Sr. Data Analyst

Job Description Summary:The Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center aims to accelerate states’ implementation of evidence- based policies that help all children thrive from the start.We seek an experienced Senior Research Data Analyst to provide data management and analysis expertise to projects across the Center. The role primarily includes original survey and program data cleaning, data management, and statistical analyses for a portfolio of original research and evaluation projects. The Policy Impact Center’s research seeks to build the evidence base in key areas related to the impact of state policies and programs on outcomes for infants, toddlers, and their families. The role of the Senior Research Data Analyst is essential for transforming raw data into research assets, ensuring the validity and credibility of the Center’s research, resolving complex data challenges, and supporting timely research-based deliverables.This Senior Research Data Analyst position provides essential data expertise and rigorous analytic support and guidance to a team of data researchers responsible for supporting the Center’s goals to build the evidence base for effective and equitable policymaking, track state progress in building a more effective and equitable system of care, and shape policy development in states through targeted assistance and support.General Notes:This position is a term appointment for 12 months beginning upon date of hire, and reports functionally and administratively to the Director of Data and Analytics, Kels Bowman. Applicants from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse environment to continue to build a strong and equitable prenatal-to-3 system of care. This position can be performed remotely, and hybrid remote-work opportunities are available. Visa sponsorship is unavailable for this position.The primary responsibilities of the position include: Data management, analysis, research, and writing:Contribute to the development of research questions, study designs, analytic plans, and methodological approaches for original research and evaluation projectsManage survey data cleaning and preparation, including guiding processes for data collection and testing, providing support in developing the analytic plan and analysis timeline, implementing quality assurance protocols and detailed documentation, constructing clean, validated analytic datasets that serve as the foundation for the Center’s portfolio of original researchContribute to the development, programming, testing, and refinement of surveys, including reviewing measures, response options, skip logic, and data structures to ensure alignment with research questions and analytic plansWork independently with messy, real-world data and exercise judgment in resolving data quality issues, missing data, and documentation challenges, ensuring analytic datasets are defensibleAcquire, manage, and analyze raw datasets, including administrative data from state agencies and national longitudinal sources such as Census, with demonstrated ability to merge datasets, clean and prepare data for analysis, and assess representativeness, processes essential to the Center’s research goalsInterpret data and independently select and apply appropriate statistical tests, analyze results, and provide ongoing reportsContribute to and/or lead the production of written products and academic publications translating the results of policy research and analyses into actionable insights for stakeholders and state policymakers.Project management and leadership:Ensure the methodological quality, validity, and integrity of all research analyses conducted, considering the most rigorous possible analytic approaches, appropriate assumptions and interpretation, and careful documentationCommunicate effectively with key project staff to ensure they are appropriately informed of project progress, key decisions, and emerging issuesTake a leadership role in managing data processes including data collection, management, and analysisMonitor compliance with data security and data retention policies to maintain and ensurethe integrity of the Center’s data and researchCoordinate with clients and stakeholders, as necessary to obtain and manage administrative datasetsContribute to developing and improving processes and proceduresMentor and train staff in survey data cleaning, analytic workflows, and team processesMonitor and supervise students to effectively contribute to projectsSupervisory Relationships:This position may supervise students and does not have staff supervisory responsibility.Required/Essential qualifications:Exceptional interpersonal skills and an ability to work collaboratively with others in a team environmentExperience conducting data management, cleaning, and analysis using original survey dataStrong skills in RExceptional analytic and critical thinking skillsExcellent project management and organizational skills, strong problem-solving abilities, tenacity about details and organizationStrong written communication skills, including the ability to synthesize complex concepts clearly and conciselyExperience contributing to original research or program evaluation projects, including developing analytic plans, documenting methods, and interpreting findingsAbility to come up to speed on new topics quickly, multi-task effectively, and produce high-quality work under time constraints; flexible and able to adapt to changing timelines and circumstances when neededDemonstrated understanding and support for key concepts in diversity, equity, and inclusionDemonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environmentMaster’s degree with major coursework in the field of assignment, plus at least three years of related experience; Additional related experience may substitute for required educationPreferred skills:Experience providing supervision and guidance to other staffSkills in StataGraduate-level coursework or applied experience in research methods, survey methodology, program evaluation, causal inference, or applied statisticsExperience with survey data tools (e.g., REDCap, Qualtrics)Knowledge of and familiarity with topics related to early childhood and/or social policyCoding Test Requirement:As part of the selection process, competitive candidates will be asked to complete a 2-hour coding test. This test will assess your proficiency in coding, analyzing, and interpreting data. To complete the exercise, candidates will need access to a computer with R software.Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and InclusionAt Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the richbackgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.At Vanderbilt University, our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story. Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.Full timePosting Date: 2026-08-12