Part- Time Research Data Analyst

The Pennsylvania State University; Ferguson Township (PA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a Research Data Analyst to join a hybrid academic-policy team. You will analyze observational and survey data, develop data sources, and contribute to grants and publications.

The role emphasizes translating evidence for policymakers and mentoring students while balancing multiple projects. Strong quantitative skills and experience with SAS, STATA, or R are required.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field.
• Advanced quantitative modeling skills for large datasets.
• Experience with observational or survey data and data management.

Responsibilities

• Design plans for analyzing observational and survey data on policymakers’ engagement.
• Extract, transform, clean, and maintain data from diverse sources.
• Develop and maintain data sources (e.g., surveys in RedCap, CRM data).
• Contribute to analytic plans for grants and publications.
• Support grant writing and reporting by conducting power and interim analyses.
• Mentor interns and fellows on analytic plans.
• Manage multiple projects with attention to methodological detail.
• Set milestones and deadlines to achieve goals.

Skills

Advanced quantitative analysis

SAS

STATA

R

Education

Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field

Tools

RedCap

CRM data

Job description

Program Description

The Research Translation Platform invites applications for a Research Data Analyst interested in a career at the research-policy nexus supporting the evaluation and analytic needs of strategies for translating scientific evidence to policymakers. This exciting opportunity would support the analysis and evaluation of research translation models, such as the Research-to-Policy Collaboration model. The Analyst would be responsible for supporting methods development and data analysis for a variety of projects, and may have opportunities to contribute to the implementation of an effective, replicable and non-partisan model for brokering researchers and policymakers. While the Analyst should have advanced quantitative skills, prior policy experience is not required. Training and mentorship in applying their skills to the analysis of boundary-spanning initiatives will be provided. This mentored position provides an opportunity to learn translational skills while working with policymaking audiences, as well as opportunities to contribute to scholarly work regarding best practices for research translation and dissemination. Our team is hybrid academic and policy practice; thus, we use data for action. Preference will be given to those within commuting distance to the Washington, D.C. area, though it is not required.

Job Responsibilities

• Design the plan for and analyze observational and survey data regarding policymakers’ or researchers’ engagement in boundary-spanning initiatives, including longitudinal and multi-level analyses
• Extract, transform, clean, and maintain data from a variety of sources
• Development and proactive upkeep of data sources (e.g., surveys in Redcap, observational data via a CRM)
• Contribute to the development of analytic plans for grants and publications
• Support analytic needs for grant writing and reporting (e.g., power analyses; interim impact analyses)
• Meet with legislators or staff to collect survey data
• Mentor undergraduate- and graduate-level interns and fellows on developing and executing analytic plans
• Juggle multiple projects and move ideas into action with attention to methodological and analytic details
• Support research planning by setting milestone goals and incremental internal deadlines to achieve goals

Skills and Traits Needed by Applicants

• Excellent analytic abilities and advanced quantitative statistical modeling skills (e.g., longitudinal, multi-level, over dispersed) of large, messy datasets
• Proficient with statistical programming software and languages (e.g., SAS, STATA, or R)
• Excellent attention to detail
• Applied research experience, such as large administrative datasets or real-world data
• Enthusiasm and commitment to accelerating the translation of science to policy
• Curiosity and a generalist attitude with interest in diverse social policy issues
• Ability to work on multiple simultaneous projects and prioritize work based on project scope, organizational need, and timeline
• Strong diplomatic communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong communication skills, such as seeking input early in design and escalating threats or problems to PIs
• Ensuring quality control of data collection, and alerting PIs as needed
• Strong writing skills that can produce written sections of methods and results for peer review publication
• Bipartisan mindset and ability to interpret findings from multiple viewpoints

Eligibility

Master’s degree or higher; applicants may have their degrees from any department, but degrees in psychology, public health, human development, public policy, social work, or prevention science will be particularly good fits for the program.

While the RTP team primarily operates remotely, preference will be given to applicants in Virginia within commuting distance of Washington, D.C. to support in-person data collection from congressional staff.

Applicants should review the list of states in which Penn State cannot support employment. Permanent residence must be established in an allowable state prior to position start date.

Remote work requires high-quality, high speed internet connection in a home office.

Background Checks/Clearances

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

EEO Statement

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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About Penn State

There's a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our 100,000 students and 40,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom – it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. Our ideals stem from our origins as Pennsylvania’s sole land-grant institution, which allow us to continue to bring positive impact to humanity through our teaching, research, and engagement mission. And across the world is a community of Penn Staters – more than half a million strong – driven by that same spirit to serve our local and global communities. At Penn State, passion is met with collaboration in an environment that is rooted in shared pride for the accomplishments of our fellow students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Penn Staters cheer each other on to build a culture committed to service and engagement. Our University values represent our core ethical aspirations for all our daily activities and actions as students, faculty, staff, and volunteers at Penn State. Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community. We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.