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This position is part of the Survey Research Operations (SRO) Design, Methodology, and Statistical Support (DMSS) unit at the University of Michigan's Institute for Social Research, Survey Research Center. DMSS is responsible for sample design, paradata monitoring, weighting and imputation, and data analysis for a wide range of surveys. The unit also houses a program of methodological research to improve the cost-effectiveness and quality of survey estimates and offers internal statistical support to other SRO units.
The Data Scientist position is intended to provide support to SRO projects in reporting and data visualization, and to expand SRO capacity by working at the intersection of survey research and data science. This role would support implementation of tasks in the areas of geocoding and geospatial data analysis, integrating the tools, methods, and advanced analytics of data science to improve and facilitate operations of SRO sponsored projects.
For additional information about SRC and SRO, please visit our websites at and
Geocoding and geospatial analysis
Independently perform geocoding and analytic tasks in support of sample design and implementation including but not limited to formation of geographical clusters, creation of segment maps, linking geographic areas to create sampling units, and facilitating listing. Independently perform geocoding and analytic tasks required to support face-to-face data collection including interviewer recruitment and hiring, staffing plans, and interviewer assignments; maintain and improve mapping tool applications for coordination of interviewer travel; create maps for management of sample assignments; respond to project requests for mapping of elements specific to study content or selected interviewing areas.
Reporting and data visualization
Perform complex data management, and quality assurance services for internal and external clients. Perform complex database queries and develop reports on data collection processes. Gather, analyze, and integrate spatial data and determine how the information can best be displayed using GIS; analyze geographic relationships among varying types of data, including spatial data for relevant statistics to incorporate into reports and dashboards; independently perform complex database queries and develop reports and data collection processes; create tailored project reporting using complex paradata; develop dashboard to facilitate monitoring of sample performance; integrate interactive data visualization tools into dashboards (e.g., filters, time sliders on line charts, maps) that allow exploration of more detailed information.
Expand SRO capacity for using geographic data
Lead DMSS subunit in development and implementation of methodological and analytic tasks related to maps, geocoding, spatial analyses, and demographic data. Conduct research to identify, secure, and compile external geographic data for analytic use (e.g., publicly available data from the census or other sources); use GIS software across a range of data sources to meet project needs; provide analysis of external data sources to inform design decisions; creating programs to extract and manage data, conducting analysis and/or developing and testing analytic models. Lead a DMSS team to meet deliverables on time and on budget. Monitor scope, budget and timeline for developmental initiatives.
Integrate data science methods into unit analysis
Provide complex analysis of project paradata and unit data for management staff or other clients. Perform statistical analysis. Propose methodologies employing neural networks, artificial intelligence(AI), or other machine learning methods to facilitate execution of projects, streamline processes, and manage improvements to data quality; implement machine learning methods to predict survey response propensity using individual or household frame characteristics, mode of response or other paradata; implement text analytics tools to facilitate processing of open-ended survey data; train other unit members in the use of data science tools and methods most relevant to survey research. Participate in preparation of research papers and manuscripts for publication and presentation at conferences and workshops.
Master's degree in data science, statistics, survey methodology, biostatistics or in a recognized field of quantitative social science, geography, natural resources, computer science or other GIS related field. 4 - 6 or more years in survey design, implementation or data analysis including experience in other areas of survey research or data collection (e.g. sampling, coding, data management, application programming, or paradata analysis). Demonstrated statistical proficiency. Proficient in the use of computer software packages for statistical analysis (SAS, R, or Python) and knowledge of computing platforms and data file construction. Skills in key geospatial techniques and tools including data geocoding, mapping, geospatial data manipulations, projections, and basic geospatial analyses using GIS packages, including ArcGIS. Skills in importing and integrating data from a variety of non-spatial data formats (spreadsheets, lists, text files, and databases) into GIS format. Familiarity with the data science tools and methods including machine learning, neural networks, text analytics or other tools. Strong oral and written communication skills. Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy. Ability to work collaboratively in a team-based environment. Knowledge and experience with demographic, census and vital statistics data. Knowledge of and basic skills with Structured Query Language (SQL). Experience in survey methodology, including sample design, weighting, and post-survey adjustment. Experience with national geospatial data such as TIGER, SF3, NLCD, and NHD. The Institute for Social Research (ISR) at the University of Michigan seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitment to serve the diverse people of Michigan, to maintain the excellence of the university, and to ground our research in varied disciplines, perspectives, and ways of knowing and learning.
Authorization to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment and applicants for this position will not be sponsored for work visas.
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
About University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
A great university is made so by its faculty and staff, and Michigan is recognized as one of the best universities to work for in the country. The Michigan culture is known for engaging faculty and staff in all facets of the university to create a workplace that is vibrant and stimulating.For two consecutive years, the Chronicle of Higher Education has placed U-M in its "Great Colleges to Work For" survey. In particular, the university earns high marks for strong relations between faculty and administrators, a collaborative system of governance, strong pay and benefits, and a healthy work/life balance.
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