How to Apply
To apply for this job please upload ( combined into ONE PDF ) a cover letter/resume, and include the names/contact information for 3 professional references. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline the skills and experience that directly relate to this position. All inquiries about the position can be sent to Dr. Twardzik ([email protected]).
Job Summary
Dr. Erica Twardzik in the University of Michigan School of Kinesiology is recruiting a full time Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Analyst with a start date in Fall 2024. Her lab integrates multiple data sources to study how environments affect mobility among people with disabilities to inform policies that increase participation and inclusion within society. The GIS Specialist would serve as the GIS analyst for research projects that involve working with numerous large spatially-referenced databases. The GIS Specialist would have primary responsibility for preparing spatially-referenced data for analysis using GIS software, generating maps to communicate research findings, documenting and maintaining multiple spatially-referenced datasets, contributing to research team meetings, and the overall lab mission.
Why Work at Michigan?
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan 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
- A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
- Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability coverage
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
- Maternity and parental leave
- University commitment to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities
Responsibilities*
NOTE: given this lab will be ramping up over 2024-25, the % of effort spent across responsibilities will evolve as the lab continues to grow.
Essential functions are noted with an "EF"
Initial responsibilities will include:- Assist in the acquisition and cleaning of spatially-referenced databases from public and commercial sources (30%) EF
- Perform geoprocessing operations, including but not limited to adding data from different sources to a geodatabase, geocoding, aerial image interpolation, and performing spatial and attribute queries (20%) EF
- Organize, prioritize, and communicate status of work and projects (5%)
- Participate in team meetings (5%)
Other responsibilities will include:- Develop standardized, repeatable processes for gathering, manipulating and interpreting complex quantitative data and synthesizing multiple large datasets to answer spatial questions (10%) EF
- Create and maintain end user documentation for GIS deliverables and participate in or lead associated training on the deliverables (15%) EF
- Prepare data sets and documentation to distribute to researchers, data repositories, and to include in scholarly publications (15%) EF
- Other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications*
- Master's degree in geography, planning, environmental science, social sciences or related fields.
- Two or more years of experience with geospatial analyses and GIS maps in a research / lab setting.
- High-level of proficiency in R (including packages manipulating geographic information) and ArcGIS (including modeling and Python scripting).
- Experience with Esri's Network Analyst, Java, Python, and Microsoft Office suite (Word, PowerPoint, Access and Excel).
- Excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Demonstrated capacity to take initiative and work collaboratively.
- Proven success with contributing to a positive workplace culture, and ability to consistently demonstrate our school's core values .
Desired Qualifications*
- Esri or Geographic Information Systems certification
- A strong understanding of how the built environment impacts community health
- Web site management experience
- Statistical analysis skills
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.
Additional Information
This is a term-limited appointment, funded for 2 years; the initial appointment may be extended depending on the availability of research funds and successful performance. The general salary range for this position is $60-70K. An offer may be extended outside of this range based on equity, experience, knowledge and skills for the position. You are encouraged to discuss salary questions to honor understanding and transparency throughout the recruiting process. This position will be primarily on-site with potential for hybrid work arrangements upon discussion.
The University of Michigan School of Kinesiology and Dr. Twardzik are committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion at every level. We firmly believe that these principles form the critical foundation for the establishment of an open, productive, creative, and collaborative scientific environment.
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 will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
