranked Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) and #9-ranked Biostatistics programs.

Pay Range: $55,000 per year - $70,000 per year; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% 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 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. 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.

A Cover Letter and Resume or CV are required for consideration.

Priority Deadline Note: The application review will begin on 7 days from posting.

Visa Language: Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Please note: Currently, the University's employment site is limited in how it collects applicant demographic information. Applicants are encouraged to provide their pronouns and/or preferred name within their attached application materials.

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).