Principal Statistical Programmer Jobs in Minnesota

APPLICATION DEADLINE: JUNE 29, 2026

The Minnesota Population Center (MPC) is seeking a Statistical Programmer to oversee the implementation of sophisticated regression analyses for all aims of two federal grants. The Statistical Programmer will collaborate on a recently funded National Institutes of Health (NIH) study focused on the influence of housing policy and neighborhood environment on health, including fertility, infant, maternal health and mortality, among families across generations. This position will work closely with the projects Principal Investigator, scientific team, and staff. This position will also collaborate with student research assistants and postdoctoral associates.

Data for these projects is accessed through the Federal Statistical Research Data Center (FSRDC), which requires the selected candidate to either already have or be willing and able to obtain Special Sworn Status. The FSRDC is located on the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus, and the selected candidate will be required to work on campus 4 days a week. You will love this job if you:

• Love working with complex data structures
• Enjoy working in R and writing clean, sophisticated code to test complex research hypotheses and perform advanced analytic modeling.
• Can pivot smoothly from hours of solo coding to managing meeting agendas and tracking project milestones.
• Are a proactive driver capable of keeping teams focused and accountable.

RESPONSIBILITIES 
 

85% - Programming and Statistical Analysis

• Write, implement, and document statistical code to test hypotheses.
• Perform variable coding and transformation of variables.
• Develop and execute code for various analytic models, including:
  • Multilevel Regression Models
  • Longitudinal Regression Models
  • Mediation Models
  • Regression models adjusted for weights, complex designs, attrition, clustering
• Collaborate with the team statistician and other team members on model specification and execution.
• Produce requested statistical output and interpret/summarize the results.
• Create tables and figures to illustrate analytic results.
• Implement missing data and attrition imputation techniques.
• Construct complex data structures, such as residential histories.
• Implement post-estimation commands to produce visuals and predicted estimates.

10% - Project Management 

• Organize code and files, and conduct code review for team members in the restricted environment.
• Ensure execution of the data-use contract to maintain data confidentiality.
• Submit and maintain IRB agreements and related documentation.
• Organize and maintain FSRDC agreements and Special Sworn Status training documentation and reminders for all study members.
• Prepare files and documentation for the disclosure of results from the FSRDC.
• Organize and assist with writing progress reports.
• Assist with non-programming research activities, including background literature reviews.
• Manage and coordinate project meetings: scheduling, organizing agendas, tracking attendance, and documenting next steps.
• Assist with organizing project and team files, and referencing software.

5% - File Management, Disclosure, and Documentation

• Organize and manage analytic files and associated documentation.
• Track the analyses
• Merge and integrate diverse datasets for analytic use.
• Execute data transfer procedures, including preparing files for disclosure from restricted environments (FSRDC).

Pay Range:  $30.28/hr- $37.50/hr (or $63,003.20- $78,000 annually) depending on qualifications

Work Location: This position is eligible to work up to 1 day remotely and is required to work at least 4 days a week in the office. ISRDI is located at 50 Willey Hall in Minneapolis, MN. 

Please note this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship

Required:

• Bachelor's degree + 4 years of experience or a combination of education and experience to equal 8 years.
• At least 3 years of programming experience in R
• Expertise in testing research hypotheses using R
• Expertise with regression research
• Previous experience managing research projects
• Experience documenting, organizing, and archiving statistical code and analyses
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to adeptly manage multiple complex tasks, such as complex regression,  multiple imputation,  multiple data linkages, projects, and code development
• Organization, cooperation, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Willingness and ability to acquire Special Sworn Status
   

Preferred*: 

• Master's degree in social sciences, public health, statistics, biostatistics, economics,  or a related field.
• Previous experience as a study methodologist
• Active Special Sworn Status (SSS) certification for immediate access to the Federal Statistical Research Data Center (FSRDC).
• Statistical coding expertise in multiple programming languages in addition to R such as Stata, SAS, GIS
• Experience working in the FSRDC and/or working in secure, restrictive, and de-networked data environments 
• Experience working with data that are person-level; spatial or GIS; health focused; housing focused; nested (e.g. individuals within families); and/or longitudinal
• Experience working with different functional forms of data and regression
• Experience applying weight-based methods such as Inverse Probability of Treatment Weights
• Experience using multiple imputation methods  

*Are you excited about this job and meet the required qualifications, but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every preferred qualification? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. If this is you, we strongly encourage you to apply because you just may be the right candidate for this role.

The  Minnesota Population Center is part of the Institute for Social Research and Data Innovation (ISRDI) at the University of Minnesota.  ISRDI is an interdisciplinary research organization that includes the IPUMS, the Life Course Center, and the Minnesota Research Data Center.  ISRDI promotes a work-life balance for our staff, offering 40-hour workweeks and flexible work hours. The University also offers excellent health insurance, retirement benefits, and tuition assistance. ISRDI encourages and supports staff training and development.

The MPC attracts more than 200 faculty, research staff, and student affiliates from two dozen academic units. Established in 2000 and funded by the National Institutes of Health, MPC cultivates innovative population research by providing a stimulating environment for interdisciplinary exchange, a growing population science training program, and research support services designed to develop and nurture promising areas of new population research. 

Diversity and inclusion are core values of our organization! We are committed to creating a work environment that celebrates and promotes diversity and advances a culture of inclusion for people from historically excluded and underrepresented groups. We strongly encourage members of underrepresented groups to apply.

Pay Range: $30.28/hr- $37.50/hr (or $63,003.20- $78,000 annually); depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented 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

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.

All applications should include a cover letter and a resume. Please detail in your cover letter how your experience (e.g., coursework, internships, employment, community involvement addresses the required qualifications listed above.

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 t...