Research Data Analyst II

Job Function Summary

Involves gathering, analyzing, and interpreting a wide variety of research data. Designs and conducts research including selecting data samples, developing research instruments, analyzing collected information according to established statistical methods, and developing recommendations based on research findings. Prepares reports, charts, tables, and other visual aids to interpret and communicate data and results.

Generic Scope

Professional who applies acquired job skills, policies, and procedures to complete substantive assignments / projects / tasks of moderate scope and complexity; exercises judgment within defined guidelines and practices to determine appropriate action.

Custom Scope

This is a part-time (50% FTE) Research Data Analyst position supporting two investigators conducting research on substance use, addiction, and harm reduction services across diverse clinical and community settings. The analyst will contribute to multiple research projects, with a primary focus on data management, statistical analysis, interpretation, and visualization.

The ideal candidate will have training or experience in epidemiology, public health, biostatistics, or a related field, and mixed-methods research skills. Experience working with both large and small datasets, including data cleaning, preparation, management, sycronization, and statistical analysis, is required. Proficiency in R is strongly preferred, particularly for statistical analysis and data visualization, and experience with ArcGIS is desirable. Knowledge of or experience working with harm reduction programs, substance use treatment settings, low-barrier clinics, or populations affected by substance use is preferred. The successful candidate should be comfortable working collaboratively across multiple projects and investigators and translating analytic findings into clear tables, figures, presentations, and manuscripts.

Department Overview

The Division of Prevention Science is a leading force in prevention research innovation. We conduct transformative research, bridging communities and overcoming health inequities through high-impact prevention. The division was established within the Department of Medicine in 1991 and is the administrative home of the Center for AIDS Prevention Studies (CAPS), and the Prevention Research Center (PRC). The division is committed to advancing knowledge in prevention and has extensive expertise in social and behavioral research applied to prevention science and the development of effective prevention interventions across several disease domains. The research focus is risk behavior and reduction; epidemiology of the virus; evaluation of HIV testing procedures, demographic variables and sexual self-identification; and training for providers who care for HIV AIDS patients. While much of the work in DPS has traditionally focused on HIV/AIDS, many investigators are doing important work in other fields including cardiovascular disease, cancer, mental health, and substance abuse. The Division is composed of approximately 35 academics (faculty, fellows and specialists) and 45 non-academic staff who come from a variety of social, behavioral and policy science academic disciplines, including psychology, sociology, anthropology, epidemiology, history, political science, economics, demography, nursing, pharmacy and statistics.

The Division is home to three federally funded research centers that provide valuable infrastructure support: 1) The Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, funded by the National Institute of Mental Health; 2) The UCSF Prevention Research Center, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 3) three evaluation centers funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration; and 4) a newly-funded research coordinating center to reduce disparities in multiple chronic diseases, funded by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities. The Division is also home to the Center of Excellence for Transgender Health and over 100 active sponsored research projects.

Statistical Analysis and Data Visualization

Conducts statistical studies in support of research proposals and protocols using statistical software packages R and ArcGIS. Provides data visualization summaries and updates for research teams.

Research Data Management and Analysis

Manages and analyzes research data based on pre-specificed research questions in order to draw preliminary conclusions.

• Sycronize datasets, clean data, detect missing data, conduct sensativity analysis, and draft results.

Reporting and Analysis

Prepares reports and / or analyses for internal department constituents.

• Draft descriptive reports using graphics and tables.

Qualitative and Quantitative Data Integration

Integrates qualitative and quantitative data findings, draws preliminary conclusions and applies data visualization tools to convey findings.

Research Design and Implementation

Collaborates on the design, documentation, testing and implementation of research questions.

• Literature reviews, documentation for surveys, testing data collection instruments, and administering surveys.

Required Qualifications

• Experience conducting epidemiological studies using large and small datasets, and working knowledge of research function.
• Working skills in statistical analysis, systems programming, database design and data security measures.
• Experience in data management and analysis using R and geospatial analysis using ArcGIS software programs.
• Communicates complex information in a clear and concise manner both verbally and in writing.
• At least one year of experience working with harm reduction organizations, treatment center or low barrier clinics that serve people with a substance use disorder.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working skills in conducting interviews and administering surveys (data collection).
• Experience working on mixed methods studies that integrates qualitative and quantitative datasets.

Required Education

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.

Preferred Education

• Master’s degree in biostatistics, epidemiology or another closely related field.

Licenses

None listed.

Certifications

None listed.