Research Associate - Research Analysis Spec

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities•Bloomington, MN

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Research Associate conducts institutional research to support data-informed decision-making, student success, and institutional effectiveness at Normandale Community College. The position designs and conducts research studies and real-time data analytics, integrating new and existing data to generate insights and forecasts about student learning, enrollment, retention, completion, and college operations. It also provides technical advice and assistance to colleagues in research design, data integration, statistical analysis, data visualization, and communicating research results. The role advances the college’s strategic goals, including equity in educational outcomes and a culturally responsive, service-oriented culture. The position is full-time, with a regular schedule of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. A flexible schedule may be approved, including up to two remote-work days per week when applicable. The role is classified as unlimited. The desired start date is January 13, 2027. Salary is $28.75–$42.16 per hour, or $60,030–$88,030 annually, with placement dependent on education and experience.

Requirements

At least two years of current institutional or educational research experience designing research, developing analysis plans, statistically analyzing educational data, and communicating data results.
Experience using R or another statistical analysis package such as Stata or SAS, including writing code to execute analytic commands.
Knowledge of large and complex database structures and experience querying such databases.
Knowledge of descriptive and inferential statistical methods and basic predictive models sufficient to select and use appropriate procedures and interpret results.
Experience visualizing and sharing data in Power BI.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in social science, computer science, statistics, or a related field.
Three years of current experience statistically analyzing educational data.
Familiarity with qualitative research methods.
Familiarity with higher education policies, procedures, and standards.
Familiarity with Minnesota State data systems, such as ISRS and REPL.
Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Teams, PowerPoint, and PowerQuery.
Strong oral and written communication skills, including preparing clear and concise reports and presentations.
Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage competing priorities.
Ability to deliver and foster collaborative, culturally responsive, and equity-minded services and working relationships.
Knowledge of, or interest in learning, data retrieval in business-object-related enterprise information systems such as Workday.

Responsibilities

Design and conduct institutional research studies and real-time data analytics.
Integrate new and existing data to develop insights and forecasts about student learning, enrollment, retention, completion, and college operations.
Provide technical advice and assistance to colleagues on research design, data integration, statistical analysis, data visualization, and communication of research results.
Support data-informed decision-making, student success, and institutional effectiveness.
Advance the college’s strategic goals, including equity in educational outcomes and a culturally responsive, service-oriented culture.

Benefits

Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Short- and long-term disability insurance.
Generous vacation and sick leave.
Paid holidays (the posting lists both 11 and 12 holidays per year).
Employer-paid life insurance.
Pre-tax flexible spending accounts, including healthcare and dependent care accounts with a rollover option.
Retirement and pension plans, including 457(b) and 403(b) accounts and tax-deferred compensation options.
Tuition waivers for employees and eligible dependents, subject to eligibility criteria.
Employee Assistance Program for mental health, legal, and financial counseling.
Six weeks of paid parental leave.
Professional development opportunities.