Job No. 534761 Research Analyst

Job Description:

Job No. 534761 Research Analyst

Description

CANDIDATES ELIGIBLE TO APPLY: Open to all qualified applicants.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANT: FOR PRIORITY CONSIDERATION, applications must be received by January 11, 2024; however, the position will remain open until filled.

WORKPLACE TYPE: Telecommute eligible (work onsite as scheduled and/or as requested and telecommute as scheduled)

CLASSIFICATION TITLE: Research Technician II

UNION CODE: R09

FT/PT: Full-time

PAY PLAN: 12-month

PAY BASIS: Monthly

ANTICIPATED HIRING RANGE: $3,981 - $4,500

• However, offer amount will be commensurate with candidate’s experience, education, skills, and training.

CSU CLASSIFICATION SALARY RANGE: $3,981 - $7,204

BENEFITS: CSUB offers a best-in-class benefit package for eligible employees that includes an array of medical plans, choice of dental plans, vision coverage, retirement participation in CalPERS, CSU tuition waiver, up to 24 vacation days per year, sick leave with unlimited accrual, 14 paid holidays per year and more! See our benefits website for additional information.

POSITION PURPOSE: The Office of Institutional Research, Planning, and Assessment (IRPA) provides information and data analysis in support of budgeting, operations, planning, and policy determinations at California State University, Bakersfield. This office maintains databases of historical and current facts about the University including applications, enrollments, degrees granted, demographics, test scores, grades, courses, and outcomes. It conducts surveys of students and faculty for the assessment of programs and services and provides feedback for quality improvement. Planning staff also provide consultation to other campus units in conducting assessments of their programs and technical support in data analysis and reporting.

The Research Analyst, under the general supervision of the Assistant Vice President for Institutional Research, Planning and Assessment, is responsible for collaborating with senior staff at IRPA for institutional data analysis, data quality, survey administration, and data visualization. The incumbent will undertake quantitative analysis of various institutional data related to enrollment and student success, execute research studies, interpret the data, and effectively disseminate the findings with university constituents in such a way that they will be useful for decision-making and institutional improvement. The incumbent will participate in data quality assurance and data integrity checking; create meaningful interpretations and presentation of research findings for reports; and support the AVP for organizing workflow system.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Data Validation Procedures

• Prepare, implement, and communicate data validation procedures.
• Perform a variety of duties related to ensuring data integrity including data cleaning, documentation, audits, and quality control processes.
• Review data submissions for completeness and accuracy.
• Develop and manage edit checks for supporting data quality.
• Identify gaps and interpret, summarize, and communicate findings to improve data quality.

Statistical Analysis

• Analyze large complex datasets; interpret and summarize study results.
• Develop reports and other methods to present information that highlight primary metrics and findings.
• Perform statistical procedures related to sampling, correlation analysis, projections and other quantitative/qualitative measures applied in institutional research.
• Respond to and evaluate ad hoc requests for data, research projects and studies.

Visualization Solutions Development

• Gather, compile, analyze research data, and present data using visualization tools to guide data-informed decisions.
• Create and maintain data visualizations that thoughtfully convey key research insights and provide an interactive opportunity for public engagement.
• Convert mockups into functional data visualizations.
• Provide support for end users of Tableau Server.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE - Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university and two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in technical research or statistical work in the collection, compilation, and analysis of data. Additional experience which has demonstrated that the applicant has acquired and successfully applied the knowledges and abilities delineated above may be substituted for the required education on a year-to-year basis. Graduate study in the social sciences, economics, mathematics, statistics, public or business administration, or engineering may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

LICENSES - N/A

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES (SKA’s) -

• Regular and reliable attendance is required.
• General to advanced database utilization skills (e.g., querying, extraction, manipulation)
• Ability to provide evidence of psychometric soundness of instruments.
• Ability to apply and utilize various statistical and research methods including modern machine learning tools.
• Comfortable with building models and scenarios using multiple data sources.
• Ability to draw conclusions from visual exploration and analysis of the data collected using reporting and data visualization tools (Tableau, ArcGIS, COGNOS, etc.)
• Ability to work independently with a high degree of personal accountability.
• Ability to work under a fast-paced environment with day-to-day changes and handle multiple priorities and projects.
• Ability to apply independent judgment, discretion, and initiative to address problems and develop practical, thorough and, at times, creative solutions.
• Thorough knowledge of research techniques, including the planning of studies and investigations, determining variables, developing bibliographical and other sources of data, and preparation of research reports.
• General knowledge of statistical principles and procedures, including methods of collecting statistical data, simple correlation methods, time series analyses, analysis of frequency series, sampling techniques, and construction of index numbers.
• General knowledge of sources of information on social, economic, and population trends in California.
• Ability to prepare questionnaires and other survey instruments.
• Ability to gather, compile, and analyze research data, and to present data in tabular, graphic, and pictorial form.
• Ability to prepare and work clear and comprehensive reports.
• Capacity for independent and creative thinking and writing on research and statistical problems.
• Demonstrated customer service experience requiring a very high level of diplomacy and professionalism.
• Ability to use tact and diplomacy to effectively handle a broad range of high level and sensitive interpersonal situations with diverse personalities, and to respond appropriately to conflicts and problems.
• Ability to initiate, establish, and foster communication and teamwork by maintaining a positive, cooperative, productive work atmosphere in the University with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within a diverse population and with those from various cultural backgrounds.
• Excellent communication skills: ability to effectively communicate information in a clear and understandable manner, both verbally and in writing.
• Thorough knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Ability to interpret, communicate and apply policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to set own priorities to coordinate multiple assignments with fluctuating and time-sensitive deadlines.
• Excellent computer skills and competence with a variety of computer applications including word-processing, spreadsheets, databases, on-line systems, Internet as well as online calendaring and email.
• Working knowledge of or ability to quickly learn University infrastructure, policies, and procedures.
• Must be willing to travel and attend training programs off-site for occasional professional development.
  
• Must be able to work overtime, occasional holidays, and adjust working hours to meet special jobs. May be called back periodically to perform work as needed on an emergency basis.
  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field (social science, education, business, or computer science) with a concentration in quantitative research methods, statistics, and data analysis.
• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Experience in Institutional Research, academic assessment and/or institutional research theory and practice at the higher education level.
• Experience with data terminology, data analytic strategies and optimizing outcomes/analyses.
• Experience in writing SAS, SPSS syntax to produce analyses, or experience in manipulating large datasets, SQL, and data visualization.
• Experience with Python, SQL.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: SEDENTARY WORK - involves mainly sitting; minimal walking and standing; lifting light weight objects limited to 15 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: N/A.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS:

SCREENING: Only those applicants possessing experience most directly related to the immediate needs of the office will be invited to appear before a Qualifications Appraisal Board for the purpose of appraising training, experience, and interest in the position.

CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEES UNION: It shall be the policy of the CSU in filling vacant CSUEU bargaining Units 2, 5, 7 & 9 positions to fill such vacancies from among qualified individuals currently employed on-campus except when it is determined that it is necessary to appoint outside applicants to meet campus workforce diversity goals or to provide specialized skills and abilities that are not available from current employees.

BACKGROUND CHECK: Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. CSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

SENSITIVE POSITION: Sensitive positions are designated by the CSU as requiring heightened scrutiny of individuals holding the position, based on potential for harm to children, concerns for the safety and security of the people, animals, or property, or heightened risk of financial loss to the CSU or individuals in the university community.

MANDATED REPORTER: Not Mandated.

GENERAL INFORMATION: It is the policy of California State University, Bakersfield to hire only United States citizens and aliens lawfully authorized to work in the United States. All new employees will be required to present documentation verifying their right to accept employment. You will also be requested to present a social security card at the time of initial appointment in compliance with state payroll regulations. State regulations require that every state employee sign the Oath of Allegiance prior to commencing the duties of his/her State employment, except legally employed non-citizens. These individuals are required to sign the Declaration of Permission to Work.

EEO STATEMENT: California State University, Bakersfield is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity. Applicants will be considered without regard to gender, race, age, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, disability or covered veteran status.

Advertised: Dec 21 2023 Pacific Standard Time
Applications close:

Closing Date/Time: