Geospatial Data Scientist

About the Job

Title: Geospatial Data Scientist / Research Data Analyst

Job code: 9791IF

Employee Group: P&A

Full/Part Time (FTE): 1 FTE; 100%

Regular/Temporary: Regular

About the Job:

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 (LINC) initiative, the Office of

Public Engagement, the Research Development Office, this role will

help create interactive maps, dashboards, and visualization tools

that clarify internal expertise and connect the University to

various public, private, and non-profit partners across the state

and beyond.

Location and Work environment:

This position is based on either the Duluth (Kirby Plaza) or Twin

Cities (Blegen Hall) campus. This position allows for a hybrid work

option - full-time remote work is not an option. This position is

eligible for work profile 1 (fully on-site), work profile 2

(on-site at least 3 days per week), or work profile 3 (primarily

remote, working on-site 1-2 days per week).

Work Schedule:

N/A (not labor represented)

Primary Responsibilities

Development of Analytic Models and Tools (70%)

● 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.

● Demonstrated 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.

Education and Consulting (20%)

● 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 (PI) or project lead on selected

initiatives, managing scope, timelines, and deliverables as

needed.

Professional Development (10%)

● 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, including 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 parallelized

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.

About the Department

With offices on both the Twin Cities and Duluth campuses, U-Spatial

collaborates with a variety of departments and centers, creating

new opportunities and synergies around spatial research, teaching,

and service by supporting projects with application development and

spatial analysis.

U-Spatial is a nationally recognized model that advances the

fast-growing need for expertise in Geographic Information Systems

(GIS), remote sensing, and spatial computing. The infrastructure

eliminates duplication and fragmentation of resources by providing

a framework of spatial data, equipment, and expertise. U-Spatial

has supported over 3,000 researchers across every department and

center at the University through the help desk, training,

consulting, and events. U-Spatial has been integral to making the U

of M one of the world’s first "Spatial Universities".

Organizationally, U-Spatial is within Research Computing, an

academic center within Research and Innovation Office (RIO).

Research Computing brings together the diverse portfolio of

research computing and data resources available at the University.

Research Computing currently houses five collaborative units that

provide research computing expertise, resources, training, and

services across the University and beyond. These resources cover a

broad range of research needs, from consultation and collaboration

with domain experts, to hardware and software resources, to

education and training in computational methods and

technologies.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $87,000 - $105,000; depending on

education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Time Appointment

Work Profile: This position has been designated as eligible

for flexible work profiles 1-3:

Profile 1, Office Lab-Based - is expected to work primarily on-site

in the office/lab. Only occasionally and inconsistently working

remotely. Your office will be located at the Twin Cities or Duluth

campus.

Profile 2, Regularly Remote - is expected to work in the office/lab

at least 3 days per week. Typically working remotely 1-2 days per

week.

Profile 3, Mostly Remote - is expected to typically work in the

office/lab 1-2 days per week. Working remotely at least 3 days per

week. Your dedicated office space will be in your remote work

location.

Position Type: Faculty and P&A 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

How To Apply

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.

Diversity

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 to and