MADMC Researcher 5

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.

We are seeking a candidate with advanced 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., The Research Associate will lead 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 (60%), including the following tasks:

• Develop code and methods for advanced analyses (e.g., geospatial analysis, infectious disease modeling, social contact pattern data analysis) to generate results that are incorporated into interactive dashboards and data tools using RShiny.
• Contribute to strategic decision-making in setting project priorities and proactively address potential challenges.
• Collaborate on shared codebases via GitHub, actively participating in version control through commits, pull requests, and code reviews.
• Lead development of 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 and lead communication with public health subject matter experts (SMEs)
• Contribute to project management by setting meeting agendas, tracking milestones, and ensuring project deadlines are met.
• Supervise the work of more junior research staff to support these activities.

• Center- and project-related administration and project management tasks (15%), including:

• Lead project management of assigned projects by setting meeting agendas, tracking milestones, and ensuring project deadlines are met.
• Lead project evaluation efforts, including the collection and analysis of user survey results and assisting with user interviews.
• Create operational protocols and document existing resources to be leveraged in response to emerging threats and other levels of public health emergency.

• Dissemination and knowledge translation tasks (15%), including:

• Create project dissemination plans, including identifying target journals and conferences
• Write academic manuscripts and conference abstracts as lead author; contribute to other academic products as co-author.
• Create conference and seminar presentations and/or posters.
• Present at conferences, seminars, and professional meetings.
• Create public-facing materials like one-pagers and case studies.

• Provide consultation across projects on advanced analytics methods and technical skills (10%)

• Advanced degree (PhD) in public health, epidemiology, health services research, or other relevant field with one or more years of research training
• 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, 8+ 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

• Interest in pandemic response
• Experience coding and interactive data visualization in RShiny
• Experience with geospatial analysis (SatScan)
• Experience with mathematical disease modeling
• Experience working with public health and/or health system organizations
• Experience coding collaboratively using Github

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.

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 and Benefits, 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 the U of M 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).