About
U-Spatial is seeking a Geospatial Data Engineer / Research Data Analyst to design and implement a sustainable, graph-based data infrastructure that integrates diverse research and administrative datasets from across the University of Minnesota. This role centers on developing a curated graph database environment (e.g., ArcGIS Knowledge, Neo4j) that represents entities such as people, projects, grants, publications, places and outputs—and models their relationships over time. The position will build robust Python-based ETL/ELT pipelines, implement SQL transformations, harmonize identifiers, manage slowly changing attributes, and create repeatable ingestion workflows with testing, logging, and validation. A documented source‑to‑graph mapping for priority datasets and a researcher-friendly data dictionary will ensure that the infrastructure is transparent, reproducible and scalable.
Beyond technical development, this position advances a broader strategic goal: re‑mapping rather than restructuring the University. Through knowledge‑link and geographic visualization, we will identify intersections across disciplines, strengthen social and intellectual capital, and increase competitiveness for large interdisciplinary proposals. Working in partnership with the Learn‑Innovate‑Network‑Collaborate initiative, the Office of Public Engagement, and the Research Development Office, this role will help create interactive maps, dashboards and visualization tools that clarify internal expertise and connect the University to its partners across the state and beyond.
Location and Work environment: This position is based either at the Duluth (Kirby Plaza) or Twin Cities (Blegen Hall) campus. Hybrid work is allowed – full‑time remote is not an option. Eligible work profiles: 1 (fully on‑site), 2 (on‑site ≥3 days per week, remote 1‑2 days), 3 (primarily remote, on‑site 1‑2 days).
Primary Responsibilities
Design, develop, and maintain Python‑based ETL/ELT workflows that ingest research and administrative datasets from multiple sources.
Lead data transformation and modeling efforts, including harmonizing identifiers, defining entities and relationships, and managing slowly changing attributes.
Implement SQL‑based transformations and curated extracts to support reporting, analytics and downstream applications.
Build, load, and maintain one or more labelled property graph databases (e.g., using ArcGIS Knowledge, Neo4j or equivalent), including schema design, constraints, indexing strategies and repeatable, validated load processes.
Produce well‑documented, reproducible data products and extracts to support research teams and strategic initiatives.
Design and implement informatics strategies that integrate geospatial attributes, place‑based linkage and remote sensing data as appropriate.
Demonstrate experience using generative AI tools (e.g., large language models) effectively, including prompt design, evaluation of outputs and responsible use in professional or research settings.
Collaborate effectively with researchers and staff across a wide range of technical backgrounds.
Partner with faculty, librarians and data stewards to develop controlled vocabularies, ontologies and documentation standards.
Develop and deliver training materials, workshops and technical guidance to support adoption and responsible use of the data infrastructure.
Serve as Principal Investigator or project lead on selected initiatives, managing scope, timelines and deliverables as needed.
Experience developing, fine‑tuning or integrating large language models (LLMs) into applications or research workflows.
Engage in relevant professional forums, conferences and scholarly communities to ensure alignment with emerging best practices.
Qualifications Required qualifications:
Advanced degree in data science, geography, GIS, informatics or a related field, with at least one year of research training or equivalent experience.
Demonstrated experience with graph databases (e.g., Neo4j, ArangoDB), Cypher query language and familiarity with RDF or semantic web concepts.
Strong proficiency in Python and SQL, with practical experience delivering production‑level ETL/ELT workflows.
Experience with data cleaning, quality assurance and reproducible analytical processes.
Demonstrated ability to translate domain researchers’ scientific questions into scalable data models and analytical strategies.
Experience designing and implementing data pipelines for geospatial datasets, including spatial attributes and place‑based linkage.
Experience working with large, complex datasets that may require novel data structures, indexing strategies or parallelised workflows.
Ability to work independently with periodic guidance in a collaborative research environment.
Preferred qualifications:
Experience with ArcGIS Knowledge or comparable graph‑enabled GIS environments.
AI bot development (Botpress, Microsoft’s Copilot Studio, etc.).
PhD in data science, geography, GIS, informatics or a related field.
Experience in GIS, geospatial computing or satellite/drone imagery processing.
Experience developing semantic layers, ontologies or structured knowledge models.
Experience with program evaluation, impact assessment or data‑driven decision support.
Pay and Benefits Pay Range:
$87,000 - $105,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience
Time Appointment:
100% Time Appointment
Work Profile:
Eligible for flexible work profiles 1‑3:
Profile 1 – Office Lab‑Based: primarily on‑site in the office/lab. Occasionally remotely. Office will be located at the Twin Cities or Duluth campus. Profile 2 – Regularly Remote: on‑site at least 3 days per week, remote 1‑2 days. Profile 3 – Mostly Remote: on‑site 1‑2 days and remote at least 3 days. Office space will be in remote work location.
Position Type:
Faculty and P&A Staff
Benefits include:
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
Health care 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 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
About the Department U‑Spatial collaborates with a variety of departments and centers to create new opportunities for spatial research, teaching and service. The infrastructure eliminates duplication and provides a framework of spatial data, equipment and expertise. U‑Spatial has supported over 3,000 researchers across the University through help desk, training, consulting and events. The department is within Research Computing, an academic center within the Research and Innovation Office. Research Computing houses five collaborative units that provide research computing expertise, resources, training and services across the University and beyond.
Diversity The University recognizes and values 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 U, visit http://diversity.umn.edu.
Employment Requirements Any offer is contingent upon a successful background check. Eligible workers are presumed to be able to work in the U of M. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists. Visa sponsorship, including H‑1B, may be considered for qualified candidates whose visa circumstances do not require payment of the $100,000 H‑1B fee.
About the U of M The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. Located in the heart of a vibrant, diverse metropolitan community, it partners with world‑renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies and nonprofit organizations. It has been recognized as a top workplace and best employer for women, diversity and new grads by various organizations.
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Languages
- English
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