Temporary Virtual Nutrition Data Analyst Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Description

IHME has an outstanding opportunity for a Data Analyst to join the Simulation Science team.

About this Opportunity

Reporting to the Project Officer for the Simulation Science team, the Data Analyst is responsible for turning complex health data into actionable insights. This position supports key research projects by managing and shaping large datasets, ensuring data quality, providing computational support, extracting and formatting data, and providing key inputs for publications for multidisciplinary research projects.

To succeed, Data Analysts must develop a strong understanding of diverse research priorities and analytic approaches across multiple projects, enabling them to adapt solutions that meet each project's unique needs. They independently translate requests into actionable results, working with research databases, creating clear visualizations, and writing complex code to analyze quantitative data, so that findings can drive meaningful decisions.

Success in this role requires agility with complex databases and fluency in Python (pandas, NumPy). Beyond technical expertise, you'll ensure accuracy through rigorous quality checks and collaborate closely with other analysts to solve problems and share knowledge. As part of IHME's commitment to innovation, you'll also use emerging technologies to improve and enhance the research and our overall impact. Overall, the Data Analyst will be a critical member of an agile, dynamic team. IHME is a grant funded organization and this position is contingent on project funding availability. This position currently has funding through June 30, 2027.

Key Responsibilities

Research command 15%

• Become familiar with substantive areas of expertise to understand the dimensions and uses of health data and the analytic underpinnings of different research streams

• Work directly with researchers to identify the source of data used in models and results, understand the context of the data, and ensure that they are relevant to the analyses themselves.

Data management and analytics 65%

• Create and document efficient, effective, and replicable methods for extracting data, developing code, organizing data sources, managing data quality, and explaining complex analytic processes.

• Use protocols to identify problems with datasets and routine computational processes, rectify issues, and systematize data for future analyses.

• Transform and format datasets for use in ongoing analyses; perform quality checks. Transform and standardize datasets from a wide range of inputs such as surveys, vital registration systems, administrative records, and scientific literature.

• Problem-solve computational and analytic challenges by investigating the data, understanding the root questions, and coming up with alternative measurement strategies.

• Execute code solutions in order to answer analytic questions, perform diagnostics on results, and test and assess new methods.

• Maintain, update, and carry out routine but complex computational processes and statistical modeling that are central to generating estimates of key indicators.

• Maintain reproducible analytic pipelines in Python, version-controlled in Git.

• Resolve intricate questions in order to respond to the needs of senior researchers and external requests from collaborators, media, policymakers, donors, and other stakeholders.

• Use emerging technologies to optimize data workflows, enhance analysis and visualization, and assist with routine data quality checks and issue identification.

General 20%

• Create tables, figures, and charts for concept notes, presentations, publications, and proposals.

• Provide referencing and other support for publications and presentations.

• Communicate clearly and effectively while contributing as a member of the Institute.

• Work closely with other team members to assist with relevant tasks, facilitate learning new skills, and help resolve emerging problems on different projects.

• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Department.

• Bachelor's degree in social sciences, engineering, computer science, or related field plus two years' related experience.

Additional Qualifications

• Proven experience and proficiency in using Python (pandas, NumPy) for data analysis tasks, including, but not limited to, data cleaning, transformation, visualization, and statistical evaluation.

• Demonstrated ability to evaluate and integrate emerging technologies into data workflows to improve scalability, accuracy, and reproducibility of analyses.

• Interest in global health, population health, and/or ways in which quantitative research and data science can be used to create valuable global public goods.

• Experience working with large secondary datasets.

• Strong written and spoken communication in English.

• Demonstrated self-motivation, ability to absorb detailed information, flexibility, and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, energetic, highly creative, and entrepreneurial environment.

• Ability to learn new information quickly and apply analytic skills to better understand complex information in a systematic way.

• Strong quantitative aptitude.

• Flexible attitude and interest in moving around to a variety of different research teams, getting a broader range of experience, rather than focusing on a particular research area or team.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in a relevant quantitative discipline.

Experience with household survey data (DHS, MICS, LSMS, or similar).

Familiarity with simulation modeling, microsimulation, or agent-based modeling.

Experience with Linux compute clusters.

Working knowledge of Git and collaborative software development practices.

Prior public-health or nutrition research experience.

Working Conditions

• Weekend and evening work sometimes required.

• This position is open to anyone authorized to work in the US.

• Working internationally is only allowed for IHME sponsored work that requires in-country participation.

• Office is located in Seattle, Washington. This position is eligible to work fully remote in the US; work schedule required to overlap 50% of IHME office hours, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Pacific Time as agreed upon between employee and supervisor.

Additional Application Requirement

This recruitment requires a cover letter. Applications that do not include a cover letter will not be forwarded to the hiring department.

Please address the following in your cover letter:

• An introduction

• State the specific position for which they are applying

• A summary of how your qualifications, skills, and experiences align with the key responsibilities and requirements of the position.

About the Team

The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) is an independent research organization at the University of Washington. Its mission and vision is to deliver to the world timely, relevant, and scientifically valid evidence to improve health policy and practice so that all people live long lives in full health. IHME carries out its mission through a range of projects within different research areas including the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors; Future Health Scenarios; Cost Effectiveness and Efficiency; Resource Tracking; and Impact Evaluations. To learn more about IHME, visit https://www.healthdata.org/.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

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About the UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives - on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.