Data Research Fellow

About the Job

ANALYST, DIVISION OF HEALTH POLICY AND MANAGEMENT

SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH

Classification and Title: Researcher 4 (8354ST)/Data Research Fellow

Salary Range: $75,000 - $90,000, depending on qualifications

Hybrid Onsite 2 days per week

POSITION SUMMARY:

The School of Public Health Division of Health Policy and Management seeks a Researcher 4 (8354ST)/Data Research Fellow to join the State Health Access Data Assistance Center (SHADAC) team of dedicated and highly regarded faculty, research experts, and staff. This position will work as part of a team to conduct statistical analysis, translate findings into clear and compelling written products, and perform data management tasks for a variety of health policy research projects and client deliverables.

Work Arrangements:

The University of Minnesota endorses a "Work. With Flexibility." and we offer a flexible work environment that meets the needs of our students, faculty, staff, and partners we serve. Hybrid work is permitted, though workers are expected to work in person at least two days per week. The successful candidate is expected to have access to a reliable internet connection for duties undertaken remotely. Onsite location: University Office Plaza, 2221 University Ave. SE, Suite 345, Minneapolis, Twin Cities Campus - East-bank

Starting Salary is dependent upon the selected candidate's relevant qualifications, experience, and internal equity: $75,000-$90,000 annually (full-time)

Example projects include:

• Produce descriptive statistics using a wide range of survey data sources to populate SHADAC's online data visualization tool: State Health Compare
• Conduct analysis using the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) to examine differences in access to care and utilization in Medicaid by rurality
• Collaborate with SHADAC staff to develop new measures related to emerging health policy topics (e.g., coverage transitions, work requirements, etc.)
• Maintain, update and advance SHADAC's expertise and resources on relevant research topics, such as the SHADAC's Health Insurance Unit and the Medicaid undercount

Job Responsibilities:

SHADAC Data Research Fellows typically work on more than one project under the guidance and supervision of a project manager. Specific duties may include:

50% Coding, analysis and data monitoring and management

• Write and maintain statistical software (e.g., Stata, SAS, R) code to automate data cleaning, transformation, and analysis.
• Perform statistical analyses such as descriptive statistics and regression modeling.
• Develop and implement validation processes to ensure data integrity.
• Produce and maintain complete documentation to ensure reproducibility of results
• Access and prepare datasets for analysis (e.g., developing applications, setting up secure storage, merging data sets, etc.)

40% Translate findings into blogs and other written products and provide technical assistance

• Examine and identify data patterns and trends to inform publications and client deliverables
• Draft narrative text for various forms of data related publications (e.g., briefs, blogs) and client deliverables
• Support technical assistance to state agencies, analysts, and policymakers (for example, by producing data analysis and summarizing results)
• Conceptualize and produce compelling, high quality data visualizations including tables, charts and other graphics (e.g., online data dashboards)
• Stay abreast of key methodological changes in data sources that are core to SHADAC's portfolio of work

10% Participation as member of the SHADAC team

• Develop and maintain working relationships with other SHADAC staff
• Participate in SHADAC staff meetings and research meetings
• Attend events such as webinars and on-campus seminars

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. Not considering

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS in public health, public policy, economics, statistics, or related field plus five years relevant work experience; or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least nine years.
• Effective analytic skills with demonstrated professional experience writing code to perform statistical analysis of large data sets using software such as Stata, SAS, or R.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and consistent documentation practices when writing statistical code.
• Willingness to learn and develop new programming and analytic skills and to work with a wide range of new data sources.
• Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Demonstrate effective communication with written, verbal, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to obtain Special Sworn Status (SSS) to work in a Census Research Data Center with restricted data.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive, respectful workplace.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with large federal survey datasets (e.g., ACS, CPS, BRFSS, NHIS, MEPS, etc.)
• Proficiency with data visualization tools such as Tableau, DataWrapper, Infogram, etc..
• Knowledge and interest in health policy, particularly issues related to Medicaid, health equity, health insurance coverage, health care cost, access, and utilization, and quality of care
• Experience working with health care claims data
• Experience working with a state or federal government or a health care program is highly desirable

About the Department

SHADAC is a multidisciplinary health policy research center located at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health with a focus on state health policy. SHADAC is nationally recognized for its survey research, its work on measuring and monitoring health insurance coverage, and its translation of research to inform state and national health policy. Our staff members represent a broad range of expertise, ranging from economics, statistics, and evaluation to sociology and journalism. We are passionate about the importance of using sound data to inform policy decisions, and we work collaboratively with our clients to achieve exceptional results.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $75,000 - $90,000 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.

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.

Required application materials: Resume and Cover Letter

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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