MPC Job Opening: Research Associate/Research Fellow

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Requisition 195905
The Minnesota Population Center (MPC, www.pop.umn.edu) makes the world’s largest collection of
individual-level population data freely accessible online. We are looking for smart, technically-minded
people who enjoy working with data to join our growing team. With thousands of researchers using these
data worldwide, a career at the MPC offers numerous ways to contribute to the development and
enhancement of this public good.

The Center seeks one or more research fellows or research associates to join the diverse team of
researchers and technical staff building the best possible platform for accessing some of the world’s most
important population and health data. MPC hosts a suite of census and survey data projects that includes
IPUMS-USA, IPUMS-CPS, NHGIS, IPUMS-International, ATUS-X, NAPP, IDHS, and IHIS — all
accessed at ipums.org — as well as historical projects that process full-count U.S. census files from text
strings into numeric data. The Terra Populus project merges these population data with environmental
data. The hallmark of these projects is the integration of discrete datasets into a single consistently coded
and documented series that enables comparative analyses over time or space. The projects share common
methods and infrastructure while each has its unique challenges and timelines of deliverables. The
environment is highly collaborative, and you will work closely with graduate research assistants, postdoctoral
associates, software developers, and senior project and Center staff.

Responsibilities
You will potentially be involved in all stages of data and metadata production, including the web
dissemination system. The range of work includes coding data, harmonizing codes across datasets,
resolving comparability issues, documenting variables, exploring data quality, testing web site
functionality, adapting existing methods and tools to new purposes, and developing new approaches to
address novel situations. We are constantly pushing the boundaries of data processing and dissemination
methods, and there is considerable opportunity for initiative and creativity by researchers at all levels.
You may supervise graduate assistants or other research staff. Because of differing grant life cycles and
the dynamic nature of the Center, you may move between projects as needs evolve and you gain expertise.
In addition, you will represent MPC projects at conferences and other settings. The Center provides
opportunities for staff to pursue their own research interests and expects associates and fellows to
participate intellectually in the life of the center with faculty, other researchers, and graduate student
members.

Qualifications
The minimum requirements are as follows: For Research Fellow, applicant must hold a master’s degree or
A.B.D. status (completed preliminary exams). For Research Associate, applicant must hold a Ph.D. at time
of appointment. Applicant’s degree must be in a population-related field (e.g. economics, geography,
history, public health or sociology). Excellent computer skills and experience with census or survey
microdata using a major statistical package (SAS, Stata or SPSS). Excellent interpersonal and written and
verbal communication skills.Additional selection criteria include: Experience working as a member of a research team, especially with
supervisory responsibilities. Demonstrated ability to learn new information technology as required.
Familiarity with a programming language and/or Unix.

Application Procedures
Please apply using the University of Minnesota’s online employment system (http://z.umn.edu/rqc). Attach a
cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references to your online application. Your
cover letter is a great opportunity for you to explain your interest in our position opening and to highlight your
relevant skills and abilities. The search committee will begin its review of applications immediately upon
receipt; the position will remain open until filled.

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.