Disparities Fund Project Manager

The Institute for Health Informatics (IHI) at the University of Minnesota is seeking a Research Supervisor. The new hire will join a lab working on analysis of local school data for the purpose of reducing disparities in health and education outcomes for K-12 children. The position will involve multidisciplinary research projects in the fields of psychology, education, data science, machine learning, and statistics. This is a Pro 5 classification Community Engaged Research position. We are seeking a full time (40h) position but are open to a reduced schedule if desired.

This is a hybrid position, with in-person work on the Twin Cities campus of at least 2 days a week.

Research - 35%

• Develop research directions, both independently and in conjunction with the local school districts and other UMN researchers, that have the potential to lead to reduced disparities in health and education outcomes for K-12 children.
• Design research studies aligned with the aforementioned research directions.
• Carry out the aforementioned research studies independently or in conjunction with the local school districts and other UMN researchers or via supervised research assistants.

Leadership - 25%

• Supervise and monitor critical activities such as data transfers, maintaining data security, data cleaning, data preprocessing, data analysis, and data visualization.
• As necessary, step in to perform any of the above activities to ensure they are accomplished at the highest standards and in a timely manner.
• Supervise a small team of graduate research assistants in the above tasks.

Community Engagement and Partnership - 25%

• Work in close collaboration with both local school districts and other UMN-associated students, staff, faculty, and researchers.
• Travel to local school districts to meet with collaborators in person and better understand the on-the-ground situation at these educational sites.
• Ensure that all data shared with UMN by local school districts is protected to a standard that meets or exceeds all legal and contractual obligations.
• Work closely with the local school districts to aid with the design of data collection mechanisms such as surveys.
• Work closely with the local school districts to aid with the interpretation of all research results and identification of feasible evidence-supported interventions or changes that help to reduce the disparities in health and education outcomes of K-12 children.

Communications, Publications, and Outreach - 15%

• Disseminate, or facilitate dissemination of, research findings by means such as communication with the local school districts, talks or presentations to the public or interested groups, publications of IRB approved projects, or other media that may reach a relevant audience.
• Ensure that all projects are well documented, including documentation of project steps such as data cleaning, processing, analysis, visualization, and reporting.
• Support or lead efforts for the acquisition of additional funding from grants, philanthropic donations, or other sources of funding that can support projects aligned with the Disparities in Health and Education Outcomes Fund.

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials.

Required Qualifications

• Masters degree (e.g. MS, MA, or equivalent) in education, data science, health informatics, psychology, or related field, or at least two years of related job experience.
• Experience with basic machine learning and statistical methods.
• Experience working with school teachers or administrators.
• Experience with any of Python, MATLAB, R, or other common statistical computing languages.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with messy real-world data.
• Demonstrated/documented strong communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently.
• Energetic and enthusiastic about improving health and education outcomes for children.
• Experience working to improve diversity, equity, and inclusiveness.
• Experience working within a public school system.
• Experience working independently in a rapidly changing research environment.
• Skills in data visualization.
• Experience analyzing public school data, including descriptive, predictive, and potentially causal analysis methods.
• Leadership skills or willingness to take leadership training courses.

The Institute for Health Informatics (IHI) educates students and conducts research in the fields of biomedical and health informatics.

In that work it focuses on the design, use, and evaluation of information systems that support and improve healthcare while protecting the safety and confidentiality of those who receive that care. It is an interdisciplinary endeavor that encompasses work in a variety of settings from tertiary care hospitals to specialty clinics, mental health facilities, community clinics, nursing homes, and home care agencies.

To learn more about the Institute for Health Informatics please visit: https://healthinformatics.umn.edu/

Pay Range: $80,000-$95,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 50%-100% Appointment

Position Type: 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

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).