Research Data Analyst

Summary

The University of Minnesota is a public research university conducting transportation research, education, and outreach through its Center for Transportation Studies. The Research Data Analyst will support the Accessibility Observatory by analyzing geospatial data, developing tools for spatial data communication, communicating research findings, and assisting with project management, administration, and business development.

Responsibilities

• Deliver analysis and evaluation projects for the AO program by processing and analyzing existing spatially explicit data on access to destinations; creating, improving, and using software and scripting tools for analysis of geospatial data; and matching end product summaries and graphics to question of interest around the intersection of transportation and land use. Respond to research inquiries and data requests. Maintain records of research data and results
• Apply data visualization best practices to translate complex transportation research concepts and findings into usable, accessible static and interactive digital content for diverse audiences. Create digital tools to share large datasets and derived maps and statistics, with focus on external partner use cases. Explore and test alternative software for best match with data structure, type, and user needs. Iteratively develop tools with internal and external stakeholders. Create supporting documentation and example tutorials of tool use
• Present and communicate complex information in a clear, accessible way to various audiences, including transportation agency planners and engineers, policymakers, other researchers, students, and the public. Transfer research results into practice by presenting stories of analysis at conferences and agency meetings. Provide support to business development activities that attract funding for access-related research by identifying funding opportunities; facilitating connections with potential research partners; and communicating and promoting AO expertise
• Contribute as a team member in the administration and management of AO projects and initiatives. Participate in the strategic planning process and lead and/or participate in the delivery of tactics. Utilize project and software management tools to assist the AO director and Lead Researcher in program and process development, project planning and progress tracking, staffing strategies and assignments, and other group management functions as needed
• Contribute as a team member in the administration of CTS and AO programs. Assist in the design and implementation of Center-wide initiatives and special projects as needed

Skills

• Bachelor's degree with a major in Geography, Engineering, Urban Planning, Analytics, Data Science, Statistics, Biology, Ecology, or related field, plus two years of experience; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience to total 6 years
• Master's degree in a related field and two years of experience delivering or supporting transportation and land use research projects
• Project management and software development version control (e.g. Git and GitHub) experience
• Experience using data and geospatial analysis software such as: ArcGIS, QGIS, SQL databases, Python, R
• Experience using cloud computing resources such as AWS or Azure
• Proven ability to communicate complex issues in a concise and thoughtful manner
• The successful candidate will also be resilient, curious, and nimble, and able to thrive in a research environment where thoughtfulness and attention to detail are valued

Qualifications

Must Haves

• Bachelor's degree with a major in Geography, Engineering, Urban Planning, Analytics, Data Science, Statistics, Biology, Ecology, or related field, plus two years of experience; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience to total 6 years

Nice to Haves

• Master's degree in a related field and two years of experience delivering or supporting transportation and land use research projects
• Project management and software development version control (e.g. Git and GitHub) experience
• Experience using data and geospatial analysis software such as: ArcGIS, QGIS, SQL databases, Python, R
• Experience using cloud computing resources such as AWS or Azure
• Proven ability to communicate complex issues in a concise and thoughtful manner
• The successful candidate will also be resilient, curious, and nimble, and able to thrive in a research environment where thoughtfulness and attention to detail are valued

Benefits

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area
• Work profiles allowing office/lab-based, regularly remote, mostly remote, or fully remote arrangements