Senior Research Analyst

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Austin, TX

1d•$6,378 - $8,582•Hybrid

About The Position

The Office of Data, Analytics, and Performance (DAP) is seeking a highly-qualified candidate to fill the position of Senior Research Analyst (Data Analyst V) on the Applied Statistics & Evaluation Team. This position will help DAP transform data into meaningful information to improve the well-being of Texans. The ideal candidate will have strong analytic skills, a commitment to growth, and a desire to make a positive difference in the lives of vulnerable people. The Senior Research Analyst oversees highly complex (senior-level) research, evaluation, and data analytic projects for HHSC programs, management, legislative entities, and federal partners. The Senior Research Analyst designs and conducts research and evaluation studies requiring data collection, analysis, and reporting; applies advanced research designs and statistical methods to health and human services (HHS) data, including statistical modeling and trend analysis; writes advanced scripts and code for computer-based statistical software; develops, builds, and administers survey instruments and focus groups; and prepares a variety of reports, presentations, and other deliverables for state legislative entities, federal agencies, and HHSC departments. The Senior Research Analyst will also be responsible for leading special projects and high-priority analytic deliverables. The Senior Research Analyst provides expert consultation and assistance on best practices for research design, data management, statistical modeling and analysis, and reporting standards. In addition, this position will assist with the supervision and oversight of team members. The Senior Research Analyst works under limited supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. The posted salary reflects the minimum and maximum range for this position, as determined by the Texas State Auditor’s Office. The offered salary will be based on available budgeted funds. This position also includes a comprehensive benefit package, including health coverage, wellness programs, and retirement benefits.

Requirements

Knowledge of HHS programs and data systems.
Skill in conducting qualitative and quantitative research.
Knowledge, experience, and advanced ability in using statistical analysis and data management software such as SPSS, SAS, Stata, MAXQDA, and other software such as Microsoft Office (Excel, Access, Word, Outlook, and Power Point).
Knowledge of survey methods and online survey tools (including Alchemer).
Knowledge of record keeping, including security procedures for handling, protecting, and distributing confidential data.
Ability to conceptualize, develop, and write evaluation plans and reports.
Ability to interpret and communicate complex concepts and research findings, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to manage multiple research and evaluation projects simultaneously.
Ability to exercise critical thinking, independent judgement, and individual initiative in a fast-paced environment.
Must be skilled in working in a collaborative environment that may cross departments and/or agencies, and to communicate effectively with team members.
Graduate degree from an accredited college or university in statistics, research methods, social or behavioral sciences, public health, or public policy, plus at least two years of experience conducting research and evaluation in a professional setting; or Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in statistics, research methods, social or behavioral sciences, public health, or public policy, plus at least five years of experience conducting research and evaluation in a professional setting.

Responsibilities

Oversees comprehensive research studies and evaluations of HHS programs, including planning the evaluation design, developing data collection/survey instruments, identifying outcome measures, performing advanced statistical analysis, and interpreting and summarizing the results.
Disseminates research and evaluation findings concerning HHS programs and policy implications via technical reports, presentations, or other deliverables to the Texas Legislature, Governor’s Office, and federal and state agencies, including HHS program staff and executive leadership.
Responds to ad-hoc data analysis and reporting requests on HHS programs.
Provides expert research and evaluation technical assistance to HHS divisions and external partners, including third-party evaluators.
Identifies use cases and develops database prototypes for data connectivity across HHS programs; anticipates analytic limitations in agency data and identifies potential solutions to support data quality improvement; advances understanding of agency programs through novel research ideas and methods.
Supports management in monitoring project timelines, decision points, and key deliverables; demonstrates organizational skills, professional judgment, and the ability to anticipate project barriers; provides guidance related to the selection and use of preferred data management and analytic tools; defines, develops, and implements data and reporting standards.
Helps oversee the work of others; provides training, guidance, and feedback to team members.