University of Minnesota
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.
This position is based on either the Duluth or Twin Cities campus. This position allows for a hybrid work option. Full-time remote work is not an option.