Research Data AnalystThe Research Translation Platform invites applications for a Research Data Analyst interested in a career at the research-policy nexus supporting the evaluation and analytic needs of strategies for translating scientific evidence to policymakers. This exciting opportunity would support the analysis and evaluation of research translation models, such as the Research-to-Policy Collaboration model. The Analyst would be responsible for supporting methods development and data analysis for a variety of projects, and may have opportunities to contribute to the implementation of an effective, replicable and non-partisan model for brokering researchers and policymakers. While the Analyst should have advanced quantitative skills, prior policy experience is not required.
Training and mentorship in applying their skills to the analysis of boundary-spanning initiatives will be provided. This mentored position provides an opportunity to learn translational skills while working with policymaking audiences, as well as opportunities to contribute to scholarly work regarding best practices for research translation and dissemination. Our team is hybrid academic and policy practice; thus, we use data for action. Preference will be given to those within commuting distance to the Washington, D.C.
area, though it is not required.Job ResponsibilitiesDesign the plan for and analyze observational and survey data regarding policymakers' or researchers' engagement in boundary-spanning initiatives, including longitudinal and multi-level analysesExtract, transform, clean, and maintain data from a variety of sourcesDevelopment and proactive upkeep of data sources (e.g., surveys in Redcap, observational data via a CRM)Contribute to the development of analytic plans for grants and publicationsSupport analytic needs for grant writing and reporting (e.g., power analyses; interim impact analyses)Meet with legislators or staff to collect survey dataMentor undergraduate- and graduate-level interns and fellows on developing and executing analytic plansJuggle multiple projects and move ideas into action with attention to methodological and analytic detailsSupport research planning by setting milestone goals and incremental internal deadlines to achieve goalsSkills and Traits Needed by ApplicantsExcellent analytic abilities and advanced quantitative statistical modeling skills (e.g., longitudinal, multi-level, over dispersed) of large, messy datasetsProficient with statistical programming software and languages (e.g., SAS, STATA, or R)Excellent attention to detailApplied research experience, such as large administrative datasets or real-world dataEnthusiasm and commitment to accelerating the translation of science to policyCuriosity and a generalist attitude with interest in diverse social policy issuesAbility to work on multiple simultaneous projects and prioritize work based on project scope, organizational need, and timelineStrong diplomatic communication and interpersonal skillsStrong communication skills, such as seeking input early in design and escalating threats or problems to PIsEnsuring quality control of data collection, and alerting PIs as neededStrong writing skills that can produce written sections of methods and results for peer review publicationBipartisan mindset and ability to interpret findings from multiple viewpointsEligibilityMaster's degree or higher; applicants may have their degrees from any department, but degrees in psychology, public health, human development, public policy, social work, or prevention science will be particularly good fits for the program.While the RTP team primarily operates remotely, preference will be given to applicants in Virginia within commuting distance of Washington, D.C. to support in-person data collection from congressional staffApplicants should review the list of states in which Penn State cannot support employment. Permanent residence must be established in an allowable state prior to position start date. work requires high-quality, high speed internet connection in a home officeApplication InstructionsFull consideration will be given to those applicants who completely submit all materials online.
A complete submission will consist of:Cover Letter describing relevant experience and career goalsResume or CVWriting Sample (preferably samples of work directed toward academic audiences; 1-2 samples, 35-page cumulative max)Three references. We will not contact references without your express permission, which may be requested in later stages of the interview process.Supervision will be provided by Executive Director, Taylor Scott, Ph.D., and Director of Research and Evaluation, Elizabeth Long, Ph.D. Additional mentorship provided by Max Crowley, Ph.D., Professor at Pennsylvania State University.