Advanced Analytics Researcher
Application Procedure:
Both a resume and cover letter are required to apply. Go to The University of Texas System careers website to apply.
Job Duties
The University of Texas System's Office of Institutional Research and Analysis seeks a creative, highly motivated, and independent working individual for the position of Advanced Analytics Researcher. The position's purpose is to further the office's mission — to transform data into timely and meaningful information to support UT System initiatives and policy decisions, and to enhance transparency and accountability efforts — the purpose of this position is to conduct and interpret quantitative analysis, providing clear and insightful written and/or graphical displays of the findings for a wide variety of audiences. The researcher is expected to work independently and as part of the Institutional Research and Analysis team to meet stakeholder needs.
- Conducting statistical data analyses in a timely and accurate manner to evaluate institutional and UT System effectiveness. This work includes:
- Programming in SAS or equivalent statistical programming language (e.g., Python, R) to collect, gather, and analyze data independently through utilizing the UT System data warehouse and working directly with the campuses to obtain data, when necessary.
- Restructuring data files, merging data files from multiple sources, and cleaning data.
- Creating effective and creative dashboards and data visualizations using Power BI or equivalent tool.
- Gathering and providing comparable benchmarks (national, state, and institutional peers) for metrics of interest.
- Fulfilling ad hoc data requests as needed.
- Interpreting findings and effectively communicating and displaying results through preparation of reports and graphics for research, reporting, and accountability purposes.
- Assisting in the preparation of fact sheets, one-pagers, and other deliverables for various stakeholders.
- Maintaining comprehensive and accurate documentation of data sources and methodological decisions, including the logic/reasoning for the choices made about the research approach taken.
Job Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in data science, statistics, mathematics, or related field and one year of professional experience in research and data analysis, or bachelor’s degree in another area and three years of professional experience in research and data analysis.
- Proven proficiency in using SAS or equivalent statistical programming language (e.g., Python, R) to analyze large-scale datasets.
- Experience working with relational databases.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master's degree in data science, statistics, mathematics, psychology, sociology, educational psychology, or a closely-related field.
- Advanced skills programming in SAS or equivalent statistical programming language (e.g., Python, R), including using data warehouses, pivot tables, dashboards, or similar tools to automate reporting.
- Strong knowledge of topics in higher education including institutional research and planning, student and faculty data, research, productivity, and efficiency.
- Experience in compiling and extracting higher education data from national and state data sources such as the U.S. Department of Education’s IPEDS Data Center, the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB).
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
- Attention to detail and excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to shift priorities quickly, without losing track of projects.
- Ability to work collaboratively on a research team.
- Aptitude at learning and applying new methods.
Institution Description
For more than 140 years, The University of Texas System has improved the lives of Texans — and people all over the world — through education, health care, and research. The System consists of nine academic institutions, five health institutions, and The University of Texas System Administration. The institutions of the UT System employ more than 116,000 faculty, health care professionals, researchers, support staff, and student workers.
The UT System Administration is primarily based in Austin, Texas. It supports the missions of the System’s fourteen institutions by providing financial, legal, planning, purchasing, government relations, communications, development, and other central services. Serving a growing state, the UT System Administration strives to provide a welcoming, supportive work environment that embraces different perspectives - not only because it enables the organization to be stronger, creative, and thoughtful, but because it is the right thing to do. To that end, UT System Administration embraces state laws on military and former foster children employment preferences.
Benefits
The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to a minimum of 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. Participation in TRS is mandatory.
A background check will be conducted on candidates under final consideration. The background check may include any or all of the following: criminal history check, prior employment verification, education verification, professional references check, and motor vehicle records check. Background checks are conducted by third-party vendors. Upon request form the third-party vendor, candidates under final consideration must provide the required information for the background checks to be completed.
EO/AA Statement
The University of Texas System Administration is a federal contractor committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all qualified applicants and employees in all terms and conditions of employment. U. T. System will provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state laws.
For information on accommodations for individuals with disabilities, please contact the Office of Talent and Innovation at oti@utsystem.edu
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