Senior Research Associate

Ohio State University; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 104,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ohio State University’s Office of Institutional Research and Planning seeks a Senior Research Associate (Research S4) to design sophisticated analytics, predictive models, and survey instruments. The role collaborates across campus to evaluate programs, assess student success, and support the university’s Academic Excellence and Strategic Plans.

Responsibilities include leading data integration, developing forecasting models, and producing executive-level dashboards and reports.

Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in a quantitative field; evidence of advanced analytics expertise.
• Experience in higher education assessment, institutional research, data analytics, or survey research.
• Ability to design and execute complex statistical models and large-scale surveys.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute advanced analytics, predictive models, and time-series forecasts for student success and strategic priorities.
• Lead full-lifecycle survey research, instrument design, and data integration with longitudinal datasets.
• Develop executive dashboards and perform data storytelling for non-technical audiences.

Skills

Advanced analytics

Predictive analytics

Statistical modeling

Machine learning

Data visualization

Data storytelling

Education

Master’s degree in Statistics or related field

Ph.D. preferred

Tools

R

SPSS

SAS

Stata

Qualtrics

Job description

Screen reader users may encounter difficulty with this site. For assistance with applying, please contact [e-mail] . If you have questions while submitting an application, please review these frequently asked questions .Current Employees and Students:If you are currently employed or enrolled as a student at The Ohio State University, please l og in to Workday to use the internal application process.Welcome to The Ohio State University's career site. We invite you to apply to positions of interest. In order to ensure your application is complete, you must complete the following:Ensure you have all necessary documents available when starting the application process. You can review the additional job description section on postings for documents that may be required.Prior to submitting your application, please review and update (if necessary) the information in your candidate profile as it will transfer to your application.Job Title:Senior Research AssociateDepartment:Academic Affairs Administration | Institutional Research and PlanningInstitutional Research and Planning Office OverviewThe Office of Institutional Research and Planning (IRP) provides accurate, timely, consistent, and actionable data and integrates analytics across multiple domains (student, faculty, human resources, fiscal, research, facilities, and more) to support evidence-based decision-making at The Ohio State University.IRP provides leadership, vision, and strategic direction in building a data-informed decision culture by collaborating with campus stakeholders in broadening data sharing, data governance, actionable insight development, operational effectiveness, and professional skill development. We engage in institutional research, official reporting, institutional effectiveness, data visualization, survey research, assessment and accreditation data support, and applied analytics to enhance student success as well as overall university and operational effectiveness.Position SummaryThe Senior Research Associate (Research S4) serves as a senior methodologist in IRP, reporting directly to the Associate Vice President. Centered on advanced analytics , predictive analytics , and survey research , this role designs and executes complex statistical models, and large-scale survey instruments to evaluate program effectiveness, assess student success and academic excellence interventions, and advance strategic priorities under the Academic Excellence Plan and University Strategic Plan.This position collaborates across campus offices and areas such as the Center for Career Excellence, Office of International Affairs (OIA), Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) Undergraduate Education, Graduate Education, Student Life, Office of Technology and Digital Innovation (OTDI), and academic departments.Key Responsibilities & Percentage Breakdown35% — Advanced Data AnalyticsAdvanced Analytics: Executes advanced quantitative methods (linear/logistic regression, mixed methods (e.g., text analytics), multivariate analysis, survival analysis, propensity score matching using R, SPSS, SAS, and Stata.Predictive Analytics, Modeling & Projections: Leads the development, validation, and maintenance of predictive analytics, statistical models, and time-series forecasting algorithms, or machine learning for student success (e.g., retention, persistence, and graduation rates) and other strategic priorities.Ranking Simulations: Simulates \"what-if\" scenarios for national and global university rankings (USNWR, QS, THE), focusing on international student success metrics, global mobility, and peer benchmarking.25% — Full-Lifecycle Survey Research & Program Evaluation, AssessmentSurvey Research & Instrument Design: Designs survey instruments, manages Qualtrics administration, ensures data validity/reliability, and analyzes survey outputs to identify student experience trends.Program Evaluation and Outcomes Assessment: Conducts quantitative and qualitative impact studies to assess interventions, academic programs, learning outcomes, and student support interventions. Understanding of research design and applied research methods.Data Integration: Merges survey data with longitudinal institutional datasets for comprehensive student lifecycle evaluations. 20% — Career Outcomes, Work-Based Learning, & Data IntegrationCareer, Work-Based Learning, Career & Experiential Learning Evaluation: Evaluates post-graduation career outcomes, salary trajectories, and the impact of work-based learning (internships, co-ops, undergraduate research, clinicals).Data Integration: Merges and cleans complex datasets, including Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes (PSEO), Graduation First Destination Survey, Handshake, 12Twenty, and labor market statistics.Career Analytics Liaison: Serves as the primary analytics partner to the Center for Career Excellence to assess program ROI and workforce alignment.10% — Data Visualization, Executive Reporting, & Data StorytellingExecutive Visualization & Dashboards: Constructs interactive, executive-ready dashboards and tracking tools in Tableau, Power BI, Python, or R.Report Writing & Communication: Synthesizes complex quantitative analyses, survey outputs, and predictive models into formal narrative reports, executive briefings, and visual presentations.Data Storytelling: Translates technical statistical concepts into plain-language data stories that clarify complex higher education metrics and drive data-informed decision-making across non-technical audiences. Enhances data fluency and translating data into insights across the university.10% — Strategic Collaboration, Relationship Building, & Executive Policy SupportCampus Partnerships: Collaborates directly with academic departments, the Center for Career Excellence, Office of International Affairs (OIA), Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM), Student Life, Undergraduate Education, and Graduate Education.Executive Policy Support: Translates complex analytical findings into policy briefs and strategic recommendations for Deans, Vice Provosts, and Senior Leadership.IR & IT Alignment: Partners with Institutional Research and IT colleagues to ensure data accessibility, system integrity, and operational alignment.Ideal Competencies and CapabilitiesDemonstrated experience in advanced analytics , predictive analytics, statistical modeling, or machine learning, Predictive Modeling: Expertise in advanced data analytics, multivariate statistics, statistical prediction modeling, forecasting, and ranking methodology simulations.Survey Research & Program Evaluation : Applied mastery of survey instrument design, Qualtrics administration or other survey research tools, sampling, data validity, and impact evaluation methods.Advanced statistical analysis and software proficiency: Hands-on proficiency in R, SPSS, SAS, or Stata.Data Visualization, Presentation, & Communication Skills : Advanced proficiency in executive report writing, oral presentations, interactive Tableau/Power BI dashboard development, and compelling data storytelling for non-technical stakeholders.Domain Expertise : Practical experience integrating public, internal and external data sources for understanding career outcomes and student success (PSEO, Graduation/First Destination, Handshake, 12Twenty, National Student Clearing House, OIA international student data).Ethical AI Utilization: Responsibly applies AI tools to streamline coding and exploratory analysis while ensuring auditability, fairness, and data privacyQualificationsMinimum QualificationsEducation: Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Statistics, Data Analytics, Quantitative Research Methodology, Economics, Higher Education Evaluation, Social Sciences, or a related quantitative field.Experience:Master’s Degree: Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience.Ph.D.: Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience ( Post-doctoral work and Graduate Research Assistant [GRA] experience will count toward this requirement)Experience must be in higher education assessment, institutional research, data analytics, or survey research.Technical & Analytical Skills:Demonstrated experience in quantitative advanced analytics, predictive analytics, statistical modeling, or machine learning,Proficiency in statistical software tools, including R, SPSS, SAS, or Stata.Demonstrated experience in survey research methods, instrument design, and administration (e.g., Qualtrics).Experience conducting higher education program evaluations, outcome assessments, and intervention impact studies.Excellent communication, report writing, presentation, and data visualization skills, including dashboard development in Tableau, Power BI, or Python.Preferred QualificationsEducation: Ph.D. or terminal degree in a quantitative field.Experience: Quantitative research experience within an R1 university institutional research or assessment office.Advanced Capabilities: Proven track record in enterprise predictive analytics, ranking models, executive report writing, and high-level data storytelling.Experience working with career outcome data or multi-source platform integration (e.g., PSEO, First Destination Survey, Handshake, 12Twenty).Experience with ranking projection models . What-if tools and ranking predictions (e.g., USNWR, QS Shanghai)Proficiency in statistical software and query tools , including R, Python, SQL, SPSS, SAS, or Stata.Additional Information:Please submit both a cover letter and a resume to be considered for this opportunity.The target hiring range for this job profile is $ 104,000 - $110,000 The actual salary paid to an individual will vary based on multiple factors, including but not limited to, education, years of experience, internal equity, etc.Function - Research and ScholarshipSub Function - ResearchBand - Individual Contributor - SpecializedLevel - S4Location:Mershon Center (0047)Position Type:RegularScheduled Hours:40Shift:First ShiftFinal candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.Thank you for your interest in positions at The Ohio State University and Wexner Medical Center. Once you have applied, the most updated information on the status of your application can be found by visiting the Candidate Home section of this site. Please view your submitted applications by logging in and reviewing your status. For answers to additional questions please review the frequently asked questions .The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.