Social Science Data Manager

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How to Apply

All applicants must submit a cover letter and resume as a single document to be considered for this position. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline your skills and related experience.

Job Summary

The National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS), a collaboration between Johns Hopkins University's Bloomberg School of Public Health and the University of Michigan's Institute for Social Research, seeks a qualified social scientist to manage researcher access to NHATS restricted data. NHATS allows approved users to access its restricted data products (e.g., contextual, genetic, administrative) through two secure virtual data enclaves. Output from analyses of restricted data are reviewed by NHATS prior to release in order to minimize disclosure risks. 

The successful candidate will work directly with NHATS investigators and the research community to ensure appropriate scientific use and privacy/confidentiality safeguards for NHATS restricted data. This position requires a master's degree in a social or informational sciences and experience with statistical analysis and human subjects research.  The ideal candidate will have experience managing project operations (e.g. applications, approval processes) and/or databases and will have strong attention to detail and excellent communication skills. Discretion with handling confidential data is required.

Responsibilities*

The Social Science Data Manager will be responsible for:

  • Processing and reviewing NHATS restricted data applications - Includes being the point of contact for research investigators and advising/supporting applicants through the process.
  • Managing restricted data accounts - Includes setting up accounts for/with approved researchers, providing access to approved files, documenting access, as well as removing access when needed.
  • Reviewing imported and exported files - Includes vetting for disclosure risks files requested to be imported into and exported out of the enclaves. This individual will be responsible for appropriately reporting/mitigating any protocol violations.
  • Representing NHATS restricted data to the NHATS team and collaborating enclave partners - Includes managing  regular restricted data meetings with the NHATS investigators and representing NHATS to various enclave and computing groups. 
  • Oversee development and implementation of on-line application portal and data base - A goal for NHATS is to make an online application available to restricted data applicants in order to facilitate the initial application, modifications, and closeout. The database will be used to facilitate tracking of application status and regular and ad-hoc reporting to project leadership and funding agency. The Social Science Data Manager will make key design decisions, test, and oversee programmer work.

Required Qualifications*

  • Master's degree in social sciences, information sciences or related field, including coursework in advanced statistics
  • Five or more years experience with statistical analysis (e.g. using SAS, Stata, or R), preferably with social science survey data
  • Demonstrated ability to be attentive to detail
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Experience with human subjects research
  • Experience designing and implement new administrative processes, procedures, and/or databases

Desired Qualifications*

  • Experience with relational database software
  • Familiarity with Medicare claims and assessment files
  • Experience protecting privacy / confidentiality of human subjects
  • Experience working in an academic or grant-funded environment

Work Locations

Work location is expected to be onsite in Ann Arbor with flexibility for hybrid work within our overall Center guidelines.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Underfill Statement

Openings may be filled at the Social Science Data Manager Lead or Social Science Data Manager Senior level depending on match with opportunity, your depth and breadth of experience and qualifications.

Additional Information

The Institute for Social Research 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.

Benefits at the University of Michigan

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, U-M offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family, and plan for a secure future. Benefits include generous time off; retirement plan with two-for-one matching contributions after the first year; many choices for comprehensive health insurance; life insurance; long-term disability coverage; and flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses. Learn more about U-M benefits.

Background Screening

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.

Application Deadline

Institute for Social Research job openings are posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.