Senior Research Data Analyst — Data Resource Analyst II

Michigan State University College of Engineering; East Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan State University College of Engineering is seeking a Senior Research Data Analyst to serve as a trusted advisor to ORI leadership. This role independently executes complex strategic data analysis, forecasting, and operational modeling to drive fiscal sustainability across the multi-million-dollar research enterprise.

The successful candidate will translate federal, state, and institutional data into forward-looking insights, develop ROI analyses, predictive models, and executive

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a highly quantitative field or equivalent experience.
• 3–5 years of progressively responsible work experience in complex data analysis and forecasting.
• Experience translating data into strategic recommendations for senior leadership.

Responsibilities

• Strategic research data analysis and advisory to ORI leadership.
• Develop, maintain, and model short- and long-term financial projections.
• Build forecast models to simulate funding shifts and revenue initiatives.
• Create executive narratives and data visualizations for decision making.
• Collaborate with ORI units and campus partners to improve reporting tools.

Skills

Power BI

Tableau

Data analysis

Financial modeling

Education

Master's degree (Finance/Accounting/Economics/Business Analytics/Information Science)

Tools

Power BI

Tableau

Job description

Working/Functional Title

Senior Research Data Analyst

Position Summary

Reporting directly to the Assistant Vice President (AVP) of Operations, the Analyst serves as a key trusted advisor to ORI’s core leadership team. This role independently executes complex strategic data analysis, financial forecasting, and operational modeling that transcends traditional data compilation. Operating with an entrepreneurial mindset, the successful candidate will translate complex operational, federal, State, and institutional data into forward-looking strategic insights to actively drive fiscal sustainability, mitigate deficits, track ROI, and maximize high-impact, revenue-generating initiatives across the multi-million-dollar research enterprise.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Research Data Analysis & Advisory (40%)

• Design and implement impact and ROI analysis for all strategic ORI initiatives, such as the National Security Initiative, internal funding programs (SPG, DFI, MSURF Post Doctoral Scholars Program), professorship programs and more.


• Perform deep-dive analyses into institutional and departmental budgetary trends and changes, clearly communicating the narrative, macrolevel trends, and financial shifts.


• Formulate clear, narrative-driven reports, executive summaries, and data visualizations to directly support executive decision-making.


• Interpret findings to support recommendations based on the results of the analysis.

Predictive Forecasting & Scenario Modeling (35%)

• Develop, maintain, and sophisticatedly model short- and long-term financial projections for the multi-million-dollar research enterprise.


• Work with the Office of Sponsored Programs and other ORI units to build dynamic, \"what-if\" predictive models to simulate the fiscal impact of shifting federal funding landscapes, compliance changes, and new institutional initiatives.


• Track, evaluate, and report on the fiscal health and ROI of ORI’s revenue-generating initiatives (e.g., corporate partnerships, technology transfer/commercialization revenue, and national security).

Collaboration within ORI and with Partner Units (10%)

• Consult with ORI units, campus partners, and leadership to understand reporting needs.


• Interpret analytical findings and recommend improvements to reporting tools and processes.

Training and Guidance (10%)

• Develop training materials and provide guidance on reporting tools, dashboards, and data interpretation.

Special Projects and Committees (5%)

• Conduct special projects and serve on cross-functional committees related to data initiatives and policy.

Core Competencies for Success

• Business Acumen in Academia: Understands that a research enterprise operates both as an academic mission and as a complex business.


• Forward-Thinking & Initiative-taking: Doesn't just report on past data but predicts future fiscal bottlenecks and opportunities.


• Resilience & Agility: Thrives in a dynamic, high-momentum environment during periods of organizational growth and leadership transitions.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing one or two years of post-bachelor degree work, such as a Master's in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Analytics, Information Science, or another highly quantitative field. Three to five (3–5) years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in complex data analysis, financial modeling, strategic budgeting, or institutional forecasting; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

• Higher Education/Research Experience: Prior financial or analytical experience within a major R1 research university, academic medical center, or complex organization dealing with federal grants, contract accounting, or Uniform Guidance compliance.


• Business Intelligence Tools: Demonstrated experience designing, building, and supporting executive-level dashboards, reports, and data visualizations using Power BI, Tableau, or comparable business intelligence platforms to support data-informed decision-making.


• Strategic Problem Solving: Proven track record in deficit management, structural turnaround strategies, or designing self-sustaining revenue models for operational units.


• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with a proven ability to \"tell the story behind the numbers\" to non-financial stakeholders

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Please submit a resume, cover letter and three references.

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Website

https://research.msu.edu/

Bidding eligibility ends August 11, 2026, 11:55 PM