Data Operations Research Analyst (00053)

State of Montana•Helena, MT

17h

About The Position

The Data Operations Research Analyst serves as the primary research and data request professional in the Montana Office of Public Instruction’s Data Operations unit for requests involving sensitive data and personally identifiable information (PII). The position guides complex research activities, coordinates secure data-sharing practices with OPI Data Governance, designs statistical models and methods, and supports statewide reporting and access through public-facing and secured systems, including GEMS and reporting suites available through PowerSchool. The role requires advanced analytical skills, independent judgment, and collaboration with internal and external partners to support high-quality analyses, compliant data sharing, and evidence-based decision-making. The position requires knowledge of research design, study methodology, sampling, statistical modeling, relational databases, SQL, FERPA, state privacy laws, data governance, data quality, and statistical disclosure-avoidance methods. The analyst applies research methods and statistical models, queries and validates complex datasets, prepares research reports and visualizations, develops secure data-sharing specifications and processes, and communicates findings to technical and non-technical audiences. Applicants must reside in Montana. A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and four years of related experience are required, though other combinations of education and experience may be substituted. An advanced degree or comparable research experience, research on student outcomes, and experience handling sensitive data are preferred.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, economics, computer science, education research, or a related field; other combinations of education and experience may be substituted.
Four years of related experience involving research activities, study design, statistical analysis, or complex data querying.
Demonstrated experience using SQL to query large, complex datasets.
Knowledge of research design, study methodology, sampling strategies, and statistical modeling applicable to complex educational datasets.
Knowledge of relational databases, data structures, and SQL.
Knowledge of FERPA, state privacy laws, data governance principles, and practices for managing sensitive data and PII.
Knowledge of data quality concepts, including limitations, reliability, and appropriate use of administrative data.
Knowledge of statistical disclosure-avoidance methods, such as data masking and suppression.
Ability to independently plan, conduct, and complete complex research and analytical projects.
Ability to manage multiple projects and data requests while maintaining accuracy, confidentiality, and legal and policy compliance.
Applicants must reside in Montana.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree with research experience gained through graduate-level study, or comparable research experience in a professional or academic setting.
Demonstrated experience conducting research or statistical analysis related to student outcomes, including subgroup or population-specific trends.
Demonstrated experience handling sensitive data or PII in compliance with applicable privacy standards.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary research and data request professional within the Data Operations unit for requests involving sensitive data and PII.
Guide complex research activities and analytical projects.
Coordinate secure data-sharing practices with OPI Data Governance.
Design statistical models, research methodologies, and analytical methods.
Support statewide reporting and access through public-facing and secured systems, including GEMS and PowerSchool reporting suites.
Write and execute complex SQL queries and validate results across multiple data sources.
Assess data quality, methodological considerations, and appropriate uses of administrative data.
Prepare research reports, visualizations, dashboards, and technical documentation.
Develop data specifications and operational processes for secure sharing of sensitive data and PII.
Collaborate with program staff, external partners, and other state agencies on research and data initiatives.
Manage multiple projects and data requests while maintaining accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance.
Communicate analytical findings to technical and non-technical audiences.