Research Information Systems & Analytics Specialist

University of Southern Mississippi; Hattiesburg (MS); Hybrid; USD 58,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg is seeking a Research Information Systems & Analytics Specialist to develop and maintain data systems, dashboards, reports, and analytic tools that improve research administration, compliance, and strategic decision-making.

The role integrates data from institutional systems such as PeopleSoft and Cayuse, and builds accessible reporting using Power BI and related technologies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and three years of related experience with complex data systems or enterprise software.
• Knowledge of data management, BI, reporting methodologies, and information systems.
• Advanced skill in developing dashboards, reports, data visualizations, metrics, and decision-support tools using Power BI or comparable platforms.

Responsibilities

• Develops, maintains, integrates, and validates research administration data from enterprise platforms to ensure data accuracy and accessibility.
• Develops dashboards, reports, analytics, metrics, and decision-support tools for sponsored programs and institutional performance.
• Supports research security and compliance activities with data resources, workflows, and reporting processes.
• Designs and improves workflows, databases, and technology-enabled solutions to strengthen data governance and reporting capabilities.
• Serves as a BI and data visualization resource, providing user support, training, and documentation.

Skills

Data management

Power BI

SQL

Data visualization

Dashboards

Analytics

Reporting

Data integration

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

PeopleSoft

Cayuse

Power BI

SQL

Job description

Research Information Systems & Analytics Specialist

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Research Information Systems & Analytics Specialist.

Location Hattiesburg
118 College Drive
Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001
United States

Division Office of Research Administration

Position Type Staff

Employment Status Full Time

Grant Funded No

Salary Range 58,294.00 - 78,869.00

Pay Grade E12

Posting Close Date Five Days After Posted

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).

Job Summary

The Research Information Systems & Analytics Specialist supports the University’s research enterprise by developing and maintaining data systems, dashboards, reports, and analytic tools that improve research administration, compliance, and strategic decision-making. The position integrates and analyzes data from institutional systems such as PeopleSoft and Cayuse and develops accessible reporting and visualization tools using Power BI and related technologies. Serving as a technical resource for research data and information systems, the Specialist collaborates with faculty, research administrators, and campus leadership to improve data quality, reporting, workflows, and operational effectiveness.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Develops, maintains, integrates, and validates research administration and research security data from enterprise platforms such as PeopleSoft, Cayuse, and other institutional systems to ensure data accuracy, integrity, accessibility, and sustainability.
• Develops and maintains dashboards, reports, analytics, metrics, and decision-support tools that provide insight into sponsored programs, research activity, compliance, research security, institutional performance, and strategic priorities.
• Supports research security and compliance activities by developing data resources, workflows, tracking mechanisms, and reporting processes for monitoring, risk assessment, institutional reporting, and regulatory requirements.
• Designs, implements, and improves electronic workflows, business processes, databases, and technology-enabled solutions that strengthen data governance, reporting capabilities, and research administration operations.
• Serves as a technical resource for business intelligence, data visualization, research administration systems, and related technologies; provides user support, training, troubleshooting, documentation, and consultation to faculty, administrators, and other stakeholders.
• Evaluates, tests, implements, and supports emerging technology solutions, including AI-enabled applications, to improve research administration, compliance, operational efficiency, and decision-making while supporting appropriate data governance, confidentiality, security, and responsible use.
• Collaborates with campus and external stakeholders on strategic initiatives and special projects by conducting analyses, developing reports and documentation, establishing procedures, and adapting systems and reporting practices to evolving institutional, sponsor, and regulatory requirements.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in information systems, data analytics, computer science, business intelligence, management information systems, research administration, or a related field and three (3) years of related experience working with complex data systems, enterprise software, business intelligence tools, research administration systems, or other technology-enabled operational environments.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of data management, business intelligence, reporting methodologies, and information systems.
• Knowledge of research administration, sponsored programs, compliance, and institutional reporting practices.
• Advanced skill in developing dashboards, reports, data visualizations, metrics, and decision-support tools using Power BI or comparable business intelligence platforms.
• Skill in using SQL, DAX, or comparable data query, analysis, and reporting tools.
• Ability to extract, integrate, validate, analyze, and interpret complex data from multiple sources while maintaining data accuracy and integrity.
• Ability to translate operational, compliance, and reporting requirements into effective workflows, business processes, and technology-enabled solutions.
• Ability to evaluate and support emerging technologies, including AI-enabled tools, while considering data governance, security, confidentiality, and responsible use.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate technical concepts and findings to technical and non-technical audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in data analytics, information systems, business intelligence, research administration, higher education administration, cybersecurity, or a related field. Experience supporting research administration, sponsored programs, research compliance, research security, institutional effectiveness, or related functions in a higher education or research environment. Experience with enterprise and business intelligence platforms such as PeopleSoft, Cayuse, Power BI, or comparable systems and developing dashboards, databases, electronic workflows, process automation, or reporting solutions. Familiarity with data governance, regulatory compliance, research security requirements, and the evaluation or implementation of AI-enabled or emerging technologies.

About The University of Southern Mississippi

Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu .

The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

The University of Southern Mississippi is committed to the safety and security of the USM community. The annual federal required compliance document which contains policy statements and crime statistics for the University is available on the UPD website at http://www.usm.edu/police/. You may also request a copy by contacting the University Police Department at Bond Hall, 1st Floor West, Hattiesburg, MS 39406 [phone]. The policy statements address the University’s policies, procedures and programs concerning safety and security, for example, policies for responding to emergency situations and sexual offenses. Three years' of statistics are included for certain types of crimes that were reported to have occurred on campus, in or on off‑campus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University and on public property within or immediately adjacent to the campus.