Research Associate

Under the direction of the Manager, supports the Research Analyst team to provide accurate, timely, impartial and reliable information from internal and external sources to support planning and decision making at a variety of levels across the university.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Compiles data, enters data, performs basic statistical procedures, prepares research materials, finalizes and distributes research reports.
2. Designs and administers web-based surveys, key data, conduct analysis, compile and creates reports.
3. Assists the Research Analyst team to conduct research projects and reports results with descriptive and inferential statistics and makes recommendations with regards to follow-up research.
4. Conducts literature reviews and searches and summarizes relevant literature. 
5. Examines documents, assists in data collection for various research and evaluation projects. 
6. Conducts cleaning, analyzing, and reporting of quantitative and qualitative data.
7. Manipulates complex databases required for research and reporting.
8. Assists in the preparation, administration and reporting of institutional student course evaluations.
9. Conducts ongoing data validation to support institutional data integrity.
10. Assists in the production of institutional reports. 
11. Prepares management information reports and visualizations that communicate analyses and research findings to internal and external audiences in a manner that is clear, concise and appropriate to the audience, which may include the design and delivery of presentations.
12. Responds to data and information requests in collaboration with the Research Analyst team.
13. Acts as first point of contact and resource for clients on the use of IPE-distributed tools including account management and technical support.
14. Assist in educating clients on best practices of interpreting data.
15. Handles confidential data with responsibility and outmost diplomacy.

REPORTS TO

Manager, Integrated Planning & Effectiveness

EDUCATION:

• Baccalaureate degree in an appropriate analytical discipline (such as economics, sociology, management sciences, computing or accounting), with specialized courses in statistics and research methodology or equivalent 

EXPERIENCE:

• Two (2) years' related experience, including:
  • Experience designing and conducting research, including survey methodology and knowledge of statistical techniques (quantitative and qualitative) and their application to educational and survey research
  • Experience working with Microsoft Word, Excel and Access in a windows environment at an advanced level
  • Experience in gathering, synthesizing, evaluating and interpreting information 
  • Experience with basic project management

SKILLS KNOWLEDGE OR ABILITIES RELATED TO THE JOB

• Ability to plan, organize and prioritize tasks and meet deadlines, maintaining accuracy and attention to detail 
• Ability to work both as a team member and independently
• Ability to be courteous, tactful and diplomatic in dealing with others
• Ability to work with minimal supervision to coordinate a number of complex data management projects simultaneously
• Record keeping and documentation skills
• Ability to work with data dictionaries and use computer applications to manipulate data and produce statistical reports and analyses
• Familiarity with survey software
• Familiarity with analytical software such as SPSS
• Knowledge of provincial post-secondary reporting and accountability systems 
• Understanding of BC higher education system
• Knowledge of business intelligence and visualization tools 
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing including the ability to design and deliver presentations
• Familiarity with structured query language and HTML

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Sitting at desk and computer for long periods of time
• General office conditions