Visiting Research IT Manager- Data Engineer, Health & Kinesiology - IIRER

Visiting Research IT Manager- Data Engineer

Health & Kinesiology - Illinois Institute for Rehabilitation & Employment Research

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Job Summary
The Illinois Institute for Rehabilitation and Employment Research (IIRER) seeks a full-time (12-month) Visiting Research IT Manager-Data Engineer. The Visiting Research IT Manager-Data Engineer will serve as a central technical resource for the (IIRER) at the University of Illinois and work to ensure full implementation of IIRER research projects. Primary duties include building, maintaining, and optimizing data systems critical to the Institute's research, evaluation, field operations, and training activities. The role blends data engineering, database management, data governance, and IT project management to ensure that research data are collected, stored, analyzed, and shared securely and effectively.

The Data Engineer / IT Project Manager ensures that multidisciplinary faculty, staff, and partners (e.g. state agencies, schools, VR programs, and community providers) are supported with reliable data systems, strong cybersecurity protocols, and high-quality digital infrastructure for research and evaluation purposes. This position does require travel within the State of Illinois.

Duties & Responsibilities

Research & Evaluation Support

• Partner with all IIRER Directors (Executive, Assistant, Research, Evaluation, Operations, and Field) to design data collection systems and real-time dashboards.
• Create tools and pipelines that support mixed-methods research, workforce development analytics, and program evaluations.
• Collaborate with the Director of Field Operations to support field data capture (mobile tools, encrypted devices, remote uploads).
• Collaborate with IIRER staff to support data systems that facilitate research and evaluation activities.
• Provide data extracts, cleaned datasets, and analytic-ready files for research and evaluation staff.

Data Engineering and Infrastructure Development

• Design, build, and maintain scalable data architecture to support research, evaluation, and field operations.
• Develop Extract, Transform, and Load (ETL) pipelines for large datasets from multiple sources (state agencies, partners, survey systems, field data).
• Create and manage relational databases, Application Programming Interface (APIs), and secure data warehouses for use by research staff.
• Ensure interoperability and compliance of data systems with University of Illinois policies, IRB requirements, and state/federal regulations.

Training Capacity Building & Technical Assistance

• Provide training to staff, graduate students, partners, and field teams on data entry, security, dashboards, and analytic tools.
• Develop documentation, SOPs, and user guides for data handling and research software.
• Offer technical assistance to external partners (e.g., state VR, school districts, 14(c) providers) participating in research efforts.

Other Duties as Assigned

Additional Physical Demands
This position does require travel within the State of Illinois. Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, data science, engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in data engineering, database administration, IT project management, or related technical role.
• Experience with secure data handling in education, workforce, health, or government contexts (FERPA, HIPAA, IRB).
• Experience with ETL pipelines, data lakes/warehouses, cloud computing (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP), and API integration.

Experience developing dashboards, automated reporting, or large-scale administrative data integration.
Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in computer science, information systems, data science, engineering, or related field.
• Five years of experience in data engineering, database administration, IT project management, or related technical role
• Demonstrated experience supporting research, evaluation, or public-sector data systems is strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong programming skills in Python, SQL, R, or similar languages.
• Familiarity with analytics tools (Power BI, Tableau) and database systems (PostgreSQL, SQL Server, MySQL).
• Proven ability to manage complex IT projects with multiple stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills with experience in Agile, Scrum, or other project management methodologies.
• Ability to translate technical information into clear guidance for non-technical staff and partners.
• Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
• Strong interpersonal communication and ability to collaborate across research, evaluation, and operations teams.
• Commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and ethical data use.
• Understanding of Illinois State Department of Human Services, Vocational Rehabilitation, and Department of Education Systems.

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 close of the posting. The budgeted salary range for the position is $75,000 to $85,000. 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.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on May 12, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Bobbie Clegg at [email protected] . 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 accommodation portal , or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [email protected] .

Requisition ID : 1036033

Job Category : Research

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