RESPONSIBILITIES
Fellows will work extensively with data of various types, including historical census and survey data from the U.S. as well as spatial data. They may interpret, edit, and format technical documentation. They also may analyze data in statistical packages and record the findings systematically. Some fellows help to prepare data for distribution through IPUMS’ data dissemination websites. Fellows are expected to carry out a variety of other tasks including data preparation, data dissemination, and data analysis. Fellows will be expected to be trained in new software and techniques as necessary, perform work in a timely manner while being attentive to details, and show initiative in solving problems.
Fellows will report to and be mentored by research scientists, senior data analysts, faculty, software developers, or other professional staff working on the assigned project. They may collaborate with principal investigators, other research assistants, post-doctoral associates, and other Institute staff. Graduate fellows will be asked to be a peer mentor to an undergraduate fellows team member.
The 2026 program will be run in a hybrid format with a requirement for in-person participation in Weekly Cohort meetings and professional development workshops. Project mentors will determine the schedule requirements for their projects.
Benefits
- Professional Mentorship: Each fellow is paired with two mentors working on the assigned project. Graduate fellows will gain mentorship experience. Undergraduate Fellows will gain peer mentorship from graduate fellow team members.
- Professional Development: Fellows will participate in professional development workshops over the course of the summer, in addition to weekly cohort meetings.
- Community Building & Networking Opportunities: Fellows will have opportunities to build community with their cohort through weekly discussions and co-working days. Fellows will also have opportunities to network with IPUMS research staff and MPC & LCC faculty outside of their research projects.
- Paid Summer Stipend: Graduate students — 14 weeks, 20 hours per week, $28.97/hr; undergraduate students — 12 weeks, 20 hours per week, $16.51/hr.
DATES
- Graduate Fellows: May 25, 2026 - August 30, 2026
- Undergraduate Fellows: June 1, 2026 - August 21, 2026
Eligibility Requirements
- Students must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program. ISRDI works with students from many disciplines across campus and has previously admitted students from other Universities.
- Students must be authorized to work in the US
- Students must be able to work on-site during the fellowship on the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus.
- The program does not provide any funds for relocation or living expenses.
Required Qualifications
Please note that each project will have specific required and preferred qualifications that will be listed on the project description page. The qualifications below are needed for all projects.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Excellent computer skills and ability to work in a technical environment
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Demonstrated reliability and attention to detail
- Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse team
- Must be willing to embrace new technologies and skills
- Demonstrated commitment to community engagement and ability to attend in-person weekly cohort meetings at Willey Hall
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of a major statistical package (Stata, SAS, R, or SPSS)
- Experience analyzing census or survey microdata
- Experience with HTML and XML metadata, and/or use and knowledge of ArcGIS or other GIS software packages
- We are especially eager to recruit students who are interested in learning new skills and who could use MPC or LCC resources and/or IPUMS data in their own research.
Application Instructions
Applicants must apply online using the University of Minnesota’s application system. Please read the following instructions carefully, before submitting an application:
Applications Due: March 1, 2026
Depending on your student status as of May 2026, you will be directed to apply to a specific Job ID for this fellowship, denoted in the table below.
Applications must be submitted through the University of MN jobs website.
When completing our online application, please answer the questions below and upload your resume and your responses to the questions in separate attachments.
- You may make a copy or download this google doc with the questions below to ensure your application is complete.
- You MUST attach both documents to be considered for this position:
- Resumes should be uploaded under - “Attach My Resume”
- Responses to the application questions should be uploaded under “Attach My Cover Letter”
- We will begin reviewing applications immediately.
Application Questions
- How did you learn about the summer fellowship program?
- In-person participation is required for this fellowship, including weekly cohort meetings at 50 Willey Hall in Minneapolis from May/June to August. Please confirm you can meet this requirement. If you are located outside of MN and selected for this fellowship, please keep in mind that the program does not provide relocation assistance or a housing stipend.
- Please specify the project you are applying for and explain why you are interested in the (250 words max). You are required to select at least one project, and you may apply for multiple projects. If you choose to apply for multiple projects, please provide reasoning for each project. You may use up to 250 words to describe your interest in each project.
- Describe how you meet the required and, if applicable, the preferred qualifications for the project(s) you are applying for.
- How have your identities and lived experiences influenced your academic interests? What challenges and growth opportunities unique to your identities and experiences do you anticipate throughout your career in your chosen field?
When answering the above question, consider your identities and lived experiences, which might include (but is not limited to) cultural, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, first-generation college student, military status, or other perspectives or viewpoints. (350 words maximum)
- Community building is an important component of the summer fellowship. Summer Fellows will attend weekly cohort meetings, professional development events featuring experts in their fields, and various networking events, all with their cohort. How have you engaged in your various communities? What role has your community engagement played in your academic career thus far? (350 words maximum)
Application Review
The search committee will begin its review of applications immediately upon receipt; interviews will take place in mid-March. Questions concerning the application process may be addressed to [email protected].