Research Data Specialist (SQL), School of Social Work

School of Social Work

Located in Champaign, IL

The Research Data Specialist (SQL) for the Center for
Prevention Research and Development (CPRD), within the University of Illinois
School of Social Work, supports Medicaid research and evaluation by writing,
testing, validating, documenting, and maintaining SQL-based data extraction and
reporting workflows. The position queries large datasets in Teradata and
PostgreSQL environments; links and reconciles records across multiple tables
and data sources; converts metric specifications and applies metric rules including
inclusion/exclusion criteria. The person in this position also performs quality
assurance and validation checks and prepares reproducible outputs for research
reporting and project deliverables. The ideal candidate will have professional
SQL experience with large relational databases or data warehouses, working
knowledge of Linux command-line workflows, and experience interpreting
technical specifications or data dictionaries. The position works closely with
CPRD analysts, project leaders, and technical staff to ensure that query logic
is accurate, transparent, maintainable, and aligned with approved
specifications and reporting requirements.

CPRD is a vibrant applied research center that has been
in operation for 35 years. CPRD has a stable $3.5 million-dollar annual
portfolio of grants in Medicaid-related projects, substance use prevention,
juvenile justice, maternal and early childhood health, and teen pregnancy
prevention. We work with meaningful data that has applications for the field
and for impacting policy. CPRD invests in its staff with procedures to support
professional development and ongoing learning opportunities.

Duties and Responsibilities

SQL data extraction and dataset creation

* Support data services and reporting workflows using Teradata and PostgreSQL on Linux and Windows.
* Write, modify, test, and maintain SQL queries to extract, transform, combine, and summarize large Medicaid administrative datasets.
* Translate metric specifications, data dictionaries, code lists, data warehouse documentation, system manuals, and project requirements into clear, testable SQL logic.
* Create reporting datasets by joining, filtering, deduplicating, matching, and aggregating records across multiple tables and source systems.
* Develop SQL logic for Medicaid eligibility, enrollment, claims, encounters, providers, pharmacy, hospital billing, service utilization, continuity of care, and related administrative data, as applicable to assigned projects.
* Use appropriate SQL techniques, including joins, subqueries, common table expressions, temporary or volatile tables, aggregate functions, conditional logic, date-range logic, analytic/window functions, and running aggregations when needed.
* Implement predetermined rules to create flags, derived variables, denominator populations, numerator events, rates, continuity measures, gap measures, and other metric outputs.
* Modify existing SQL programs when reporting specifications, measure definitions, source data structures, or project requirements change.
* Organize SQL scripts and outputs so that recurring reports and metric calculations can be rerun and reviewed consistently.

SQL quality assurance, validation, and
workflow support
* Validate SQL outputs against specifications, data dictionaries, source-system documentation, prior reporting runs, and expected record counts.
* Develop and run quality assurance checks for missing values, duplicate records, unexpected row multiplication, invalid dates, inconsistent identifiers, unmatched records, and unusual changes in counts or rates.
* Review intermediate tables and final outputs to confirm that joins, filters, date ranges, inclusion/exclusion rules, matching logic, and metric definitions were applied correctly.
* Compare query results across reporting periods and document reasons for material changes in record counts, denominator/numerator values, rates, or other outputs.
* Troubleshoot SQL errors, data anomalies, query performance issues, and unexpected results in collaboration with CPRD project staff and data-system partners.
*Work in Linux and Windows environments to execute SQL scripts, manage files, review logs, and support repeatable data- processing workflows.
* Run batch-style SQL or data-processing jobs and monitor output files, error logs, and completion status.
*Use command-line tools safely for file navigation, file review, job execution, log inspection, and routine workflow support.
*Follow data security, confidentiality, and access-control procedures when working with restricted Medicaid or healthcare- related data.

Research reporting and SQL documentation
* Prepare validated tables, counts, rates, extracts, and summary files for CPRD analysts, project leads, funders, and partners.
* Develop and produce SQL-based data outputs and supporting materials used in Medicaid research and evaluation reports, waiver-related reporting, and related project deliverables.
* Clearly document SQL logic, source tables, join keys, assumptions, validation checks, known limitations, and changes made to SQL programs.
* Clearly explain SQL logic, data-processing steps, validation findings, and limitations to technical and non-technical team members.
* Participate in peer review of SQL programs, metric calculations, validation checks, and reporting outputs.
* Coordinate with project staff to clarify specifications, resolve data questions, and ensure outputs meet project deadlines.
* Assist with data access, source documentation, metric documentation, and reporting workflow maintenance related to Medicaid projects.
* Other duties and responsibilities as appropriate.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in information technology, information management, computer science, data science, health information management, public health informatics, or a related field. Two (2) years of demonstrated professional experience writing, modifying, testing, and validating SQL queries against relational databases or data warehouses. Professional SQL experience must include hands-on work with joins, filtering, aggregation, date logic, subqueries or common table expressions, analytic/window functions, and data validation checks. Experience working in a Linux or Unix command-line environment, including file navigation, script execution, and review of job outputs or logs.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree in information technology, information management, computer science, data science, health information management, public health informatics, or a related field. Three (3) to five (5) years of professional SQL development experience for large relational databases, data warehouses, or administrative reporting systems. Advanced SQL experience using temporary or volatile tables, multi-step query workflows, complex date-range logic, eligibility or claims-span logic, and performance-aware query design. Applied experience using analytic/window functions for production data problems, such as latest-row selection, deduplication, gap and continuity logic, running totals, cumulative flags, or metric construction. Experience with Teradata and PostgreSQL; experience with comparable platforms such as Snowflake, Oracle, SQL Server, BigQuery, or Redshift may also be considered. Experience with Medicaid, Medicare, claims, eligibility, enrollment, encounter, provider, hospital billing, pharmacy, or other large administrative healthcare datasets. Experience interpreting and applying technical specifications, data dictionaries, system manuals, reporting manuals, measure-definition documents, or code lists. Experience calculating denominators, numerators, rates, enrollment spans, service-use measures, continuity measures, gap measures, or other reporting metrics from administrative data. Experience using Linux or Unix tools for batch-style execution, file handling, job monitoring, log review, troubleshooting, or repeatable data workflows. Experience with version control, code organization, peer review, reusable SQL templates, or reproducible data-processing practices. Experience documenting SQL logic, data-processing rules, quality checks, validation results, and changes to recurring reporting workflows. Familiarity with HIPAA, Medicaid data security, protected health information, or other restricted-data handling requirements. Experience using R, Python, SAS, or similar tools for SQL output validation, data checking, workflow support, or supplemental quality assurance.

Knowledge, skills and abilities:
Strong knowledge of SQL and ability to write, troubleshoot, optimize, and maintain complex queries for row selection, deduplication, gap logic, continuity logic, and metric construction. Ability to read technical specifications, data dictionaries, code lists, and reporting requirements and convert them into accurate, testable SQL logic. Ability to work with large relational datasets, including primary keys, foreign keys, joins, record matching, deduplication, row-level validation, and data-quality checks.
Ability to identify and resolve data-quality issues, including missing data, duplicate records, invalid date ranges, unexpected row multiplication, inconsistent identifiers, and unexplained changes in counts or rates. Ability to document query logic, assumptions, validation steps, output changes, and known limitations clearly and consistently. Ability to communicate technical data-processing procedures and validation findings to both technical and non-technical audiences. Ability to work independently on assigned SQL tasks while collaborating with project teams on specifications, review, and deadlines. Strong attention to detail, organization, time management, problem-solving, and accountability in a restricted-data environment. Ability to learn and apply Medicaid, hospital claims, eligibility, enrollment, pharmacy, or similar administrative data concepts in SQL-based reporting workflows. Knowledge of healthcare claims, eligibility, enrollment, pharmacy, or similar administrative data concepts. Familiarity with healthcare claiming, HIPAA, data management, and restricted-data security processes. Ability to review recurring reporting outputs and identify issues that require additional validation or clarification.

Technical assessment
Finalists may be asked to complete a practical SQL and
Linux technical assessment. The assessment may include reading a short
technical specification; writing, reviewing, or explaining SQL logic; using
joins, CTEs, and analytic/window functions where appropriate; identifying
data-quality checks; interpreting query results; and answering Linux
command-line workflow questions relevant to the position.

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 search posting closes. The budgeted salary range for the position is
$55,000 - $65,000. 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. Hybrid work
options may be available for this position with the ability to be on-site as
needed per the University's Workplace Flexibility policy.

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on June 18, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Upload your cover letter, resume and names and contact information for
three professional references. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact SW-HR@illinois.edu. 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 accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1036395

Job Category: Research

Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu