Research Computer Programmer II

Summary:

The Center for Veterans Research and Education has an opening for a full-time (1.0 FTE) Research Computer Programmer.

Position Description:

The Research Computer Programmer II is expected to have an advanced understanding of the major areas of data programming and be able to envision, plan, execute, and disseminate research plans and results and will work closely with the VA Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research (CCDOR) to facilitate health services research. CCDOR is a VA Health Services Research Center of Innovation with a mission to conduct innovative health services and implementation research intended primarily to improve health outcomes for Veterans with chronic disease. CCDOR maintains a 10-person statistical and data management core of professionals. Funding for these research efforts is derived from a variety of sources including VA, Department of Defense, National Institutes of Health, and non-profit institutions.

Responsibilities:  Major duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following:  

• May involve simultaneously working on multiple projects across a broad range of interdisciplinary teams.
• Summarizing data and generating written and oral reports for both technical and lay audiences.
• Work collaboratively with faculty and team members to advance the research goals of the research team using a variety of data modalities of all sizes.
• Other duties assigned.

• Providing data management programming support to research projects.
• Accessing and retrieving data from administrative and relational databases, and processing and merging data files in preparation for analysis by Center researchers.
• Advising on the merits of proposed study designs and design changes.

 Applicants must include a cover letter.

Required Qualifications:

• Comprehensive and specialized knowledge of data acquisition and database design techniques including substantial experience working with relational database environments and programming in SQL Server or Oracle.
• Demonstrated ability working with large administrative data files (e.g. health system medical records, Medicare claims, etc.).
• Experience in programming statistical software and an understanding of basic statistical methods in order to summarize and evaluate administrative and survey data (e.g. SAS).
• Familiarity and experience with technical aspects of research projects, including experience with or exposure to working in a research setting.
• Must be willing to work regular office hours at the Minneapolis site.

Education:               Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Informatics, Computational Linquistics, Statistics, or related technical disciplines. 

Experience:            5 years of experience working extensively with health claims data in a research environment.

                               5 years of programming experience using structure query language and database management (SQL or Oracle).

 Licensure/Registration/Certification:  None

 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of current programming methods and techniques including high level programming languages for creating direct data entry (e.g. Visual Basic)
• Co-authorship on medical or public health peer-reviewed publications that utilize health care data.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

 Conditions of Employment:

• Subject to a criminal and educational background check.
• Designated and/or random drug testing may be required.
• Regular and predictable attendance is required.
• Typical hours fall within standard business hours, work may be required during hours beyond standard business hours, including weekends.
• Must be a US citizen.

Physical Requirements:  The employee must be able to navigate the medical center, use a keyboard, and be able to lift as much as 25 lbs.  Reasonable accommodation may be considered in determining an applicant’s ability to perform the duties/functions of the position.

The Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research (CCDOR) strives to foster an inclusive and accessible work environment that honors its employees’ diverse identities, perspectives, backgrounds, values, and cultural practices. We believe that a diverse workforce enriches our research teams and the quality of our research to improve health and healthcare delivery for all. CCDOR is deeply committed to just treatment, equitable opportunity, accessibility, and cultivating a community based on respect for everyone. To achieve this, CCDOR encourages applicants of all races, ethnicities, abilities, gender identities or expressions, sexual orientations, ages, ancestries, religious practices, socioeconomic backgrounds, and various work experiences to apply for our center positions. CCDOR welcomes applicants with current or former military service.