Illinois is a world leader in research, teaching, and public engagement. We serve the state, the nation, and the world by creating knowledge, preparing students for lives of impact, and addressing critical societal needs through the transfer and application of knowledge. Illinois is the place where we embrace differences. We embrace it because we value it. Illinois is especially interested in candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching, and/or service, to the diversity and excellence of the Illinois community.

The Research Data Specialist for the Center for Prevention Research and Development (CPRD), within the University of Illinois’ School of Social Work, works on research teams that evaluate Medicaid-funded projects assessing continuity of care and administrative simplification for Medicaid beneficiaries. The Research Data Specialist is responsible for querying large datasets using SQL in Teradata and PostgreSQL environments, combining and matching data from a variety of sources, performing and interpreting statistical data analysis, publishing research findings and coordinating project activities. The ideal candidate will have experience with Medicaid and/or hospital billing data as well as SQL experience with large datasets.

CPRD is a vibrant applied research center that has been in operation for 30 years. CPRD has a stable $3.5 million-dollar annual portfolio of grants in Medicaid-related projects, substance use prevention, juvenile justice, maternal and early childhood health, and teen pregnancy prevention. We work with meaningful data that has applications for the field and for impacting policy. CPRD invests in its staff with procedures to support professional development and ongoing learning opportunities.

Job Summary

The Research Data Specialist for the Center for Prevention Research and Development (CPRD), within the University of Illinois' School of Social Work, works on research teams that evaluate Medicaid-funded projects assessing continuity of care and administrative simplification for Medicaid beneficiaries. Responsible for querying large datasets using SQL in Teradata and PostgreSQL environments, combining and matching data from a variety of sources, performing and interpreting statistical data analysis, publishing research findings and coordinating project activities.

Duties & Responsibilities

Dataset Creation and Manipulation

• Support data services and analytics pipelines using Teradata and PostgreSQL on Linux and Windows.
• Participate in planning and carrying out migrations or upgrades of the data infrastructure and computing environments.
• Create and manipulate data sets, including large state and national datasets, for various evaluation designs.
• Implement pre-determined rules to code data, create data dictionaries, and interpret data dictionaries.
• Use SQL or other software to read in/set up data files, clean and merge datasets from various sources, run automated analysis and reporting systems, and design/write/test/maintain complex programs and for advanced statistical models.
• Develop functions, macros, templates and other utilities for creating code for data cleaning and reporting.
• Develop syntax in statistical software to construct and calculate variables.

Research Analysis and Statistics
• Clean and combine data, including merging files, recoding, dealing with missing data, and ensuring files are prepared for research analyses.
• Perform basic descriptive statistics, including means, medians, frequencies, chi-square, correlations, crosstabs, and ANOVA.
• Collaborate with other analysts at CPRD to serve as a peer support system for problem-solving and quality assurance of research projects.
• Other duties and responsibilities as appropriate.

Research Documentation and Interpretation
• Translate research data output into text, bullet points, or tables/graphs/charts using APA style and/or other standard style guidelines.
• Clearly document all research procedures and analyses.
• Design, schedule, and interpret data reports from all relevant systems and distribute them to meet the project needs.
• Effectively communicate research data analytic procedures and results to other researchers, funders, and partners.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in IT, Statistics, Information Management, Psychology, Public Health, Social Work, Sociology, Computer Science, or related science. Two (2) years of demonstrated experience creating and altering SQL queries to retrieve and display data. Experience working in a Linux environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in IT, Statistics, Informational Management, Psychology, Public Health, Social Work, Sociology, Computer Science, or related science. Experience migrating complex web applications from one content management system to another. Experience working with SAS or R code for data analyses /management. Demonstrated experience managing Linux and web servers and working with the Linux command line. Knowledge of SAS, SPSS, and/or STATA programs. Experience articulating or writing the results of SQL queries and/or data analysis in reports.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of SQL and ability to write complex queries. Knowledge of Medicaid data, hospital claims, or similar data. Ability to work in a team environment. Ability to articulate steps in a process (logic in thinking). Knowledgeable about working in an applied research setting. Excellent interpersonal, time management, coordinating, organizational, and solution-focused skills.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the search posting closes. The budgeted salary range for the position is $55,000- $65,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization. Hybrid work options may be available for this position with the ability to be on-site as needed per the University’s Workplace Flexibility policy.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on February 18, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. Upload your cover letter, resume, and names and contact information for three professional references. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact SW-HR@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1034351
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu

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