Research Analyst OR Senior Research Analyst

The Institute for Innovation and Implementation with the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Social Work has an opportunity for a Research Analyst or Senior Research Analyst. This position will work closely with faculty and senior staff to conduct research and evaluation projects related to child and family-serving systems in Maryland. More specifically, this position may be assigned to evaluation projects involving the implementation of evidence-based and evidence-informed practices in the juvenile justice and child welfare systems. This position is responsible for conducting analyses, research activities, and programs to promote a culture of assessment and evidence-based decision-making; compiling and interpreting research and econometric data according to standardized methods and procedures; and providing final interpretations to others. While supervised, a successful candidate in this position works independently, exercises professional judgment and initiative, and is accountable for the delivery and reliability of their work. The Institute's research and evaluation team compiles and analyzes data to guide systems and programs in their efforts to improve outcomes for children, families, and communities. Our goal is to facilitate the translation of evidence-based and promising practices to the field, and to draw from their implementation successes and challenges to inform and conduct research.

The Institute for Innovation and Implementation works to bridge gaps across science, policy, and practice to improve outcomes for and with children, youth, young adults, and families. Over the past decade, The Institute has been involved with many key children's initiatives in Maryland and across the nation, many of which have been supported by federal grants, waivers, and contracts from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). In Maryland, The Institute works closely with the Departments of Human Resources, Juvenile Services, and Health and Mental Hygiene, supporting and informing systems-level reform efforts.

Benefits Information
UMB offers a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes wellness, work/life balance, and professional development, along with additional exciting perks that employees can take advantage of. This position participates in a retirement program (pension or optional retirement plan/ORP) that must be selected and is effective on your date of hire. Exempt regular staff receive a generous PAID leave package that includes over 4 weeks of vacation accrued each year, 16 paid holidays, 3 personal leave, unlimited accrual of sick time, and comprehensive health insurance; professional learning and development programs; tuition remission for employees and their dependents at any University System of Maryland school; and flexible work schedules and teleworking options (if applicable per job).

UMB is a public university and constituent institution of the University System of Maryland. All employees are expected to work primarily physically within the State of Maryland.

Primary Duties
Research Analyst

• Develop effective methods of data collection and assessment. Ensure validity and accuracy of data and compliance with quality control requirements.
  
• Contribute to the design and conduct of quantitative research projects, analyze findings, develop conclusions, develop and write reports, prepare presentations of relevant findings and conclusions, and recommend appropriate actions.
  
• Establish and maintain database files, perform required data extraction through programming and reports on progress of programs, studies, and/or projects. Duties include performing and/or supervising data collection. May receive, inventory, enter, organize, and verify validity of any collected data.
  
• Perform simple and sophisticated data analysis and visualization tasks using a variety of programming languages and statistical software applications to generate standard and customized reports.
  
• Assist with the preparation of manuscripts, presentations, and proposals by providing and presenting statistical information as tables, charts, or graphs.
  
• Communicate with providers and stakeholders regularly as part of data collection, analysis, and reporting process.

Senior Research Analyst

• Responsible for conducting advanced analysis and support for research programs in order to promote a culture of assessment and evidence based decision making. The Senior Research Analyst will compile and interpret research data; establish and maintain databases, develop quality assurance; and provide final interpretations to others.
  
• Independently conduct research assignments that include a variety of complex features such as conflicting design requirements and difficult coordination requirements. The Senior Research Analyst is recognized as a subject matter expert and completes the highly complex work critical to the department. Assignments and projects are broad in nature requiring originality and ingenuity.
  
• Design and conduct quantitative research projects, analyze findings, develop conclusions, develop and write reports, prepare presentations of relevant findings and conclusions, and recommends appropriate actions.
  
• Develop and perform effective methods of data collection and assessment. May receive, inventory, enter, and organize collected data. Develop methods and tools to ensure validity and accuracy of data and compliance with quality control requirements.
  
• Establish and maintain database files, perform required data extraction through programming and report on progress of programs, studies, and/or projects.
  
• Perform sophisticated data searches and exchanges among micro, mini, and mainframe-based statistical software applications to generate standard and customized reports using statistical applications. Demonstrate expertise in statistical applications such as SPSS, SAS, R, STATA, Python, and Excel.
  
• Act in a lead role in the summation and preparation of manuscripts, presentations, and proposals by providing and presenting statistical information in the forms of tables, charts, or graphs. Review work of support staff and determines how analysis will be presented.
  
• Communicate with provide updates regarding the most complex data collection, analysis, and reporting processes.
  
• Provide guidance, training, and mentoring to less experience personnel in qualitative and quantitative analysis.
  
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Research Analyst
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Information Management, Social Science, Public Policy, Mathematics, Statistics, Health Science or Services or in a field of study related to the research.
Experience: Prior experience with SAS, STATA, SPSS, Python, and/or Excel is preferred.
Other: Except for qualifications established by law, additional related experience and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the work of the job class may be substituted for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 undergraduate college credits being equivalent to one year of related experience. In instances where specific education and/or experience is required only directly related education and/or experience may be substituted.

Senior Research Analyst
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Information Management, Social Science, Public Policy, Mathematics, Statistics, Health Science or Services or in a field of study related to the research.
Experience: Two (2) years related experience in a research environment required. Experience in Python, SAS, STATA, SPSS, and/or Excel preferred.
Other: Except for qualifications established by law, additional related experience and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the work of the job class may be substituted for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 undergraduate college credits being equivalent to one year of related experience. In instances where specific education and/or experience is required only directly related education and/or experience may be substituted.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Possesses knowledge of position requirements and able to perform position in compliance with all requirements, regulations, and laws. Ability to understand and utilize scientific and/or medical terminology and research theory. Knowledge of design of research studies and preparation of technical procedures and reports. Ability to maintain high standards in work performance and maintain awareness of trends and influences. Skill in assuming personal responsibility for all outcomes. Ability to make effective and timely decisions. Ability to effectively utilize relevant technology. Skill in maintaining productivity.
  
• Ability to provide theoretical, conceptual, and writing support on research analysis and findings. Skill in using measurable and verifiable information for making decisions or judgments. Skill in statistical programming, interpretation and data analysis using statistical software and spreadsheet and database software applications. Ability to mentor and guide other personnel.
  
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbal and written thoughts, ideas, and facts. Skill in writing and presenting information in a clear and concise way. Ability to interpret and understand written information and listen attentively to verbal and non-verbal cues that lead to a deeper understanding.
  
• Ability to work cooperatively with others and demonstrate professional, ethical, respectful, and courteous behavior when interacting with others. Ability to interact pleasantly and positively with others to meet customer expectations.
  
• Ability to use measurable and verifiable information for making decisions or judgments. Skill in statistical interpretation and data analysis using statistical software and spreadsheet and database software applications. Possess excellent organizational and project management skills.

Hiring Range for Research Analyst: $49,000 - $56,000, commensurate with education and experience.

Hiring Range for Senior Research Analyst: $62,000 - $70,000, commensurate with education and experience.

UMB is committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce and is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, ancestry or national origin, sex, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, marital status, protected veteran's status, or any other legally protected classification.

If you anticipate needing a reasonable accommodation for a disability under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), during any part of the employment process, please submit a UMB Job Applicant Accommodation Request. You may also contact HRDiversity@umaryland.edu. Please note that only inquiries concerning an ADA request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

The University of Maryland, Baltimore prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. Read the UMB Notice of Non-Discrimination for more information.