Research Data Analyst Associate

Overview/Background about MSS

The Department of Medical Social Sciences (MSS) is a leader in advancing and applying outcomes/effectiveness research to improve patient care and influence policy. Our strong academic ties across the university and the medical school encourage comprehensive collaboration in disease management, prevention and control. We intend to meet a growing need for expanded interdisciplinary scientific collaboration, to promote discovery of multidimensional mechanisms of health and disease, to improve adult and pediatric health status and outcome assessment, and to collaborate with partners in genetic, epidemiologic, biologic and behavioral translational research paradigms. While part of our work serves to reduce health disparities of groups that are traditionally underrepresented in research, we acknowledge that there is always room to grow. MSS is committed to creating a world of inclusion, health, and well-being for all. We hire the best people from a wide variety of backgrounds because drawing on their diverse perspectives and experiences will be the foundation of our department’s future success.

Description of team/unit

The THRIVE Center within the Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing (ISGMH) conducts cutting-edge translational research that spans the spectrum from basic science discovery to intervention development and implementation. Its faculty and staff are national leaders in research on SGM adolescent and young adult sexual health and HIV/STI prevention, bisexual health, queer women’s health, alcohol and drug use, mental health, and romantic relationships and intimate partner violence. The Research Data Analyst Associate will be part of the Data Management and Analytics Core (DMAC) which is responsible for data lifecycle management of all of THRIVE’s research projects.

Description of the role

The Research Data Analyst Associate will work across multiple social, behavioral, and epidemiologic research projects focused on the health and development of sexual and gender minority youth. They will work closely with investigators and other study personnel to design and implement data management and analytic strategies that align with research objectives. The primary job responsibilities include assisting with the design of data collection tools, conducting quality assurance on incoming data, performing data storage and de-identification procedures, assisting with establishing, maintaining and sharing research data, performing data analysis, and assisting with research dissemination. Utilizes multiple quantitative and qualitative datasets from a variety of sources and interprets results using various techniques, ranging from simple data aggregation via statistical analysis to complex data mining. Assists in the design, development and implementation of business solutions partnering with clients to identify analytical requirements. Compiles reports, charts, and tables based on established statistical methods.

Expectations of the role

The Research Data Analyst Associate is expected to be self-driven, detailed oriented, possess excellent organizational and communication skills, have the ability to work independently and have an interest and desire to develop new skills.

This is a 2-year term position with the opportunity for renewal based on performance and funding availability. Both in-person and fully remote work arrangements will be considered.

Specific Responsibilities:

Administration

• Develop standardized templates, policies, and procedures for internal and external reporting.
• Designs and prepares documentation for qualitative and quantitative data analysis.

Development

• Completes a variety of statistical analyses using appropriate data and software
• Merges data from multiple sources in preparation for analysis.
• Interprets results of analyses for use in reports and presentations

Performance

• Completes data cleaning and organizes data files for analysis.
• Reviews data and Identifies quality issues

Miscellaneous

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• Please see information highlighted below.
  • Infrastructure
    • Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Access, Outlook)
    • Windows Operating System
  • Compliance
    • HIPAA
    • IRB
  • Analytical
    • Critical thinking
    • Problem solving
    • Troubleshooting
  • Project
    • Collaboration and teamwork
    • Organizational skills

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Excellent organizational skills.
• Detailed orientated.
• Ability to work independently.
• Effective communicator (written and spoken).
• Experience with SPSS, SAS or R.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in research-related data management or statistical analysis.
• Experience programming surveys using computer assisted self-interviewing technology.
• Experience working in a biomedical, social science, or health science research field.4.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Ability to write scientifically for dissemination activities.
• Self-driven with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision and guidance.
• Technical proficiency with SPSS.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern requires all staff and faculty to be vaccinated against COVID-19, subject to limited exceptions. For more information, please visit our COVID-19 and Campus Updates website.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.