Entry Level Data Science Jobs in Louisiana (NOW HIRING)

Description

Health Data Integrity Intern

Why is this a great job? (From the hiring manager) This is an opportunity to gain entry-level experience while learning about a professional work environment. The position will support the operations of the health information exchange that is making Louisiana a better and healthier place. Our mission is serious, but it doesn't mean we can't have a good time working towards it. LPHI is committed to your success, and we value and embrace innovation, creativity, and inclusivity.

ABOUT US
The Louisiana Public Health Institute (LPHI) is a statewide, non-profit organization that has been promoting the health and well-being of Louisianians since 1997. Our 65+ employees work alongside 500+ partner organizations at the local, state, and national levels to leverage our broad expertise in public health to achieve our mission of ensuring that everyone has fair and just opportunities to be healthy and well.  

Our strategic plan priority areas include Health Equity, Partnerships and Collaboration, A Healthier Louisiana, and A Thriving Organization. To learn more, visit www.lphi.org. 

POSITION DETAILS

Job Title: Health Data Integrity Intern
Salary: $15 / hour

Work Schedule: 40-hour work week

• LPHI offers traditional (M-F, 8 am-5 pm), flexible (for example, M-F 10 am-7pm), and compressed work schedules (for example, M-Th 8 am-7 pm). Schedule details finalized between employee and manager. 

Location: This is a Louisiana-based, hybrid position with occasional (<10%) travel required

• LPHI maintains an office in New Orleans if the employee prefers to be full-time in-office
• Employee must reside in Louisiana during the time of employment

Team: Health Services Research

Reports To: Principal Engineer

Supervises: None

Benefits:

• Non-benefit eligible position

ABOUT THE POSITION

A successful candidate will thrive in a team environment, can proactively anticipate, and manage challenges, be a self-starter with strong abilities to manage multiple responsibilities and prioritize appropriately. Day-to-day responsibilities may include managing schedules and meetings, taking meeting minutes, identifying, and prioritizing items for attention, documentation management, and program activity coordination. 

The Health Data Integrity Intern is responsible for maintaining the accuracy and integrity of patient records within the PelEX Health Information Exchange (HIE) system. This role bridges technical, governance, and operational functions - supporting data quality, compliance, and partner confidence in how information is managed and shared.

The Health Data Integrity Intern will primarily work with the HIE Principal Engineer and Junior Engineer to ensure that patient records from disparate data sources are correctly linked by reviewing and analyzing potential patient matches, validating and labeling records, and supporting the training of MPI matching models. They may also work with the HIPAA Privacy and Compliance Officer, technology vendors, and partner organizations to maintain high data quality standards, advance equitable data exchange and protection, and strengthen system trust across the network. 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities 

Data Governance and Patient Matching

• Manage day-to-day patient matching activities, including validation, monitoring, and documentation
• Navigate and utilize the Master Patient Index (MPI) software to support accurate patient identification. 
• Review and analyze patient demographic data to determine appropriate patient identity matches. 
• Document daily activities, decisions, and outcomes in accordance with organizational policies and procedures.

System Improvement and Innovation

• Investigate and resolve data discrepancies, support data integrity audits, and participate in system upgrades or workflow improvement initiatives. 
• Annotate and tag patient records to support the training of machine learning-based patient matching models and provide feedback to improve matching logic and configuration. 
• Participate in system planning and improvement discussions, ensuring data integrity and partner experience are prioritized. 
• Support equitable data-sharing practices that promote transparency and community trust. 

Collaboration and Communication

• Participate in technical and HIE-related team meetings
• Assist the Principal Engineer in developing internal reports or dashboards highlighting data quality trends, compliance status, and usage insights
• Assist the Junior Engineer to develop guidance on documentation, communication tools, and educational materials for internal teams and external vendors and partners.

ABOUT YOU

Position Requirements

• Bachelor's degree (preferred) or current enrollment in a college or university program with a focus on Health Informatics, Public Health, Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or related field; or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience providing technical support in healthcare, public health, or social services environment preferred.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products and project management tools
• Excellent attention to detail, with a strong understanding of patient data integrity principles and best practices.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills, with experience working effectively with individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds. 
• Ability to think proactively, take initiative as a self-starter, and work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to learn new subject areas and workflows quickly in a fast-paced environment.
• Consistently delivers high-quality work with attention to accuracy, impact, and outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to learn and effectively use new software applications and technical tools.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and the ethical use of data. 

Please include details regarding your availability in your cover letter. 

Your Impact at LPHI
The work you do at LPHI supports the organization's ability to operate effectively and serve its mission. Your role contributes to how work gets done across teams-helping ensure efforts are organized, responsive, and aligned to organizational priorities that improve and advance health equity. 

We value collaboration, respect for lived experience, and continuous learning, and we strive to create an environment where every team member can contribute fully to advancing Health Equity, strengthening Partnerships and Collaboration, building a Healthier Louisiana, and supporting a Thriving Organization. 

How We Work

Work Environment & Physical Considerations: 

We operate in a flexible work environment that includes both hybrid and fully remote roles, depending on position responsibilities and organizational needs. Our approach emphasizes trust, accountability, collaboration, and clear outcomes.
In all roles, employees can expect:

• Clear goals, priorities, and performance expectations
• Regular communication with supervisors and colleagues to support alignment and progress
• Thoughtful use of technology to enable effective collaboration and productivity
• Shared responsibility for maintaining a consistent organizational voice and upholding our values

Some positions require a hybrid schedule, with periodic onsite presence to support collaboration, relationship-building, and key meetings. Other positions are designated as fully remote. Work arrangements are determined by role requirements and may evolve over time based on operational needs.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement: Louisiana Public Health Institute is committed to accessibility and inclusion by providing reasonable accommodations and, when appropriate, flexible work arrangements, for qualified individuals with disabilities to support the job application process and performance of essential job functions consistent with applicable laws and organizational requirements. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at HumanResources@lphi.org. 

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement: Louisiana Public Health Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race (including hair texture and natural hair styles), color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and religious grooming practices), sex (including pregnancy, perceived pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity (including transgender identity, status and transitioning), gender expression and sex stereotyping, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, legally protected medical condition or information (including genetic information), family care or medical leave status, military caregiver status, military status, veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, enrollment in a public assistance program, engaging in protected communications regarding employee wages, requesting a reasonable accommodation on the basis of disability or bona fide religious belief or practice, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any of these factors.

*As with all positions at LPHI, this position is funded through grant and/or contract funding, which is renewed under the provisions of the grantor of the contract. Positions are contingent upon the continuation of grant/contract funding.