Research Data Manager

Job Summary:

The Research Data Manager is responsible for building, maintaining, and continuously improving the data infrastructure that supports the Academy's research operations. Working closely with the Director of Research, the Research Data Manager ensures that all internal and external data assets are accurate, well-documented, secure, and accessible for analysis and reporting. The role leads technical survey programming, manages data reporting pipelines, and external captures up-to-date data from external sources (e.g., NPDB, CMS, HRSA, BLS). This position is responsible for developing and maintaining standard operating procedures (SOPs) for data management that enable the research team to operate efficiently. The ideal candidate possesses knowledge, skills, and abilities to operate as a critical technical partner to the analysts, program staff, and research director.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and maintain data cleaning, validation, and transformation workflows to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and consistency of all research datasets. Conduct routine quality checks and resolve data discrepancies.
• Manage the organization, storage, and archive research data across Academy systems (e.g., shared network drives, m365 SharePoint, and cloud-based platforms). Ensure data are structured for efficient retrieval and long-term preservation.
• Lead the technical programming and testing of survey instruments, including logic, branching, embedded data, display logic, quotas, and distribution workflows. Ensure instruments function correctly across devices and meet accessibility standards.
• Identify, acquire, and integrate publicly available and purchased datasets (e.g., NPDB, CMS, BLS, HRSA, AHA) into the Academy's research data ecosystem. Maintain documentation of data sources, licensing terms, and update schedules.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the research department and internal systems teams (e.g., Aptify/CRM administrators, IT). Support data extracts, imports, field mapping, and troubleshooting for members and practice data.
• Support data governance activities by ensuring adherence to data security policies, privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR where applicable), and organizational data-sharing agreements. Manage access permissions and data-use tracking.
• Build and maintain automated or semi-automated data pipelines (e.g., using R, Python, SQL, or other tools) to reduce manual processing, improve reproducibility, and accelerate data delivery to analysts.
• Complete other related duties as assigned.

Required Abilities:

• Strong proficiency in data management tools and practices, including relational databases, flat-file management, and data cleaning/validation techniques.
• Experience with survey programming platforms, particularly Qualtrics; ability to implement complex survey logic, embedded data, and data extraction workflows.
• Familiarity with public health or federal datasets (e.g., NPDB, CMS, BLS, HRSA) and experience integrating external data sources into research workflows.
• Ability to develop and maintain clear, comprehensive documentation (SOPs, data dictionaries, codebooks).
• Ability to communicate technical data concepts to non-technical colleagues and collaborate effectively within a small research team.
• Established ability to balance responsibilities for multiple time sensitive projects.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in information science, data management, computer science, public health, social science, or a related field required. Master's degree preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in research data management, data engineering, database administration, or a closely related technical role; healthcare or association experience preferred.
• 2+ years of experience with survey programming platforms (e.g., Qualtrics, REDCap); demonstrated ability to build and test complex instruments.
• 1+ year of experience with scripting languages (R, Python, or SQL) for data manipulation and automation desired.
• Experience working with CRM/AMS platforms (e.g., Aptify, Salesforce) desired but not required.

The American Academy of PAs is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to enriching the working environment for all staff by promoting a culture of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability. We invite individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities to apply. AAPA considers all qualified applicants without regard to color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, and any other classifications protected by law.